Page 109 of Taming the CEO

"I haven't seen this part," I said.

"It's where Miss Hilly kept the inventory."

The area had no windows, and I was starting to see why he had a problem renting this out. But it would be perfect for my escape room idea.

"I think this would really work for what I have in mind."

Bill lit up. "I'd love to rent it out to you."

"I have big plans."

"We can grab a burger on Main Street while you tell me about them."

"Sure," I said. "Why not?"

I was uneasy when it came to Bill, but if he was going to be my landlord, I had to get along with him, and he had the right to know what I was up to. He could be a bit pushy sometimes, but maybe he'd finally gotten the hint. Either way, I couldn’t believe this space was available.

Oh, Mom, thanks for still looking out for me.

After stepping outside, he locked up quickly, and we headed straight to Miss Patty's Burgers. Since it was only six o'clock, it wasn't very crowded. I inhaled deeply, loving the familiar scent of french fries and freshly baked buns.

My phone vibrated as we sat down at the table. Taking it out, I saw it was a message from Maddox.

Maddox: Hey, I've got the contracts ready. Our lawyers already emailed them, but I figured I’d come by and we can go through it together. With your dad, too, if you want.

Holy shit, this was a magic day. There was no other way to name it.

"Sorry, just a second," I told Bill. “I need to reply to this.”

"Sure, take your time," he said. "You know what? I'm actually going to order. What do you want?”

"The cheeseburger plate."

"I'll be right back."

I couldn’t wait to see Maddox and share my plans with him. He had a shrewd business mind, so I'd love to have his opinion.

Cami: Sure, call me when you're here. I'm grabbing dinner at Miss Patty's Burgers.

A few minutes later, Bill came back with the cheeseburger platter for me and a bacon burger for himself.

"All right, so tell me what you have in mind," he said after sitting down.

"I want to open a coffee shop and offer board games, darts, and billiards too. Baked goods will also be a huge draw. And I'm thinking about an escape room in the back."

"That's ambitious, but also smart. We really need some options for those days where no one wants to be outdoors."

"That's exactly what I was thinking."

"So, I take it you've decided to sell to the Whitleys?"

I nodded. "Yes."

He shook his head. "I can’t believe it. Why wouldn’t you even consider my offer?”

"You and I both know it was way too low, Bill.”

“I don't like the Whitleys."

---