new,” Nate promised. “Not that I get a vote, but I agree with Leo about the kitchen. Atmosphere, fun and good food will bring in the customers.”
“Nothing is sacred,” Tess muttered.
“If you don’t want—” Nate started.
She held up her hand to stop him. “No. If we’re going to make changes, let’s go all in.”
“You won’t be disappointed,” Leo assured her.
“I agree.” Nate looked at each of them. “Let’s talk logistics.”
The contractor explained how many weeks total for the work, the mess involved and the estimated time frame The Pub would have to close for construction. He gave Leo a copy of the plans on a flash drive and instructions to contact him after they had discussed everything. He would draw up a contract and give them a start date. Then he excused himself to go to another meeting he was already late for.
When they were alone, Tess met his gaze, her own worried. “I didn’t think about keeping this place open during construction. Or that it would have to close.”
“It’s a lot to consider, but remember he said it would only close for a short time. When water and electricity would have to be turned off, we can’t conduct business.” Leo thought for a moment. “But before that stage, we can have a ‘pardon our dust’ promotion. Half off drinks and food. Extended happy hour. BOGO. See the before and after. Customers will respond.”
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade?”
“Exactly,” he said enthusiastically.
“We can’t afford to lose anyone.”
“I know. It will be all right. But there’s something else that concerns me more than that.” He turned his chair toward her, the now-empty one sitting between them.
“What could possibly be worse than shrinking our customer base?” she asked. “Or losing four to six weeks of revenue?”
“Construction means dust and paint fumes in this building.”
“Okay. We can utilize the patio area more. Use outside heaters if necessary until summer is here.”
“No. I meant I’m concerned about you living upstairs during the demolition and painting. Plus if the water and electricity are off, you can’t be here.”
“I can make do. I’m tough.”
“You’re also pregnant. None of that will be healthy for you and the baby.”
Now she looked uneasy. “I’ll get fans and open the windows upstairs. It’s spring. It will be fine.”
“I’m not comfortable with that.” No matter whose baby she was carrying, the scenario they were discussing was bad.
“It’s where I live. What do you want me to do?”
“Move out.”
“Where?”
“Can’t you couch surf with friends?”
She thought for a moment and then shook her head. “Anyone I’d feel comfortable asking either doesn’t have room or is living with a parent.”
“Then an extended-stay hotel.”
She shook her head. “I’ll just have to make this work here at The Pub.”
“Why are you pushing back so hard?” he asked.
“Because I don’t have the money to stay somewhere else.”
“I’ll pay for it. The cost of doing business,” he explained.
“I can’t let you do that.”
Her face was showing all kinds of stubborn kicking in, so he didn’t pursue that approach. There was one more thing he could think of.
“Move in with me. I don’t live with my parents.” Heaven forbid. He couldn’t wait to get out of that battle zone when he was a kid. “And I have plenty of room at my place. We’d probably never see each other.”
“That’s not a good idea.”
“I disagree. It’s the perfect solution. And it won’t cost any more out of pocket. So everything is settled. It won’t be for long. It’ll be great.”
The best part was that he could really keep an eye on her. To make sure she ate properly and took care of herself. If he could also see for himself that she wasn’t going out with another man that would be okay, too.
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