Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 61248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
My father laughs. “Sibling love. I have two brothers. We will beat each other’s asses, but don’t let anyone else cross any one of us, or the lot of us is after you.”
I’m worried this is going into uncomfortable territory for Ethan, but he turns it around, asking my father about my uncles, and that turns into several stories that last beyond ordering SOL’s famous tacos. Once the food is in front of us, my father turns the attention back to me. “What’s the plan? Are you leaving tonight for Paris? Did you get your passport?”
“I did get my passport,” I confirm, “and as for when we’re leaving,” I turn toward Ethan. “Tomorrow?”
“While you were outside, Helen, who will be your mentor, called. One of her favorite designers is in New York City to prepare for the Rhinestone Fashion Gala. She wants you to spend two weeks with her and then two weeks in Paris.”
“I have so many mixed emotions right now,” I admit. “So four weeks, not six?”
“That’s what she referenced right now. I assume she’ll decide what comes next based on how you perform.”
“Of course. Let the pressure begin. I’ll handle it.” His eyes are warm with my positive response and I add, “The Rhinestone Gala’s a dream event for me. And you need time in New York. But I’m kind of eager for Paris.”
“Seems like you’re getting the best of both worlds,” my father points out.
“Yes,” I agree and turn to Ethan. “And it’s good for you too, right? The whole two weeks?”
“It’s actually perfect. You know I have business to attend to. The catch is she needs you there tomorrow morning. That means we need to fly out tonight, not tomorrow.” He eyes my father. “I was hoping we could do breakfast and talk through the numbers, but why don’t we plan on a Monday Zoom?”
“That works,” my father says, and then, proving I’m what’s really on his mind, he once again shifts the conversation back to me. “When will we know if the Zoey brand is a success?”
“It’s already a success,” Ethan assures him. “She’s too good for this to fail, and the contract is solidly in her favor.”
“That’s what I want to hear,” my father says.
“Now we just need to get your business to the same place,” Ethan adds, lifting his drink. “And I do believe we can, but even if you decide against working with me, don’t let yourself get screwed over by a predatory investor. My attorney can look at the contract for you. She did Sofia’s contract for her, and she’s good. She’ll take care of you.”
“You know I want to work with you, Ethan. The way it’s come about was unexpected, but I have confidence in what I can do with you and for you.”
“Good. Get me the newest updates I need to know about, and I’ll send you over an offer. And if you want to have a one-on-one sit-down before I leave, we can make that happen.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary. I’ve got what you need. I’ll email it after lunch.”
“I’ll take a look and see if there are any red flags. I know you have new distribution needs, so we’ll get this done fast.”
“And if you and Sofia break up?” he asks.
The question is remarkably uncomfortable.
Ethan squeezes my leg under the table and looks down at me. “We won’t.” His eyes and voice are warm, but when he looks at my father, he adds, “But our business transaction has nothing to do with me and Sofia. As an investor, you already know from our first meeting, I expect a return, but I do my part to support that happening. I’ll want you to work with an expert I trust, who specializes in the cash flow and logistics of growing distribution challenges.”
“Done, and in fact, welcomed,” my father says. “I want to take my business to the next level. My daughter might not need it in the future, but I’m going to leave her a nest egg to add to her portfolio when I leave this Earth.”
I reach over the table and squeeze his hand. “Do it for you, not me.”
“How about I do it for both of us?”
“Deal,” I say, and for the rest of the lunch, and at my father’s request, Ethan tells us all about my future in Paris and his life there for years now.
When the check arrives, it goes directly to Ethan, and he signs the bill. When my father starts to object, Ethan is quick to head him off. “I can write it off as business, though I’d expect to get the bill for a lunch with Sofia’s father. It’s the natural order of respect. And I’m supposed to want to impress you, and I do.”
My father’s expression and body language soften, and I can tell Ethan’s response pleases him.