Page 86 of A Perfect Match
"Want to talk about it?"
Part of me wants to say no.There’s nothing to talk about—at least, I want that to be true.But Maverick's been through his own relationship drama with Scarlett, and he's got a good head for business.Maybe an outside perspective would help.
"She's working herself into the ground," I finally say."But nobody can tell her anything because she’s been micromanaged her entire life by her brothers.This barn renovation project—she's obsessed with it.Working until midnight, forgetting to eat, pushing herself past exhaustion."
"Sounds familiar," Maverick says pointedly.
"It's different."
"How?"
"It just is."I know I sound defensive, but I can't quite articulate why Piper's work habits worry me more than my own.
"Maybe it's different because you care about her," Maverick suggests."Makes it harder to watch someone else make the same mistakes as you."
That hits closer to home than I'd like to admit.I frown and then take a pull of my beer, letting his words sink in."Maybe."
"Or maybe," Maverick continues, "you're seeing what it looks like from the outside when someone you care about disappears into their work."
I lift a brow."What do you mean?"
"When's the last time you took a real day off?When's the last time you did something that wasn't related to the restaurant?"
"That's different.I'm launching a business."
"And she's launching a business too."Maverick shrugs."Maybe you're both workaholics, and you just don't like seeing your reflection."
The observation stings.How many nights have I worked until closing then gone home to do inventory or work on menu planning?How many meals have I skipped because I was too focused on perfecting a recipe?
"Speaking of work," Maverick says, either sensing my discomfort or genuinely changing the subject, "what's next for you?You've got this place running smooth already.Most restaurants take months to hit their stride."
"I've got good staff," I say."And I’m loving it.I think it’s what I was born to do.”
"So what's the next move?Expansion?Franchise opportunities?"
I laugh, but there's something in his tone that makes me pause."Slow down there, entrepreneur.I've been open for two weeks."
"I'm serious.Have you thought about it?You’re already hitting the top of the charts in the Bayshore competition.That marshmallow addition to the lobster isfantastic.It’s the kind of recipe that can carry this location for decades.You could probably get backing for a second location pretty easily, especially with the TV show exposure."
The idea has been percolating in the back of my head.“Maybe," I admit, then I remember the business card Jackie passed along.I fish it out of my pocket, rereading the name.“This restaurant group wants to chat with me about something.Maybe they’re interested in helping me expand.”
"You should look into it," Maverick says."Strike while the iron's hot, you know?Build an empire."
An empire.The word has a nice ring to it.Multiple restaurants, a recognizable brand, the kind of success that would make my dad proud.I laugh and shake my head.
"What's holding you back?"Maverick asks, noticing my hesitation.
I almost say "nothing," but that would be a lie.What's holding me back is the woman currently painting beams in a barn at midnight.Which is ridiculous.This is a brand-new relationship.Hardly a reason to limit my business growth.
But as I sit there with Maverick, thinking about expansion and empire building, I can't shake the image of Piper swaying on that ladder, exhausted but determined.And I realize that somewhere along the way, her dreams have become tangled up with mine.
"Nothing's holding me back," I finally say."Just want to make sure this place is solid first."
"Fair enough."
“Also, it’s not lost on me that your suggestion will put me deep into the throes of the workaholic life that I just got on Piper’s case about.”
He cocks a grin and shrugs.“Maybe we’re looking into a three-way mirror here, who knows?”
