Page 106 of If You Give a CEO a Chance

“If you’re not interested, I won’t move forward. You’ve wanted this for so long and I’d never take that away from you,” Theo states.

“What kind of autonomy would I have?”

“You’d have the final say over the menu, and would work with my team on the design elements, and hiring the staff. And of course you’d have a state-of-the art kitchen.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“Very. If you’re on board, the investors want to get started right away.”

“When would I need to—” The shrill sound of the timer for a batch of snickerdoodles I have in the oven catches my attention. “One second, Theo.”

My head is spinning as I take the cookies out and set them on the stovetop to cool.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There aren’t many companies willing to invest in specialty restaurants and this could be the chance to create something truly special. The problem is that it’s not mine. I wouldn’t have full ownership, so most decisions would go through Theo and his team before being approved.

On the other hand, my practical side understands this could be as close as I’m going to get—unless I settle for a food truck or run a pop-up kitchen at local events. Even the considerable savings I’ve built up since working for Harrison won’t make a dent in what I’d need for a lease on a storefront in New York City. And opening a restaurant without a seasoned team would prove to be challenging.

Theo’s offer might not be everything I envisioned, but it comes close. The question is, can I compromise on my dream?

“Fallon? Are you still there?” he asks.

“Yeah, I was just thinking about what you said.”

“Take all the time that you need. This is a big decision and I want to make sure you do what’s best for you. I’d never want you to put your own career or dreams on the back burner if this isn’t what you want. Whatever you decide, I’m here to support you.”

“I really appreciate it, Theo.”

“That’s what friends are for,” he replies warmly. “I’ve got to run, but we’ll chat when you’ve had time to think about this, okay?”

“Sounds good, thank you.”

When he hangs up, I stare at the phone, still trying to wrap my head around our conversation.

Maybe I should have turned Theo’s offer down outright, but my grandmother’s remarks about me not being good enough play on a loop in my mind. What if this is my only shot at getting remotely close to honoring my mother’s legacy and making a positive impact for those with food allergies?

My mind is racing, realizing that I have to tell Harrison about the offer. Which means I can no longer avoid the talk about where we stand, and what our future looks like. And if we even have one together.

Now the question is how to bring it up?

It’s been a long day at the office, and I’m counting the hours until I can get home to Fallon. Thankfully, my mom and siblings have kept me entertained through our group chat.

Mom Doesn’t Have Favorites

Harrison: What the hell Cash?

Mom: Watch your language, Harrison Ford Stafford.

Dylan: Oh snap. Mom used your full name. That’s not a good sign.

Cash: Someone is in trouble.

Harrison: Should be you for changing the name of the chat again.

Presley: This is going to be good.

Mom: Please tell me you’ve made things official with Fallon.

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