Page 105 of The Paris Roommates: Dean
Dean didn’t think the little guy would mind, but Madison clearly really loved that bird.
“I’m sure Dean will be protective of him,” Brooke assured her. “Right, Dean?”
“Absolutely. Pierre’s our guy! And I might have the ultimate way to get Jacqueline back, but I’m going to need something from you guys. I kind of saved it until now. Remember how I talked about the missing game changer of my ‘It’ idea? Well, after this incredible flanking idea, another thought came to me in the Uber as I had to decide whether I wanted to share my ride—”
Sawyer interrupted with a drumroll. “Your big idea deserves a proper announcement, Dean.”
“Appreciated.” He took a breath. “Okay, here goes. I’ve been thinking about really expensive bottles of wine or the kind of liquor people want to say they’ve tasted. Like Pappy’s. I’ve always struggled with paying that much and not knowing if it would be worth it, you know?”
“Wine is always a risk that way,” Brooke offered with a nod. “My dad said it’s a poor investment unless you truly love it.”
“And French people certainly do,” Sawyer exclaimed. “It’s in their blood, their very souls.”
Dean opened his hands, his excitement gaining. “That’s what Jacqueline says, and I agree, but they aren’t the only ones. This is our niche. People who want the good stuff but might not want to pay full freight. Or maybe they’re single and don’t want to drink an entire three-thousand-dollar bottle alone. So that’s where my new auction app comes in. I’m calling it Wine Share. With the physical tasting or pickup for the winners being in the storefront I already mentioned—”
“Nice name, man,” Kyle said, fist-bumping him. “So we find a rare bottle and auction off a glass—”
“Which they can either consume on-site or take home,” Dean finished.
“Because Paris doesn’t have open container laws like the States,” Madison concluded with a waggle of her brows. “This is hot, Dean. I won’t lie. When I worked in Miami, customers would come in and ask for bottles like that. Apparently, there are lists out there about wines someone should drink before they die. It’s macabre, but—”
“Great marketing,” Kyle said with a chuckle. “I wish I’d thought of it.”
“I’d totally do something like that,” Sawyer said, pushing his glasses up his nose. “Especially for bottles or vintages with a special story.”
Dean had more tingles then. “This is where I think we might have an ace in the hole who could tell a story like that.”
“You want to include Jacqueline in this new business, don’t you?” Brooke asked, meeting his gaze. “Now I’m going to worry a little.”
He half hugged her. “I don’t want you to worry. My first tingles started with that, and here we are. Of course, that’s if she’ll have me in her life…and if this fits in with her dream business, because she’s got ideas too. I’d be the majority player in this business, like Thea is for the bakery and—”
“Madison is for the restaurant,” Kyle finished for him. “When will you have this addition to the draft business plan ready? Assuming Jacqueline agrees to work with you, of course.”
Hot damn! He grinned. “After I get her input, assuming she takes me back.” Because Mr. Positivity could not be held down.
“Since Pierre seems to have a role in our current two businesses, do you plan on including him in this one?” Sawyer asked, rubbing his neck. “That is one busy bird.”
“He’s already a hit,” Dean answered. “I think Pierre could be a really great spokesperson online.”
“And seeing as how you and Jacqueline have already gone viral with him…” Sawyer laughed. “What does it say about us that we’re talking about pimping out a parrot for business purposes? I have no Voltaire or Rousseau quote to fall back on here.”
“I have one for you, Doc.” Madison sent him a wink. “What gets it done wins.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Kyle rose and walked over to Dean. “I’d say you have your game-changing idea, and I like how the store will be showcasing Nanine’s and Thea’s offerings. Feels right somehow.”
He felt the same way. “Thanks, man.” Dean shook his hand. “And thanks to everyone else for the support and your brainstorming and your ideas. I owe you guys.”
“Don’t forget about Pierre.” Madison cracked her knuckles. “He’s going to be a partner in PRG at this rate.”
“We’ll keep him well fed and clothed with the best of the best,” Dean assured her. “I need help with the name of the place I’m suggesting, though. Something with a parrot in it?”
Everyone groaned.
“On that note, I’m going to say we break,” Brooke said, touching Dean’s arm as she left the room. “I need to call my father and a few others.”
“Me too,” Kyle said, following her out of the room.
“Now all we have to do is wait to hear the results of the auction.” Dean rubbed his stomach nervously. “Anyone want to bet on our chances?”
