Page 55 of My Heart Belongs to You

I nodded. “A year ago, to be exact. This plan is proposed for late 2027. The Petersons haven’t closed on their new location yet and there are repairs they agreed to take care of before we make the deal.” He rolled his eyes and looked away. My jaw clenched, but I held my composure. “Unc, this a great opportunity for Ray’s. We’re packed three out of the four nights we’re open, consistently. The patio hasn’t seen a bad night since we opened it. With more space, we could turn this into a restaurant and lounge, something Dad was trying to do back in the day.”

“How do a few more tables and chairs make that happen?” He motioned at the blueprint.

“The kitchen will expand and we can add another chef station.”

“And how will you afford a chef when you keep giving employees raises every quarter?”

“Those are bonuses for good quarters. My salary didn’t increase last year, so that money goes to them twice a year.”

Summer’s eyes snapped to me while Uncle Harold chuckled. “You really are your father’s child.”

“Everyone on the team contributes to the success of Ray’s. Why shouldn’t I reward them for their dedication and loyalty? Without them, all of this means nothing.”

He grunted while tapping his cigarette butt on the table. I could tell a million thoughts raced in his mind. “What did Helen say?”

“She likes the idea.”

“Okay. Let me think about it and get back to you in a week.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

He held out his hand, sealing his promise to consider the proposal. I knew all that meant was he would call my mother.

“I’m gonna take this on the patio,” he said, holding up the cigarette. “You’re doing a good job, boy,” were his parting words before leaving the room.

Once he was gone, Summer pushed out a breath. “He is something else,” she groused. “You think he’s going to agree to it?”

“Mama is waiting for his call any day now. She knows what to say to get him to agree.”

Summer smirked. “Do you know what she says to him?”

“Nope, and don’t care either. I just want him back in Jersey and out of my hair as soon as possible.”

“I know that’s right,” she said with a laugh.

We gathered the papers from the table, then Summer put them into a file folder. I tucked the floor-plan under my arm before walking to my office. After placing the documents in the appropriate cabinets, I checked my phone for missed calls and texts. Robyn had texted me about ten minutes ago, seeing if I was available to meet up with her. Since returning home, we’d been drowning in our work. I had this meeting with my uncle looming over my head. Robyn jumped right into training her staff and preparing to open. The mini press tour she had after passing her sommelier exam was more demanding than she let on. Our calls were short and texts were infrequent. I knew it was only a matter of time before one of us changed that.

NADIR:

Where did you want to meet?

ROBYN:

There’s an ice cream truck at the park today…

NADIR:

32 FLAVORZ. I know the owner, Peaches.

ROBYN:

Are there really 32 flavors?

I smiled while typing my response.

NADIR:

Only one way to find out.