Page 44 of Talk About… Rivalry

“Let me see some numbers and I’ll see what I can do, but I’m definitely interested. I’m not sure if you’ve worked much in this area, but we used to be known for the Artisan Fair here in Rockwood Valley. We’re working on launching it again and I’m fairly certain a wine tasting tent would go a long way.”

His grin widened and he pointed at me. “That right there, Maverick, is exactly what I’m talking about. These connections lead to even more possibilities. I’d love to know more about it when you have the information. Is it just alcohol or do you have artisans of all types?”

“All types,” I said. “It’s definitely family friendly. There’s everything from handmade crafts, we have blacksmiths that come down to sell their goods, leatherworkers.” I continuedlisting all of the things I could remember, including the ones I had contact with especially.

My plans were still in the early stages unfortunately, but everyone was eager to get back to me. That was enough to boost my confidence and push me forward.

I worked on my plans for this almost as much as I worked on the books for the bar.

“Here are numbers for the shipment that I would suggest,” Bennett said, sliding over yet another paper. I was slowly forming a stack of them.

I glanced it over and went over our financials in my head, realizing that we could easily cover this. His outlines were thorough and I wouldn’t have a hard time selling my brothers on it.

He’d even gone as far as breaking the price down per glass and how much they suggested we pour to get the most profit for all sides.

“I’ll have to discuss it with my brothers since we run this together, but I don’t see why we’d have a problem.”

“Perfect, here’s my business card,” he said, sliding it over. “If you have any questions feel free to call me and I’ll find out the answers for you.”

“Sounds good. Thanks for considering us,” I said as I extended my hand toward him. Part of me wanted to crush his hand as a reminder not to touch my omega, but I somehow kept it professional and shook it firmly but not aggressively before letting him go.

“Have a good day,” I said, picking up the stack of papers so I could take them to the office. He was already packing up his own things, offering a quick goodbye before walking outside.

I let out a breath, damn proud of myself for not fucking that up.

The whole meeting went a lot better than I expected and honestly his excitement about hearing about the Artisan Fair only amped up my own.

It was a family legacy and a way to honor our fathers. Or maybe it was just a welcome distraction from the shitshow that was my love life.

Either way, I was itching to get back to my desk and work on it now.

Just as I was about to head to the back I heard Leo’s obnoxious voice. My head snapped up to the window where I could clearly see him speaking to Bennett Sinclair.

That prick.

I was dropping the papers on the bar and moving before I realized what I was doing, shoving the door open and stepping outside to confront the beta who was intent on ruining my life.

“I’d love to hear more,” Leo was saying. His words cut off as he looked up at me. “Maverick.”

That greeting was full of barely concealed annoyance.

“Are you really going to try to snag a business deal out from under me, right in front of my business?”

“No,” Leo said looking confused. “I was actually coming to talk to you and he happened to be walking out.”

“Oh, and you just happened to tell him about your little bar that you’re opening up?”

“Actually, he was on my list to speak to as well. Mayor Adams gave me a few names since he’d already submitted his business license. I figured why not strike up a conversation. I recognized his picture andIwas the one who started it. Now, I feel like I’ve gotten in the middle of some strange rivalry.”

His nose wrinkled with distaste and I couldn’t even blame him. I fucking hated drama, yet somehow wound up in the middle of it.

“It shouldn’t even be a rivalry,” Leo thundered. “This asshole’s been giving me grief since I said I was opening up a lounge. We are not in direct competition.”

“If you want an unbiased outside opinion on it,” Bennett offered, his voice careful and calm.

He looked at me first as if I were the issue. My gaze narrowed right back at him. One look and I was right back to wanting to punch his smug face.

“Your businesses are not the same from what I understand of them both. You are already established, and his is the kind of thing that will only make the town more unique. It will draw an older population, where you seem to thrive in the younger crowd and seasoned locals. The clientele will be vastly different outside of a few crossovers.”

---