“But what if things don’t work out between Ryan and me?” I say. “Ryan shouldn’t have to be stuck with an ex-girlfriend as a partner on his dream business.” A horrible thought seizes me. “Or what if Ryan’s feelings have cooled since Hawaii and he doesn’t want to start a relationship with me anymore?”
“T-Rod. Stop being a fucking freakazoid. Ryan warned me you’re a loon. Dude, I had no idea.”
I laugh.
“How have you kept your crazy hidden from me all this time?”
“It hasn’t been easy.”
Josh chuckles. “Ryanlovesyou. He wants you to have his babies. Do you think he’s stopped loving you in a week’s time, just because you’re acting like a nutcase?”
I shrug, but I can’t help smiling.
“Take a chill-pill, woman. I’ve talked to Captain Morgan and he’s anything but ‘cooled’ on you. To the contrary, he’s more determined than ever to lock you down.”
My heart leaps with joy.
“But, okay, hypothetically, if things ultimately don’t work out for you two and you decide leaving the partnership is for the best, then I’ll personally buy you out at a number that’s insanely awesome for you, okay? Above-market valuation. And, furthermore, any such buy-out will come out of my own personal pocket, not the business’s and not Ryan’s, so there won’t be any protracted negotiations or hard feelings.”
I cock my head to the side. “Why would you agree to that? It’s sweet and generous and I’m grateful, but from a business standpoint, that’s just plain stupid, Josh.”
Josh laughs. “You’ve just answered your own question. I’m not doing Captain’s for business reasons—I’m doing it because life is short.YOLO. Let’s have some fun with the people we love the most and maybe make some money while we’re at it.”
“‘The people we love the most’? You’re already talking like a true Morgan.”
We share a smile.
“Honestly,” Josh says, “I’m happy to risk a stupid business decision if it means putting an end to your present stupidity. Plus, it’s only gonna be stupid on my part if I actually have to make good on my promise one day—and I’ve got a strong hunch I won’t.” He winks. “Now, come on, Miss Rodriguez, enough yapping and talking about our fucking feelings. I told Ryan I’d be talking to you about the partnership proposal and then we’d come meet him for drinks to celebrate and discuss next steps.”
My eyes widen. “You want me to come with you to meet Ryan for drinks?”
“Correct.”
“When?”
“Now. So wipe the snot off your face. You’re a mess.”
My chest tightens. “But Ryan and I haven’t spoken since Maui. I need to talk to him in private. I need to...” I put my hands on my cheeks, suddenly feeling anxious. “I haven’t told Ryan any of the stuff I just told you.”
“All right. So you and Ryan will sit at the bar alone for a bit while I’ll go to the coffee place a few doors down. In fact, I’ll text Kat right now and have her meet me there so I’m not feeling lonely.” He flashes me a beaming smile. “You and Ryan can talk as long as you need—no rush—and whenever you two are done with your declarations of undying love and you feel ready to talk business, you’ll text me and Kat and we’ll come to the bar.”
I let out a long exhale and shake out my arms.
“T, there’s nothing to be nervous about. I spoke to Ryan. He still feels the same way he did in Hawaii, even more so.”
“He said that?”
Josh nods. “And wouldn’t shut the fuck up about it.”
I laugh. “Thank you, Josh.”
“My pleasure.” He stands. “Now, come on, Miss Rodriguez. Time to bag yourself an amazing dude.”
I stand. “Okay, Mr. Faraday. Let’s do this.”
Josh’s phone beeps and he looks down at it. “Oh, speak of the devil. Ryan says he’s already at the bar, waiting for us. I’ll tell him we’re on our way.” He punches out a message as we walk toward the door of his office.
“Where are we meeting him?”
