“Wheredoesyour interest in history come from?” I ask.
“Well,” he says slowly, “I’ve always been fascinated with the past. It’s oddly comforting to know that there are different interpretations and perspectives of events that took place in time.”
I spin and face the mountains alongside Bennett. “If things can be interpreted so many different ways, how do you know what to believe?”
“That’s the point. All we can do is act on what we know in this moment in time.”
“That makes me anxious to know that anything can be reinvented at any point.” I tilt my glass and stare into the inky wine.
“Nothing’s permanent or guaranteed,” Bennett says softly.
“So you like history because there’s room for interpretation?” I clarify.
His eyes search mine. “Some of the best creations in history were because people were willing to look at the same thing differently. So yes. Though going against what others think often feels like trying to turn a cruise ship in a puddle.”
“You’ve got a point,” I say, “but that sounds a little bleak.”
“Sometimes being bleak is easier.” Bennett pushes his hair back and rests his hand over his mouth. When he looks back at me, his face looks more serious than usual. “Like this pitch, for instance. I’m going to be trying to convince people about my interpretation of the Chinese zodiac. It’s not for another two weeks, but I’ve been preparing every day. I need my delivery to be spot-on.”
“What, are you nervous?” I ask, intrigued by this information.
Bennett hesitates for a moment. “Honestly? Yes. There’s a lot riding on this. It’s not like I’ve never pitched for funding before, but this business is more personal to me. I don’t want to look like an imposter.”
This takes me by surprise. “You don’t come off as worried to me,” I admit.
Bennett goes quiet for a moment. “I’m decent at compartmentalizing. I want to enjoy this time with you.”
He tugs gently at his sweater neckline, drawing attention to the base of his neck. My breathing quickens watching him.
As much as I don’t want him to raise money, I also hate seeing him stressed. “I’ve never pitched to investors before, but I have a thought, if you’d like to hear it?”
Bennett turns to face me with eager eyes. “I’d love to hear what you think.”
I tentatively place a hand on his shoulder as I consider my words carefully. He looks at my hand and smiles. “Focus on the human element, not just the numbers. Really sell them on why you started this business,” I say.
His lips narrow into a thin line. He nods, looking as though he’s trying to make sense of his thoughts. “Thank you. You’re probably right, as hard as that sounds to not focus on the data. I’m just not great at expressing emotion outwardly. I learned to shut it off a long time ago. I find comfort in numbers. They’re concrete. You can manipulate them to make them work for you. Emotion, love, those are completely uncontrollable.”
“But they have the highest payoff,” I say, removing my hand quickly.
Bennett rolls the sleeves of his sweater up to his elbows, settling into our conversation. I feel myself start to relax in a way I haven’t in a long time.
Bennett motions toward the view of the ocean. “Isn’t fall in Los Angeles charming?”
“Crisp mornings and sunshine all day? Sunsets like these? Absolutely,” I say. Absentmindedly, I reach up to twist the moon on my necklace.
“That’s beautiful,” he says, noticing the necklace.
“Thanks. It was passed down to me for taking over the family business,” I say. “And the horse is from my sister.”
“Is she into the zodiac, too?”
“Actually no.”
“Darn. I would’ve given her beta access. Oh wait! She’s getting married, so never mind.”
“Yeah, she’s off-limits as a client. For the both of us,” I add, smirking.
“How’s it been taking over the family business?” he asks cautiously. “Is it okay if I ask you that?”
