Paul’s lips quirk as if he’s proud. “Lay it on me,” he says, folding his hands over his chest.
I march over to the desk, eyeing the piece of paper. “I want a Jude wall at every location,” I say, pointing to the script.
Paul’s eyebrow arches as he searches my face. “A Jude wall?”
“Yes,” I nod. “In memory of Jude. It’ll be a booth where people can eat, with pictures of him, ones we’ve lost, and notes to them on thewall.” It’s been something I’ve wanted to do here but haven’t had the money to invest in it.
His brows knit as he looks down at the paper. “Like a memorial booth?...I don’t know…”
“It’s a non-negotiable. Or else, we walk.” I shrug.
Paul shifts on his feet, glancing between Elijah and me before his shoulders sag in quiet defeat. “You know…I went to high school with Jude. We played on the same soccer team.” He exhales softly. “Been a busy man, so I haven’t come by as much as I should. But from what I remember, that man had a way of making you feel seen.” He smiles to himself, lost in a good memory. “If anyone deserves to be remembered…it’s Jude Thorne.” He nods firmly. “Okay, I’ll do it.”
I feel a happiness spread over me as Elijah rushes over to stand beside me.
“AndToo Experiencedby Barrington Levy needs to play in the restaurant every ten hours!” Elijah jumps up beside me. “Write that down too.” Tapping on the paper.
Paul’s eyes dart to him curiously.
Elijah shrugs. “It was his favorite song.” He adds, making me smile.
Paul nods his head, scribbling these notes down onto both copies of the contract.
“Alright. Let’s do this,” he says, handing the pen over in our direction.
Elijah and I take one last look at each other. It’s as though we have our own conversation in our gaze.
One last check-in.
And then, we both move.
He signs first, and then I sign after him.
Paul gives a small chuckle behind us, shaking his head.
“Most people your age are still figuring out who they are. But you two? You already know what you stand for and I’ve gotta say…that’s incredible to watch. They don’t teach that in business school. That comes from life,” he says, picking up the papers and handing us our copy.
His voice turns soft as he looks between both of us. “You’ve both lived a hell of a lot of life already. You’ve taken pain and turned it into purpose. That’s rare.That’swhat I’m investing in.”
He reaches out to shake our hands which we accept.
“Congratulations, gentlemen. You’ve officially turnedJude’s Placeinto something bigger than a restaurant. You’ve turned it into a story the world’s going to want to be part of.”
He gives Gwen a quick nod.
“I’ll walk you out,” she says with a smile, moving toward the door.
“I’ll be in touch with you two after the New Year.” He waves at us, saluting before exiting the room.
They both leave the room, delicate notes of“All I Want for Christmas”twinkling through the air before the door clicks softly shut behind them.
I stare at the door for longer than necessary, mentally replaying what just happened.
“Hey,” Elijah’s smooth voice pulls me from my thoughts.
I turn towards him but he doesn’t say anything, just plants a soft kiss on my lips, calming my brain and reminding me that this is all that matters. This is all that will ever matter.
“We just invested a whole chunk of money into this restaurant. How do you feel?” Elijah asks, looking at me with excitement in his eyes.
