He drove straight to Lucas’s, parked, and went to the front door. He knocked.
Lucas answered. “Hey, Mitch. Come on in. We’re just having breakfast.”
“I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You’re not. Angie’s expecting you, right?”
Mitch nodded. He followed Lucas. Angelo was seated at the counter, a plate of eggs, fruit, and toast in front of him. There was another plate two spots over where the counter made the turn. Scout was laying in the sun coming through the sliding glass doors. Mitch gave Angelo a nod.
Angelo nodded back, chewing. “Morning.”
Lucas had the coffee pot in hand and was refilling his own cup. “You want some coffee?”
“I would,” Mitch answered. “Thanks.”
Lucas poured him a cup and handed it to Mitch. “I’m sure you’re here to talk to Angie. You want me to go into my office?”
Mitch sipped the coffee. It was good. Maybe not as good as his brand, but not bad. “I am, but I don’t need privacy.” He set the cup down and pulled out the envelope. He laid it on the counter by Angelo. “The three checks, as we discussed.”
Angelo put his fork down and picked up the envelope. He glanced inside. “My goal will be to get her to go for the least amount possible.”
“Whatever negotiation you need to do, I don’t care.” He’d discussed this with Angelo already. Even if it meant giving Addison all three checks, it would be money well spent. “I just want that paperwork signed.” He’d faxed over the custody agreement he’d paid his attorney for.
“That’s the goal.” Angelo folded the envelope and put it in his shirt pocket. “I’m leaving today. I have a flight out at one.”
Mitch nodded. He knew all this. “Godspeed.”
Angelo went back to eating. “I’ll let you know how it goes, and of course, I’ll have documentation for you when I get back.”
“Thanks.” Mitch drank more of the coffee. He had work to do. Pages to write. He hadn’t journaled or checked email, either. All he’d done so far was run with Bunny, shower, spend a little time with Ruthie, then gone straight to the bank. But leaving immediately would be rude. He glanced at Lucas. “Today’s the big day for Joyce and Beryl, huh?”
Lucas, who’d sat at the counter in front of his plate, nodded. “It is.” He looked at the time. “Show is uploaded and scheduled. It goes live in a little over an hour.”
“You’d think the two of them were being launched into space the way they’re acting.” Mitch shook his head, smiling. “I hope it does well. For all of you.”
“I’m sure it will,” Lucas said. “They’regreaton camera. Even if they don’t realize that. I already know I want them back.”
“Well, now that Beryl’s staying, you should get that chance.”
Lucas looked up. “Beryl’s staying?”
Mitch nodded. “She’ll have to take care of things in the U.K. and get her belongings moved over, but she’s coming on as Ruthie’s nanny.”
Lucas grinned. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all day. You don’t mind me having her and Joyce on again, do you?”
Mitch shook his head. “No, not at all. They can do what they want.”
“The thing is…” Lucas started. “I think they’re a marketable property.”
Mitch narrowed his eyes. “Meaning what?”
“Meaning they could have their own show. If they wanted to.”
Mitch snorted. “This is Joyce and Beryl you’re talking about. They’re incredible but I don’t believe their talents extend to technology.”
Lucas laughed softly. “No, I don’t suppose so. But I’d be willing to set everything up. All they’d have to do is come in and cook, basically.”
“Really? That’s quite an offer.”
