Pulling my bike over, I cut the engine and take off my helmet.I take the place in and frown.It will definitely need a facelift before she could use the space, but I think this is perfect and it’s only a few blocks from the clubhouse.
“What do you think?”I nod towards the place.
“I think someone already has a business here.”Chopper chuckles.
“Yeah, but let’s see how long that lasts.”
I climb off my bike and leave my helmet behind as I stroll inside the building.I scan the area, noticing the yellow lights and peeling wall paper.
There’s an old man sitting at one table and no one else in sight.I glance at my watch and notice it’s six o’clock.This place should be overwhelmed with the dinner rush, yet it looks like a ghost town.
“You can take a seat anywhere,” he calls as he struggles to stand from the table.
“Stay seated.I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”Chopper hurries over to help the man.
“Nonsense.If you’re here to eat, someone needs to cook for you.”
My heart breaks for him.He has to be over eighty years old and yet he’s still trying to run this place by himself.
“Do you mind if we sit and talk to you?”I motion to the three empty chairs around the table.
“Sure.I’d love the company.”He smiles up at us, not seeming to notice our cuts.Or if he does, he doesn’t care.
“How long has this place been in business?”Chopper glances around, making small talk with the man.
“Sixty-three years.My Jenni opened this restaurant right after we got married.She died a few months ago and I just can't give it up.”
“Is it hard running it all alone?”My brows draw together as I study him.
“Yeah, it sure is.She had this dream of renovating and recreating the menu.She wanted to breathe some fresh life into this place.She even talked about renaming it and bringing in some help.”He drops his gaze to his lap and his bottom lip trembles.“I wanted to give her all of that, but money doesn’t grow on trees, you know?Now, this place is dying faster than ever.No one comes in and I don’t know how to save it.”
“What did she want to rename it?”I swallow hard.I can't imagine loving someone so much and wanting to give them the world, yet failing at every turn.
“Little Fox Café.”He grins as he stares at his restaurant.
Chopper’s gaze snaps to mine and I nod my head.This is the perfect place for Dixie.I have a feeling I was meant to stop here and talk to this old man.
“I have a proposition for you,” I begin, unsure of how he’s going to respond, but I have to take a shot.
“Well, let’s hear it.”He sits back in his chair and watches me carefully.
“My girl wants to open her own restaurant.My problem is there’s only one space available in our territory and it isn't great.”I motion to our cuts and he nods his head in understanding.
“He calls her Little Fox.He’s done it since she was in high school.”Chopper chuckles.“It drives her crazy, but she secretly loves it.”
“What if you work with her and bring your wife’s visions to reality?You let Dixie come up with a new menu and redesign the restaurant.She’d let you continue to work here, but you won't have to do it all alone anymore.”
“What’s this Dixie like?”He narrows his eyes and keeps his chin held high.
“She’s great,” Chopper begins, but I cut him off.
“She’s perfect.Beautiful, smart, driven, and an amazing chef.She’s full of life and love, but she wants more in life.She wants to share her cooking with the world.”
I tug my phone from my cut and pull up a picture of Dixie.I spin it around and show the old man.He takes the device with shaky hands and smiles down at it.
“My Jenni would love her.”He hands it back and scans the area.“Do you think she could come in and talk to me before I agree?”
“I'm sure I can make that happen.I'll cover the cost of everything.I can pay you too.”
