“We’ll see how that works out,” Paul said, smiling wryly.
The doors leading to the kitchen swung open, and Beau emerged with a carry-out box stuffed to the point of not closing all the way in his hands. “This should get you through the rest of the day,” he said, holding out the box to Paul. “If you’re on your own tomorrow morning, skip the continental breakfast at the hotel. There’s a diner no more’n a block away that’s got a lot more options that are more filling and taste better.”
“I hope I’m not, but thanks,” Paul said. The box was heavy and warm against his palms, and he could smell the sharp tang of barbecue sauce.
“I got a call to make,” Beau said, dismissing Paul with a wave before heading back into the kitchen.
“Don’t mind the abruptness,” Jake said, shaking his head with an expression of fond exasperation. “Beau is protective of the people he cares about. But I have a good feeling about you. When you and Devin work things out, have him bring you by Parnell’s Pantry. That’s my family’s restaurant. I’d love to introduce you to everyone.”
Paul had lots of questions about how Beau and Jake balanced having two rival barbecue restaurants in the same town, but now wasn’t the time to ask them. Instead, he slid off the stool and nodded.
“If they work out, I’d like that,” he said.
“Great!” Jake grinned. “Go on, Mercer, and get back to that hotel. You’ll want to beat Devin there.”
Jake seemed far more optimistic than Paul felt, but he kept his pessimism to himself and waved goodbye instead. With food in hand, he returned to his rental car, and he drove back to the hotel to sit in his room and wait—an all too familiar situation. At least this time, however, he had the assurance that someone would be in touch, and he wouldn’t be left to wonder what was going on. Whether the news was good or bad, this time, he would know.
