Page 45 of Timeless: Encore

Am I enough?

I must look a little freaked out because he suddenly leans forward. “Oh, Fee. That came out wrong. You’re awesome, but so many chefs are a little…eh.”

“Hotheaded? Prone to drama? Arrogant?” I purse my lips.

He laughs. “Uh, yeah.”

“This shit is hard mental work. We earn the right to be all those things.” I stab my pen at him faux-threateningly. “In all seriousness, it’s expensive and grueling to keep consistent enough to meet all of the criteria every single day. But, if you’re able to get a star, revenue goes up. If we’re able to get two or three, it skyrockets. Michelin Stars mean diners travel here just to go to Gus. If we’re the first restaurant in Seattle—well, the entire region—to earn the stars? We’ll be booked out solid for years.” I lean forward and speak quietly in case any of the staff are listening. “We’ve spent so much money on this place, I just want to get to break even. This is not a rockstar wife’s cute little hobby. It’s my dream. My passion. Ever since I was a teenager. I want to make Zane proud.”

I want to make myself proud.

He nods as he scribbles down notes. “Got it. I imagine you want to have it dialed in from the get-go so if these anonymous inspectors come in Friday at eight or Tuesday at five-thirty, they expect the same experience.”

”Yes, exactly.”

“What skill set are we looking for in these PR folks?” Jace flips through another folder. “They all represent Michelin Star restaurants.”

This is the point of the conversation that makes me cringe. I wish Zane were here with me, but he’s in LA for the day to help Ty and Connor record one of the songs on Connor’s brothers’ album. “I feel like I can get the service, food, and experience where they need to be, but I have no clue about promotion. How to drum up interest. Get the word out. All the things that will make Michelin want to include this region in their Guide.”

“Okay. Is that all?” Jace glances up at me.

“I need help …” I gulp. God this is so stupid. “… making me into a personality.” I bury my face in my hands. I’m so fucking embarrassed. Zane is the public figure in our family.

“Uh, you’re already a personality. Piece of cake.” He laughs.

I’m stunned silent. My mouth lolls open.

Jace stops laughing and tosses his head. “You don’t think so? I don’t think I’ve ever been in your presence without you saying something insanely snarky and hilarious. Your observations about all these things are legendary. Mia is just like you. It’s eerie.”

“Wow.” I seriously have never seen myself this way. In my mind, I’m a somewhat chubby introverted nerd with pink hair who speaks without thinking and lucked into being loved by the most handsome man alive who probably wouldn’t give me a second look if we hadn’t been BFFs from birth.

He throws the folders on the desk. “You just need some media training. All of us had to go through it when we started selling records. It’s not hard. The PR team can find someone to work with you. Train you. Better yet, you should have your top employees go through the training with you. Alex told me you’re nearly staffed up.”

“Yeah, you met some of them at Ty and Zoey’s dinner thing. I’m still hiring a pastry chef, but my management team is dialed.” I glance down at my phone. “Shit. The first candidate will be here any minute, do you want to take a break? I better check on Cillian and call Olga.”

Jace gets up and rummages through his backpack to find his own phone. “Good idea, I’ll see how Alex is feeling. My sister’s with her, but she’s still recovering, which she hates. The woman cannot sit still.”

“Is she okay though?” I know Alex had a procedure, not much else.

“Yeah. She’s fine.” He nods, giving nothing away.

I’m not overly close with Jace and don’t want a repeat of how I reacted at Ty and Zoey’s wedding, so I touch his shoulder to show support rather than hug him. “I’ll call her. Please tell her I’m thinking about her and hope she’s feeling better soon.”

“Sure will. Catchya in a bit.” He ducks out.

Six hours later, we’re exhausted but the decision is clear.

I’m in awe. Jace is seriously the most silent but deadly dude I’ve ever met. He has a way of asking insightful questions without seeming like a creeper. He knows when to speak and when to shut up and listen. It’s fascinating how he—deliberately—either puts a person at ease or intimidates them, depending on their level of genuineness or schmooze.

Clearly, I’ve never given him enough credit. He and Alex make a lot of sense now that I’ve spent an entire day with him. I’m a thousand percent certain the reason we’re getting the best PR team with the most perfect scope of services is due to Jace.

“So, Calibrate PR?” Jace flings his backpack over his shoulder.

I can’t help but beam. “Yeah, they’re perfect. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much I appreciate your help.”

“Not a problem.” He shoots me his sly grin. “Hopefully, Alex and I can be guests on opening night.”

I almost fall into his trap and correct him when I realize he’s teasing me. The entire band will be my guest of honor on opening night, all of the band members and their wives. Three additional spots hopefully occupied by the most coveted food critics in the United States who will lose their minds at eating with the most famous rockers in the world.

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