Page 113 of If You Give a CEO a Chance

He shifts in his seat, blinking rapidly, a mix of confusion and concern in his eyes. “Are you okay with that? I assume you’ve told him that you want to open one of your own someday?”

Here goes nothing.

“That’s the thing. His market research team found a growing demand for a restaurant specializing in food sensitivities. He wants me to move back to London and manage the one they’re launching.” I rush to explain, wanting to get it all out at once.

I glance over at Harrison. His features don’t betray emotion, and the silence stretches between us. I’m not panicking because his hand is still firmly clasped around mine, his touch grounding me amidst the uncertainty. I’m tempted to give him more information, but I hold back, allowing him time to process. He’ll ask questions when he’s ready.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. It’s only been a day, but keeping this from Harrison for even that long felt wrong.

He clears his throat before finally speaking. “Is it a good offer?”

“It is,” I answer truthfully. “I’d have full control over the menu, a dedicated team to support the launch, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Plus, I’d be involved in hiring the staff and overseeing the daily kitchen operations.” Even as I speak, a knot tightens in my stomach.

“That does sound like an incredible opportunity,” Harrison admits hesitantly. “Have you given Theo an answer?”

I shake my head. “He asked me to take some time to think about it and to reach out once I’ve made my decision.”

Harrison scoots closer, his side brushing mine as he rests his hand on my knee. While his other hand remains wrapped around mine. “Can I ask why you didn’t say yes right away?”

I frown, caught off guard by that question. “If I moved to London, we’d be on different continents.” I state the obvious.

“Yes, but this is your dream. You’ve wanted this for so long, so why hold back when it’s finally within reach?”

Now, I better understand his line of questioning.

The opportunity isn’t as alluring as it was when Theo called me. On paper, it looks like a wish fulfilled, but I can’t shake the thought that I’m trying to force a square peg into a round hole, settling for something close to what I want, but not quite right.

“My dream is to run my own restaurant, where I have control over every aspect of the operation. With Theo, I’d have to answer to him and his investors,” I explain. “What I really want is the autonomy to make the decisions and create something that’s mine.”

It’s not the financial success or prestige that drives me as much as the desire to build something that honors my mom’s legacy. A tribute that reflects her kind spirit and the passion for cooking she passed down to me. Though she’s no longer here, I want to make a space where her love for food and family lives on.

“What’s holding you back?” Harrison asks.

I bite my lower lip, glancing out the window at the skyline. “My lack of resources. I’ve been saving, but it’s nowhere near enough to cover the initial lease, let alone permits, licenses, renovations, and all the promotional costs, especially in New York City. Plus, I’m only one person. With Theo, I’d have a team to help support the venture.”

Most restaurants fail within the first five years, and without a solid marketing strategy and financial backing, I wouldn’t make it past one. It’s a harsh truth to accept. In the past, I wore rose-colored glasses, believing that passion and hard work would be enough, but now I know I can’t overlook the practical side of things if I want to make this happen.

Noticing my uncertainty, Harrison gently turns my chin to meet his gaze, offering me a reassuring smile. “You’re far more capable than you give yourself credit for.”

“I just wish there was a simple solution. It seems like no matter what I choose, there’s a tradeoff.” I breathe out slowly, releasing my pent-up tension. “Can we switch topics for a bit? Maybe it’ll give me some perspective. Wasn’t there something you wanted to tell me?”

“Yes, but before I do, I need to say something. I want you to know that whether or not you decide to accept the job offer, I’ll be there with you,” he vows. “If you want to move back to London, we’ll find a place with a view of the Thames or Notting Hill. Or if you decide to open your own restaurant somewhere outside New York, we’ll find a place with a sunroom for your plants and plenty of room for Cat to explore.”

His willingness to put his own career second to mine catches me off guard. No one has put me first since my parents died, and it makes me see that I’m the most important thing in Harrison’s world—just as he is in mine. I wish I knew what I did to deserve him, and I plan to spend forever showing him how grateful I am.

“Harrison, you’re the CEO of the largest real estate firm in the country. You can’t just move out of New York on a whim when this is where you do business.”

He holds my gaze, making sure he has my attention. “I’d give up everything for you if I had to because you’re all that matters,” he states with unwavering determination. “Besides, what’s the point of being the boss if I don’t have flexibility in where I live? Now, back to the thing I wanted you to know about.”

When he doesn’t elaborate, I furrow my brow. “Well, are you going to tell me?”

He smiles. “I’d rather show you.”

Fifteen minutes later, we’re standing in front of a brick building, ivy crawling up one side and large glass windows covered in opaque film. I pull a key from my coat pocket, unlocking the black double doors.

I gesture for Fallon to enter. “Here we are.”

Her eyes linger on the exterior before tipping her chin, curiosity written across her face as she steps forward. I follow closely, shutting the door behind us once we’re inside.

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