Page 43 of Knot Your Sunshine
"You practically got vitamin D deficiency," Noa jumps in, grinning wickedly. "In Hawaii."
"What? No way." I laugh as Josh's face scrunches in mock outrage.
"He lived on instant ramen and energy drinks for three months," Noa tells me, leaning closer conspiratorially. "We had to stage an intervention."
The server returns with the first course: paper-thin slices of ruby-red ahi arranged like rose petals, garnished with microgreens and dots of citrus-soy reduction.
"Oh my god," I say after the first bite melts on my tongue.
"Wait until you taste the main course," Keanu grins.
As we eat, conversation flows easily. They tell me about growing up together, about building their company in Noa's garage, about the day they sold it and couldn't believe the number of zeros on the check.
"What made you decide to sell the company?" I ask, genuinely curious.
"We accomplished what we set out to do," Noa says thoughtfully. "Our families were secure. Our community had what it needed. It was time for something new."
"And that something new is... investing in new ventures?"
"Among other things," Josh says, brightening. "I'm perfecting coffee roasting. Did you know that a two-degree temperature difference can completely alter the chemical composition of the beans?"
"He's obsessed," Keanu mock-whispers to me.
"Says the man who spent six months hand-shaping a single surfboard," Josh counters.
"But you should see that board…" Keanu says with pride.
Noa shakes his head fondly. "I spend a lot of my free time playing music and making instruments. Ukuleles, mostly."
"You make them?" I lean forward, intrigued.
"By hand. Every piece." His eyes hold mine. "I could show you my workshop sometime,if you'd like."
The way his voice drops on the last words sends heat racing up my neck. I take a quick sip of champagne to cover it.
The main course arrives: local fish that flakes perfectly, accompanied by roasted vegetables I don't recognize but that burst with sweetness.
My God, it's delicious.
"Can I ask you something?" I say between bites of what might be the best fish I've ever tasted.
"Anything," all three say in unison.
"What do you really think about my franchise idea? Honestly."
"We meant every word earlier," Noa says without hesitation. "Yes, finding out you're our scent match makes us want to support you. But Mia, we researched your salon before inviting you. We were prepared to discuss business."
"Originally we thought about partnering on the hair oil or buying your salon," Josh adds. "But your franchise project has potential."
"Good thing you're on board, because I never would have sold you know," I laugh. "That salon is my entire life."
"We know that now," Keanu says warmly. "Your project has more potential anyway."
"Speaking of which," Noa adds, "we have a meeting scheduled tomorrow with an expert. Eleven thirty AM. To start the franchise rollout planning."
"You don't waste time." My voice drops, not quite intentionally. "I like that in business partners."
All three sit up straighter. Noa's pupils dilate noticeably.
