“How much of a bonus?” I lean forward, my interest piqued at the word bonus.
“I gave all the staff a $200 Christmas bonus. Since Betty went into the care home, all the staff rallied round to keep this place going and I think they deserved it.”
Is that all? I thought my boss was tight with a two grand bonus. “How many staff do you have?”
“There’s me and three others.”
“So what did you do with the rest of the profit from last year’s takings?”
“That’s it. We had a meal out at Nicko's Taverna.”
“That’s it? So you’re not actually making a profit?”
“What are you talking about? We all get a paycheck at the end of the month.”
“I’ll look at the books.”
“You can look at the books, but the charm of this place isn’t in the accounts. It’s the people, the location, and the products. You needed to come here to see that, Cam.”
I scan the room, but all I see is mismatched furniture and crockery. Old Christmas decs and chintzy tablecloths. This place has been built on whatever old tat my aunt found from local yard sales. I don’t see the charm, but gazing at Gray across the small table, my heart flutters. He was always charming, like a white knight. He even saved me once when I needed mouth to mouth.
He clears his throat and runs a hand over his face. “The truth is. I don’t have the money to buy you out. I’ve been trying to get a business loan, but I don’t know how to speak all that fancy jargon, and nobody thinks this place is worth investing in.”
“I can help you with that.”
“I hoped you’d come here and see how good it is and want to stay.” He looks up, clasping his hands together on the table as his body tenses.
“I can’t stay. I have a life.” As much as I’m happy to be here with Grayson, I have a career in London, an expensive apartment that I’m paying for while I’m stuck here sleeping in my aunt’s old single bed. I miss my bed already.
“Can you give me a month?”
“A month?”
“Just give me four weeks to come up with the money.”
“It’s too long. I can’t be out here for a month. My boss will go mental.”
“Why do you work for someone, anyhow? With your skills, you could freelance and be your own boss. Plenty of businesses around here would use you. We look after our own at Candy Cane Key.”
It’s a dream to go freelance, but I just got a promotion, and I need a steady income to pay the mortgage on my lavish apartment, especially now I’m living there alone and my ex is demanding I either sell up or buy his share of the deposit. Which is why I need the money from the tea shop to be rid of him for good. I can handle losing him, but not my dream apartment.
I tap my nails on the table. “I can manage two weeks max.”
“Three.” He leans over, pleading with his big brown puppy dog eyes, erasing all rational thoughts. This is the exact reason I didn’t want to come here.
“All right.” I exhale, giving in to the inevitable. “I’ll help get this place looking like such a good investment, bankers will fight over themselves.”
“I appreciate that. Thanks, Cam.”
“No problem. The sooner you get your loan, the sooner I can get home.” I close my laptop and gaze into his eyes. Small lines appear at the side of his temple when he smiles at me. “How come you’re working here, anyway? What happened to your college football career? I expected you to be a pro by now. Didn’t you play for the Lions?”
His smile fades, and he drops his head. “I had an injury. It was the end of my quarterback career. Betty gave me a job. I’ve been here ever since.”
“I’m sorry, Gray.” My chest caves and my shoulders curl inwards. “I know American football was your dream.”
“Shit happens. I have a different dream now.” He looks into my eyes as though he’s trying to tell me something.
“I hope I can help you achieve that dream.” If the tea shop is what he wants, then I’ll definitely do my best to help him get the loan.
