Page 34 of The Last Goodbye

That was none of his business, and very awkward to bring up in front of my client.

“I didn’t realize you worked for the company,” Bass said, his voice lacking any humor.

“I’m a consultant for Winchester Investments, but they keep me very busy, so I’m privy to what’s happening at the company.” Steven smirked, and I made a conscious effort to tamp down my annoyance.

“Anyway, Bass already has a good plan for the layout. The contractor we’re working with is also an architect, and he’s already sketched us some plans. I thought you could just walk it with us, and if anything jumps out at you, feel free to mention it.” The real reason I’d asked him to walk the space with us was because my father had demanded it. As long as Steven was in town to talk about the hotel project, he wanted him to take a look at this one as well.

But I figured it couldn’t hurt, so I didn’t fight it.

My father obviously didn’t fully trust me yet to handle things on my own, which did sting a bit. Sometimes keeping the peace was easier than fighting him on everything.

“That’s why they pay me the big bucks.” Steven winked at me, and I imagined that worked for many women—but it sure as hell wasn’t working for me.

I walked beside Bass. “Let’s start in the kitchen.”

Bass spent the next half hour explaining the layout of the kitchen. I could feel how invested he was. How much this meant to him. Passion emanated from him as he moved around the large kitchen space, describing all his plans. I watched as his hands tapped against the old refrigerator we’d be getting rid of because it was ancient and no longer working.

“The one I currently have is twice the size of this one,” Bass said. “I don’t know how they used this for the size of this restaurant, but Cutler’s aware that the kitchen layout needs to accommodate the appliances I have at the current space. They’re top of the line.”

Steven took several photos with his phone and walked around. “I can come take some measurements this afternoon when we finish up our meeting and just draw out an easy sketch and compare it to the one you already have. Sometimes two eyes are better than one.”

“All right,” Bass said quietly.

“Is there a designer on this project?” Steven asked as he continued glancing around and taking more photos.

Bass glanced over at me with a puzzled look. “I don’t need a designer. I did my current restaurant all on my own.”

I nodded. “I’m the project manager on this one, and I’ll be placing orders and acting as the designer as well. Bass will be making all the selections on finishes regarding everything that’s going in this space.”

“You’re staying for the whole renovation?” Steven asked.

“Our company is responsible for the renovations, and the timeline is tight—so yes, I’ll be here to see this through. I want to make sure it’s done right.”

Next we moved to the dining space, where we talked through the plan for the hostess area as well as a coat check and the layout of the dining tables facing the future floor-to-ceiling windows. That would be one of our largest expenses, since Bass had tons of appliances and cabinets, plus furniture.

Bass talked through every single inch of the space as if he’d been working on the plan for months.

“Well, you’ve got this laid out really well,” Steven said. “I can’t think of anything I’d do differently, but I’m happy to stop by your restaurant and take a bunch of measurements later today, just to give you a second layout to compare with the one you’ve already got.”

Bass nodded. “I need to get to work. I guess I’ll see you later?” he said to me, and as he turned to walk away, I couldn’t help but watch. He was tall and lean but athletic looking at the same time. Not bulky, but just the right amount of muscle.

“You ready?” Steven asked, and I pulled myself from my Bass Bennett daze and nodded.

“Yes. I appreciate you taking a look at the space. I know how busy you are.” I pointed to the empty lot, not far from where Bass had just entered his restaurant.

“Happy to do it. Your dad is a little worried that you’re in over your head.” Steven chuckled, and I fought the urge to argue with him. My jaw tightened as I ground my teeth together, to keep myself from responding the way I wanted to. “And I’m glad we finally got to meet in person as well. It was a long time coming.”

Was it? I didn’t think that was necessarily true, but I nodded. “Well, thanks so much for flying out.”

“Hey, I came on the company jet, so it’s not a hardship.” He winked again, clearly thinking this was a charming move.

It wasn’t.

He took some photos on his phone of the lots where we’d be building the hotel, and he turned to face me. “This is going to be an amazing project, Briar. You found the perfect place to do this, and you even found a solution to get the final building we needed. I think your dad is going to be impressed when everything’s all said and done, though I’m sure he won’t admit it.”

Tell me something I don’t know.

“Well, I’m just glad it all worked out. The new restaurant will be a good move for Bass, and he’ll get a lot of foot traffic from tourists staying at the hotel.” I tipped my head back and let the warmth of the sun shine down on my face.