“We’ll be a success. I have a good feeling about it.” Piper’s excitement radiated off her. She really wanted to make thishappen, and her enthusiasm was infectious. It’s what we needed.
I smiled at her. “I love your confidence.”
“I just enjoy my work. And I’m willing to put in as many hours as necessary until everyone’s happy with the result.” She took another sip of her Sazerac. “So delicious. Should probably have had a more filling dinner, though. I had a muffuletta from the Central Grocery, and that’s not cutting it.”
“It’s my mom’s favorite. But that’s not enough for dinner.”
She smiled sheepishly. “I know.”
I motioned for the bartender to come toward us. “Can any of the boys get us something to eat?”
Piper gasped lightly.
“Sure. What would you like?” he asked.
I glanced at her. “Your choice.”
“A po’ boy maybe.”
I nodded. “Same for me.”
“Right away.” He walked away, immediately chatting with one of the busboys, who took off his apron a moment later before darting out of the bar.
Piper turned to me. “How did you get him to do that?”
“I know the owner, remember?” I smirked. “That comes with a few perks.”
“What comes with perks?” Julian himself asked as he joined us. “And why are you sending my busboy on errands?” Then he focused on Piper. “Hi.”
“Julian, this is Piper Dawson. I’m going to work with her agency for our next ad campaign.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Julian LeBlanc.” They shook hands.
“Nice to meet you too,” Piper replied.
“You must be quite something if you convinced my brother. He’s been getting quite a few of those pitches, and we get to hear why they won’t work. It’s been brutal.” He rolled his eyes.
“Piper’s is by far the best,” I said honestly.
He pointed to her laptop on the counter. “Why exactly didyou seal the deal here? It’s not like you to have business meetings in a bar, Beckett.”
“My schedule’s been a bit unpredictable with Charlotte. Piper was flexible enough to meet me here.”
Julian nodded in understanding.
“No problem,” Piper said, then glanced at me. “If you need me to come to the penthouse again, I’m open to that too.”
My brother jerked his head back and his eyes widened, but he had the decency not to say anything. I knew exactly what was going through his mind, though, and I was certain he’d bring it up later.
“And to answer your initial question,” I cut in, “your guy is getting us two po’ boys.”
“If it’s okay with you for us to eat it here,” Piper said quickly.
I winked at her. “Piper, there’s one rule of thumb in my family. We don’t ask for permission.”
“No, we just ask for forgiveness,” Julian said, but he was laughing.
“But if the other customers get confused as to where we got them?” Piper inquired.
