Tanner wouldn’t have pegged George as a greedy guy. Then again, he didn’t know the man’s financial situation. He also wasn’t sure he would be able to resist an offer of financial security if he were in George’s shoes, either. “Yes. I can match the offer.”
George tapped his fingers against the tops of his knees and stared at the floor. Finally he looked at Tanner again.“I don’t know, Tanner. I’d really like to take you up on this. It doesn’t feel right to back out of the other deal, though. Maybe I just need to stick with the other guy’s offer.”
Not willing to be outbid, Tanner blurted, “I can offer you more.”
One of George’s gray eyebrows lifted. “How much more?”
After some quick, desperate calculations, Tanner said, “Ten percent.”
“Are you sure? That’s a lot of money. Awholelot of money.”
Tanner swallowed. “I’m sure. In cash.” His boss was going to bleed him dry.
George held out his hand. “Deal.”
Tanner shook it, both elated and horrified. What had he just done? His formerly robust bank account would be down to almost zero once the deal went through.
It’s worth it.“I’ll talk to Harper about drawing up a contract,” he said.
“Sounds good.” George placed his hands on the desk and stood, his grin reaching both ears. “Thanks, Tanner. This is a load off my mind.”
As Tanner nodded, a thought occurred to him. “Can we keep the news quiet for a little while?” He didn’t want anyone to know he’d bought the diner until the deal had gone through and he had his business plan in place.
“I won’t say a word until you tell me. Now I’ll leave my diner in your capable hands. I have to call the lawyer back and tell him I changed my mind. Let me know when we can put our John Hancocks on the contract.” He looked around the office. “I’m going to miss this place, but it’s time to moveon. I never thought I’d see the day Sunshine would leave the family.”
He walked over to Tanner and clapped him on the back. “But you’re the next best thing. I know you’ll take good care of her.” He left, closing the door behind him.
George’s words almost took the sting out of the huge amount he’d have to pay.Almost.
Tanner stood in the office, trying to process what had just happened. He was flustered and soon to be almost flat broke... but he would also own Sunshine.
Grinning like a fool, he pulled out his phone and sat down at the desk—no,hisdesk. He would have to get used to that. He did a quick search for Harper’s business number. When he found it, he clicked on the hyperlink, and soon the phone was ringing.
“Wilson Realty, Harper Wilson speaking.”
He’d expected her receptionist to answer, so he was caught off guard. “Uh, hey, Harper. It’s me.”
“Me who?”
“Tanner. Um, Castillo.” Yep, he sounded like a confident businessman. More like an idiot.
“Hey, Tanner,” she said as if she hadn’t heard him fumbling his words and didn’t already know his last name. “Everything ready for the party Saturday night?”
“Yes,” he said, switching gears in his head. He still needed to pick up a few more ingredients for the tapas he’d chosen to serve, but otherwise everything was good to go. He was going to make the bandarillas and empanadas Anita had tried, along with some other recipes he had decided on beforehand. “I hope you like tapas.”
“I adore tapas. I’ve got a lot of important clients coming that night, and I know they’re going to love whatever you make.”
No pressure.“Great. I didn’t call about the party, though.”
“Oh?”
“George agreed to sell me the diner.” After a long pause, he added, “Harper? You still there?”
“Um, yeah. I’m here. When did this happen?”
“Just now.” He explained his conversation with George, including the anonymous buyer and the amount Tanner had agreed to pay.
Silence. Then she ripped into him. “Whydid you do that, Tanner? You should have called me. I could have negotiated on your behalf.”
