Page 96 of A Perfect Match
"Take over for a few minutes," I tell Brady."I'll be right back."
I hang up my apron then make my way through the dining room, nodding at familiar customers as I pass.Tyler looks up as I approach, his face breaking into that practiced investor smile.
"Kru!Hope you don't mind me dropping by unannounced.I was in the area and couldn't resist trying that lobster special again."
"A lover of food is always welcome here," I say, sliding into the chair across from him."How is it?"
"Perfection, as always.The nutmeg marshmallow is to die for."He takes another bite, then sets down his fork."Actually, I'm glad I caught you.I wanted to give you a heads up about Tuesday's meeting."
"Oh?"
"The group is very excited about this opportunity.Very excited."His eyes gleam with the fervor of someone who smells money."We're prepared to make you an offer that I think you'll find difficult to refuse."
My stomach does a weird flip."What kind of offer?"
"Your reputation precedes you.Between this menu, the quality of the food you create, and the fame you’ve built in the restaurant world from the reality TV show, a few of my partners have agreed to fast track this endeavor.”
“Fast track?”
“Full funding for the Columbus location buildout.We're talking about a flagship restaurant in the Short North district—prime real estate, built-in customer base.We’re taking away the risk so you can get up and profitable practically instantly."
It's everything I should want.Everything I came to Bayshore to build toward, happening faster than I'd dreamed.
So why does it feel like a trap?
"That's…generous," I say carefully.
"We believe in your concept.And frankly, we think you're wasted in a small town like this."Tyler gestures around the dining room, which is nearly full even on a Monday afternoon."Don't get me wrong, you’re doing well here.But Columbus?That's where you could really make your mark."
Make your mark.The phrase echoes in my head.Isn't that what I came here to do?Honor my dad's memory by building something significant?
"What would the timeline look like?"I ask.
"Fast.We'd want you in Columbus by the new year, ready to open by March.We've already identified the perfect space; it just needs your touch.That’s the place we’ll look at on Tuesday."
Less than three months.Was that enough time to train up a full crew that could operate without me?Besides, that means I’d have to leave Bayshore.
Leave the restaurant I've just opened.Leave the community that's starting to feel like home.
Leave Piper.
"I know it seems quick," Tyler continues."But in this business, you have to move fast.Your reality show buzz won't last forever, and that’s the best time to have your restaurant open in the capital of Ohio, coinciding with the reality show premiere."
He's right about that.The show is set to air in a few months, and there’s no better buzz than at the beginning.This could be my one shot at real expansion, real success.Everything he’s saying is so reasonable and exciting.
So why am I not jumping at the chance?
"I'll need to think about it," I say finally.
"Of course.But don't think too long."Tyler's smile turns slightly predatory."Opportunities like this don't come around often."
He finishes his lunch and leaves, promising to see me Tuesday.I head back to the kitchen, pausing to peer through the window into the dining room.A few customers are taking pictures of their food, probably posting to social media.A couple at the corner table is sharing Piper’s s'mores dessert, which I’ve started ordering weekly from her.
This is what I built.This warmth, this community feeling.It's exactly what I wanted when I came to Bayshore.
But it's also small.Limited.Columbus would be bigger in every way—more customers, more revenue, more recognition.
More distance from the complications of dating your tenant.
