NICK:Is there any way you can set up an appointment with the Realtor for this afternoon? I’d like to meet you both there, take some pics, add them to your business plan so I can pass it along to some people.
ME:Um, yes?
ME:You think it’s ready for that? You think I’m ready for that?
NICK:I’m not gonna lie, it’s a risk, but I think you’ve got a solid presentation and an opportunity for decent profit. Let me know when to meet you.
Two hours later, after running home to change into something less college finals week, I meet Nick and Kristen back in front of the store. Before she even opens the door, Nick peppers her with questions, and this time, I actually listen, making note of utilities and décor restrictions and permit requirements.
Nick snaps photos as we walk and talk, jotting down notes, and once even pulling out a measuring tape to check the numbers. After a quick but thorough inspection of the outdoor garden, Nick asks Kristen to give us a minute. She’s already got her phone pressed to her ear as she makes her way back out front.
He doesn’t say anything for a minute, flipping through the pages of my business plan on his iPad screen.
I shift my weight from one foot to another about a hundred times before I finally can’t take it anymore. “So? What do you think?”
He looks up from his screen, giving me a soft smile. “I think you should go for it.”
“Really?” Based on my morning of numbers and calculations and projections, I know a profit is a ways off, and certainly not guaranteed. But it definitely boosts my confidence to hear it’s possible from someone who knows what he’s talking about. “And you think you mighthave some people who could be interested? I think we’re going to have to move fast or this place is going to get snatched up.”
“I’m sure I could find someone.”
“Okay. Can we get that ball rolling, like today preferably?” Now that I’ve made the decision, I need this place to be mine. My brain has latched on to all the possibilities and I want contracts signed and keys in hand.
“I could. But I’m not going to.” He crosses his arms over his chest, like he’s preparing for a standoff. “Let me do this with you, Sade.”
I open my mouth to list all the reasons why it’s a terrible idea.
“Stop. Just listen for one minute, okay?”
I glare at him, but I purse my lips and tap the nonexistent watch on my wrist.
“This is a good investment. I spent the afternoon double-checking your numbers, and everything checks out. You know I’ve always had plans to invest in some small businesses, and if I’m going to invest this money in someone’s risky idea, why shouldn’t it be yours?” He drops his hands, placing one on my shoulder. “I know you want to say no, but—”
“Of course I want to say no, Nicky. Not because I’m not grateful or because I don’t trust you, I just worry about what this could do to our friendship if things don’t work out.” Losing Nick might actually be worse than losing Jack at this point, he’s been a staple in my life for so long. And even if I trust Nick implicitly, which I do, there are no guarantees in business. My old job burned that lesson in my brain. Would he hold it against me if I ended up losing his money?
“Nothing could ever change our friendship. You mean way more tome than money, Sadie.” He gives me a little shake. “I have the means, you have the idea. You’re family. Let’s do this together.”
Ugh. He had to go and pull the family card. He knows how I feel about that. Nonetheless, it works. Because the pro side of going into business with one of my best friends might be even stronger than the con side. Why shouldn’t I take this opportunity to put the fate of my business in the hands of someone I trust? Someone I know will always have my back and my best interests in mind. Someone I know will never screw me over or betray me.
But I can’t let him win this too easily. “If—and that’s a big if—I were to agree, you’d be acting as a silent partner. Emphasis on the silent.”
“Not like you’d let me get a word in anyway.”
“And friendship comes first. Always. If shit starts to get weird, either I’m buying you out or I’m finding someone else to buy you out.” Because the thought of anything coming along and busting up our fearsome foursome is unacceptable.
“I can live with that.” He starts tapping away on the iPad, like he’s drawing up the contract as we speak.
“What’s your number?” I hold my breath, even though I know he’s going to be more than fair.
“Two hundred for twenty percent.”
“Fifteen.” I hold out my hand.
“Done.” Nick clasps my hand in his, giving me a firm shake before pulling me in for a hug. He then gives me an actual noogie. “I would’ve taken ten.”
I push him away from me. “I would’ve given you twenty.”
For a minute we just look at each other, grins of disbelief wide on our faces. Then Nick heads out front to talk to Kristen, and I stand inthe center of the empty space that’s now mine. My store. My business.
