Page 78 of Best Frenemies

I grin at that. “I have to admit, this might be the one time I’m thankful for my cousin’s mulish tendencies.”

Kline laughs, Wes nods, and Caplin crosses his arms over his chest.

Thatch just smiles like a man who loves any and all attention thrown his way. “I know how to get shit done. That’s why you’re all friends with me.”

“Well, that, and the fact that we can’t seem to get you to go away,” Wes jabs and I laugh.

Just a few simple barbs and I’m already feeling more at ease. “Thatch, I have to say, I like your friends more than I like you already.”

He chuckles at that in good humor, clapping a hand at my back, and gestures for us all to move to the large conference table inside his massive office. “Let’s take a seat, boys, and dive into the meat and potatoes. I need to make sure I’m out of here by five or Cassie will guillotine my dick.”

My cousin’s wife is one awesome but crazy chick, so it’s not a stretch to believe him.

I hurry up and grab the packets I created from my backpack and hand them out. “This is the actual business plan of how Music in Motion will be run, as well as the monthly and yearly goals, and how investments and future donations will be handled. Cash flow isn’t exactly the goal here, as with other nonprofits, but the more strategic we are with the funding, the more music programs we’ll be able to save.”

“Are you sure you guys are related?” Wes questions. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Thatch this prepared for anything in his life.”

Thatch scoffs. “Says the fucker who trusts me to invest his billions.”

Kline and Cap are quiet, reading through the information in front of them meticulously. Nothing like casually looking on as a few billionaires evaluate your dream project.

Talk about a puckered asshole.

I’ve spent the last two years preparing for this, but knowing this is the moment—where it either fails or succeeds, period—makes it feel like I haven’t prepared at all.

“This is really good,” Kline remarks after some of the longest silent minutes of my life. “It’s thought-out and reasonable in its goals. Not to mention, it’s a noble cause. When are you hoping to get the foundation up and running?”

“Once I get the investments I need, I think I can get everything up and running within six to eight months.”

“Ballsy timeline, but I like a man who knows how to step up to a challenge.” Cap nods. “You’re a music teacher, correct?”

“I am.”

“Will you be quitting that job to run the foundation?”

“No.” I shake my head adamantly. “That’s the last thing I want to do. I know myself well enough to know I belong in the classroom, and someone else, with a whole lot more business experience, belongs at the helm of Music in Motion. It’s my dream to be able to keep music alive, and in order to do that, I shouldn’t be in charge,” I admit with a laugh.

Wes searches my face but eventually nods. “I’m actually glad to hear that. A lot of people start foundations in the name of filling their own pockets.”

“True that,” Cap agrees.

“I’m not looking to fill my pockets. I don’t want to draw a paycheck or anything. I have a passion for what I do for a living, for the support I got in pursuing music growing up, and this foundation is a way to make sure the kids in our city can experience the music education they deserve. I honestly think it’s vital in childhood development and growth. Music allows kids to express themselves in ways that they normally can’t. It also cultivates imagination and creativity.”

Thatch smiles at me like a proud father. “You’re a better man than most, Mackie. Proud of you. Proud of what you’re trying to do here.”

We chat for another ten or so minutes, each guy in the room asking me any questions that come to mind. And even though no one openly agrees to invest, I do feel like this meeting has things heading in the right direction.

The vibe is good. It’s lighthearted. It’s relaxed. And I sure as shit hope it means all four of their deep pockets will be opening for my foundation soon.

“Mack, do you mind making sure Gunnar gets home from school Monday?” Thatch asks as the conversation starts to drift away from Music in Motion. It’s the perfect opening for my news, and I don’t waste the opportunity.

“Yeah, of course,” I agree. “It’s the least I can do to repay you for agreeing to speak at Career Day on the twenty-second.”

“Excuse me?”

“Did I forget to tell you?” I ask innocently. “Sorry about that.”

Kline, Cap, and Wes all snicker to themselves, glancing between one another when Thatch’s hackles rise.

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