Page 22 of Game Changer

“Are you planning on renting out the bar for private functions?”

I lock the door and then turn back to face him. “Private functions?”

“I have a friend that I think might be interested in renting out Turquoise Crown for a retirement party for one of his employees. The party would be three or four months from now, but planning ahead can’t hurt.”

There’s the answer to my question. He dropped by to talk business, and since that business is mine, I answer with an eager nod. “Absolutely. You can have him call me.”

“I’d need your number to do that.”

As much as I’d like to believe this is a very roundabout way for him to score my number, I don’t think that’s it at all. I motion at his jacket, and the pocket I suspect is holding his phone. “I’ll give it to you to pass on to him and anyone else you know who might want to rent out the bar.”

He slides out his phone and enters the ten numbers I call out into his contact list next to my name as I watch. “Thanks, Opal. I’ll get him to call you.”

You can, too.

I keep that to myself because the fear of rejection is too much, and I need to focus all my attention on my bar right now.

I look down the sidewalk in the direction I’ll be headed soon. “Time for me to take off. Thanks for stopping by, William.”

His gaze catches mine. “I’ll be back once Turquoise Crown opens.”

I want it to be a promise, but even if it’s not, I’m glad we met. It sounds like I’ll at least book a private party for one night because of him. That’s a big plus in my books because I wasn’t planning on exploring that aspect of the business until a few months from now once I had a group of regular customers I could pitch the idea to.

If William’s client’s party goes smoothly, I’ll start advertising. It’s another revenue stream, and that can’t hurt.

“I’ll see you then,” I say. “Take care.”

He looks directly into my eyes as a ghost of a smile plays on his lips. “You too, Opal.”

12

William

“I need Opal now!”Percy tosses that at me as I enter the bistro I told him to meet me at.

He’s the one who thought it was a great idea to call me repeatedly in an effort to get my attention. Little does he know that while he was chasing me down, I was staring into the beautiful brown eyes of the woman he wants.

“Sit down,” I order, but follow it up with a smile because this man paid me a hell of a lot of money to make his romantic dreams come true, and word-of-mouth is how most of my clients find me.

He takes my advice and drops his ass back onto one of the two chairs next to a table in Lise. It’s a small, exquisite eatery in Greenwich Village. Lola put me onto this bistro when she suggested I bring Scout here for Sunday brunch a few months ago. I quickly became a regular. It’s one of my go-to places in the city when clients have what they consider an emergency. That typically means they’re freaking the fuck out about the woman they want, and they’re looking for assurance from me that they’ll get a shot at a happy ever after.

I’m always honest about whether or not I see that as a possibility. If I’ve met the woman a client desires and I don’t see a path forward, I’ll tell my client as much. I don’t see the value in wasting anyone’s time if a connection isn’t in the cards. It hasn’t happened often, and unfortunately, in Percy’s case, I haven’t had enough time with Opal to determine if she’s a good match for him.

My gut is screaming that she’s not, but that might have something to do with every other part of me since I find the woman attractive. I’m talking off the scale attractive. She’s beautiful inside and out.

“I’m ordering,” I tell him before he can grill me on the progress I’ve made.

I catch the eye of the owner of the bistro. Annalise Brookings waves a hand in my direction. She’s coming toward me before Percy can get a word in.

“William,” she greets me. “How are you today?”

“Good. You?” I ask because I always do.

Everyone wants to feel that someone cares. I’m not one to ask that question and then glance away. I keep my eyes on the person I’m talking to so they know I’m invested in their answer.

If they tell me their day is going to hell at breakneck speed, I want to know why. I’ll do what I can to turn it around because we can all use someone in our corner when the going gets tough. Something as innocuous as a smile from a stranger or an ear to listen can make all the difference in the world.

“I’m great,” she answers before glancing at Percy. “Who is this?”

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