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He blinks once, turning his gaze to meet mine. “What?”
“Work. You mentioned that you came back to town to do some work.” I pause. “What kind?”
“Oh, it’s just.” He waves me off, looking away. “Just a new startup I’m working on. It’s still in the starting phase, so It’s still hush hush for now.”
“Oh.” I nod. He’s not telling the full truth. There’s something he’s not saying, but I’m not pressing any further.
“So,” he continues, “let’s talk shop.”
“Okay.” I smile.
“You know.” He leans forward, stroking his chin. “I was thinking… since you want to run this shop like a formal business, it’s better to use the knowledge you’ve gained from your corporate job.” He pulls out his phone.
“Tell me. What was being in Andrews & Sons like?”
“Um…” I scratch the back of my neck. “Wait, how does my experience with Andrew and Sons help me here?”
He drops the phone. “I’m making a projection. Andrews & Sons is one of the most successful companies in the city, and you were privileged to work there. I think there might be something in there you might be able to replicate, you know.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t think I should say.”
His eyes light up and he leans forward. “You can trust me.”
“Okay.” I bite my lips. “I know I quit A and Sons so I could start my own business, but that’s not the entire reason.”
“Really?” He picks up his phone again, typing something.
What is he doing?
He drops the phone after a moment, facing me squarely.
“Tell me everything.”
Chapter Eighteen: Ian
Kaylee’s shop has never been more packed than tonight. People from all parts of town are in attendance at the shop’s rebranding party. I don’t know if it’s the free pastries that brought them there, or my excellent PR skills; either way, I’ve outdone myself.
“Cranberry juice, sir?”
I turn to the side, smiling as Kaylee walks up to me with a tray filled with cranberry juice in disposable cups.
“You spoil me, ma’am.” I grab a cup, taking a sip. Kaylee chuckles lightly, turning to look at the crowd of people, standing around and talking among themselves.
“Throwing a rebranding party was a darn good idea, Ian.” She turns to me.
“I’m darn good at my job, Lee-Lee.”
“I mean.” She shrugs, turning back. “I had my doubts initially. I thought it was going to be a big failure because no one would come.” She pauses. “But somehow, you managed to pull it off. How did you do it?”
“A magician never reveals his secrets.”
“Really?” she laughs. “Now you’re a magician?
“When have I not been a magician?”
