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“Thank you for seeing me. I was worried about how you might take my call. But honestly, I see so much potential in the restaurant and want to see it be a success.”
“And you think Ms. Andrews’ inexperience is holding it back?”
“Yes. She works hard, there’s no doubt. But she’s a little uneven; some nights hard as nails, and other nights too lax. Last night she told the chef to change the menu. Just like that. A restaurant still trying to get its legs underneath it. I’m sure the chef is in a tizzy. They only just got used to the menu we had.”
“She changed the menu?” I asked, wanting to make sure I heard that right.
“Yes.”
Changing a menu wasn’t a big deal. While each of my restaurants had a few staples, my regular customers could count on whenever they came, we’d offer new items every now and then, kept things fresh. The trick was not to change too much too quickly, especially in a new restaurant. Without regular patrons, changing a menu too often could look like the restaurant was flaky.
“She was concerned about the review that said we were trying to be fusion but not quite reaching it,” John added.
Fuck. I’d forgotten to check Lyle’s review. “This program is about helping her build a successful restaurant, so of course there will be a few growing pains. You don’t think she’ll settle in and make it work?”
I swore I could see the wheels turning in his head, as he worked out the response he thought would most likely to win me over.
“Maybe. I know this is a program to help entrepreneurs, but I also know that Raven Industries isn’t in the business of throwing money away.”
“No. But so far, I haven’t seen anything to suggest we’re losing money on this.”
He nodded. “Yes, I understand. But you know how stress is. It can build slowly. We’re treading water, but if we keep having nights in which the kitchen gets overwhelmed, eventually cracks will appear.”
I didn’t bother to mention he was mixing his metaphors.
“So, what’s your solution?” I asked, curious as to his end goal.
“I’ve worked in a restaurant like this before, and I helped turn it around. I know a great chef who can help.”
I frowned. “As the manager, haven’t we already hired you to do this? What are you asking for specifically, Mr. Parker?”
He blinked. “To take over the restaurant for Raven Industries.”
“And what about Ms. Andrews?”
He shrugged. “She wanted a food cart. Maybe she should start with that.”
“I see — ”
In a flash, Morgan was in my office, her eyes fiery as she glared at me and John. “It’s my name on the lease. You can’t just take it away from me.”
“Morgan,” I straightened hoping she didn’t think I was really going to give this numbnut her restaurant.
“No. I don’t need either of you to make this work.” She glared at John. “You’re fired.”
Oh, shit. I hoped she just didn’t open us up for a lawsuit. I could see it already, Raven Industries new project sullied by a sexual harassment suit against a woman.
She looked at me, with the same contempt. “The city doesn’t need another frou-frou restaurant for the rich. The little people like me enjoy eating out sometimes, too.”
She turned to leave.
“Morgan wait.” I started to follow her out.
“She can’t do that, can she?” John asked.
“She can and she did. You’re fired.” I followed her into the open area outside my office, vaguely aware that some of our staff was there. “Morgan!”
She whirled around. “Were you just manipulating me too?”
“No. God, no. I was getting ready to fire him, but I was afraid he might try to sue, since you and he — ”
“Stop. Just stop.” She made a face like she couldn’t stand me and turned again, heading to the elevator.
“Morgan,” I called following her again. Now we were in front of Ash and Chase’s offices. “I’m on your side, really.”
She scoffed as she looked up at the numbers over the elevator. I had about twenty floors to convince her I wasn’t going to take her restaurant from her.
“Come back to my office so we can talk.”
“Why, so you can fuck me over again?”
My brows shot up at her vitriol. She was pissed.
“No. So I can apologize for how it looked, and explain my true intentions.”
“I know your intentions. I keep falling for them.” She shook her head, and under her breath said, “idiot.”
I wasn’t sure if she meant me or her.
“You’re not going to make this easy for me, are you?”
She finally turned to look at me. “Why should I? Just because everything in your entire life has come easy to you, why should I be a part of that? Maybe it’s time to learn how to work for something.”
Fire burned in my gut. “You don’t think I work hard?” I busted my butt for this company. For her restaurant. “Or are you pissed because I’m rich?”
