Page 16 of The Bargain
I’m on my feet, following him to the door. “Dad, before you say yes to anything, I’m getting some money with the contract execution. I’d love to invest in your business.”
“You invest in you, honey.” He turns and settles his hands on my shoulders. “Take that money and grow your business. If you sell Zoey to Moore’s, start a Sofia brand. Grow, baby, grow.”
“Dad—”
“I’m serious. I made a few mistakes when I was grieving your mother. I took my eye off the ball, but my business has since recovered. It’s hard for some to look past the bumps I had, but I’ll find the right investor.”
“I thought the company was struggling?”
“I landed a big local contract last week. It’s going to be a chunk of change that will hit the bank next month.”
“That’s amazing. Who?”
“Nevel Bar and Grill. They’re going to start with their dozen locations in Colorado, and if it goes well, they’ll pull us through to Texas, where they’re double that size.”
“They’re huge. That’s a big win. Congrats, Dad. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.”
“Right now, I’m focused on execution. I think Nevel’s will look good to the investor. It’s how I got the meeting.” He kisses my forehead and smiles down at me. “Let me know when you sign the contract. We’ll pop champagne.”
“For both of us.”
“Yes. For both of us.” He motions to the desk. “Finish your breakfast. I’ll check on you later.”
“I’ll walk you out.”
We walk and talk, and a few minutes later, I’m back at my desk when my cellphone rings with Harper on my caller ID. “Tell me it’s done,” I answer.
“Ethan pushed our changes through the board, but it still has to be finalized by their legal team. The only challenge with that is their lead counsel’s slower than fucking Christmas.”
“Oh. That sucks. Now that I’ve decided I’m going to do this, I really want it done.”
“Were you evernotgoing to do it?”
“I was. Of course, I was, but I was also a mess over me and Ethan. Not that there’s a me and Ethan. I just—”
“Isn’t there?”
“Get the deal signed, right? Keep it professional.”
“He didn’t say that, if that’s what you think. I did. To both of you. I didn’t want the personal stuff to screw this up for either ofyou. But make no mistake, Sofia, that man is into you, in a big way.”
“I don’t know.”
“I know. And guess what just hit my inbox? We just got the contract back. Give me fifteen minutes to look it over. If it’s a go, I’ll send the final for signature in email and text you to let you know it’s there.”
We disconnect, and Lily appears in the doorway. “Have you signed yet?”
“Not yet, but my attorney said we just got the contract back. So, soon.”
“Yes! That’s what I’m talking about. I bought Godiva to celebrate.” The door chimes. “Darn it. Customer. But tell me when you ink the deal. We’ll open the box, and you can take the rest home with you.” She disappears into the store.
Fifteen minutes later, I’m trying to focus on a design and failing when the text pings on my phone. It’s ready. The contract is in my email. I pull up the document, and I sign. I’m barely breathing when I finish using the electronic program. Ten minutes later, Harper calls. “Congratulations! Maybe you’ll become the next Chanel.”
I laugh, nervous excitement bubbling from my lips. “Dream big, and then do the work, is what my mother used to say. I’m going to dream big.”
“I’m dreaming with you. And I’m here if you need me.”
Lily appears in the doorway, her eyes wide as she mouths, “You havea guest.”
