Page 14 of Pucking My Off-Limits Billionaire Boss
His laughter rings through the empty tavern, and it's the best sound in the world. "I wanna play hockey like you, Daddy!"
"You'll be the star player, champ," I assure him, ruffling his hair.
I set him down, and he immediately starts exploring, his little feet pattering on the wooden floor. The place is a mess—peeling paint, old furniture, a bar that's seen one too many rowdy nights—but I can already picture it transformed. The Cedarwood Tavern reborn, a place where old memories blend with new ones. I make sure to keep a close eye on Carter, making sure he doesn’t get up to any mischief as he looks around.
I'm lost in thoughts of renovations and business plans when the door creaks open. Carter runs over to me, hiding shyly behind my legs.
"Uncle Max!" I call out, spotting my old friend's familiar frame in the doorway.
Max walks in, a big grin on his face. "Jake, this place is a disaster," he says, but his eyes are shining with the same excitement I feel.
"You just lack vision, my friend," I retort, spreading my arms wide. "Imagine this: a modern sports bar, classic Cedarwood charm, the best burgers in town..."
"And ice cream?" Carter peeks out from behind me, his question serious.
Max laughs, kneeling down to Carter's level. "Ice cream, you say? Well, we can't disappoint the boss, can we?"
Carter nods vigorously, and I can't help but laugh. "Looks like ice cream's on the menu, Max."
Max stands up, clapping me on the shoulder. "You're really doing this, huh? Turning the old Cedarwood Tavern into something bigger and better?"
"That's the plan," I say, confidence surging through me. "It's going to take a lot of work, but it'll be worth it."
Max scans the room, his gaze lingering on the faded walls and the dusty bar. "You've got your work cut out for you. But if anyone can bring this place back to life, it's you."
I look around, seeing not what the tavern is, but what it could be. A place for the community, for families, for anyone looking to have a good time. A place where maybe, just maybe, old flames could rekindle.
"Yeah," I say, more to myself than to Max. "It's going to be something special."
Max and I step out back, following Carter who wastes no time darting off into the open area adjacent to the Tavern. The space is wide and grassy, a perfect playground for a kid with endless energy. We lean against the railing, watching him chase his own shadow, laughter echoing in the open air.
"So, what's the grand plan for this place, Jake?" Max asks, turning his attention to me.
I can't help but grin at the question. "I've got ideas, Max. A lot of them. I want to test them all here in Cedarwood before thinking about going national."
Max raises an eyebrow. "Going national, huh? Ambitious."
"Always," I say with a laugh. "But first, I want to turn this place into something Cedarwood's never seen. Think Hard Rock Cafe vibes, but all about hockey."
"Sounds epic," Max says, genuinely impressed. "Hey, if you need a bartender during the off-season, count me in."
I chuckle. "I'll hold you to that."
We watch Carter a bit longer before Max turns to me, a curious look on his face. "So, what’s the plan for Cedarwood Tavern? Been hearing you’ve got big ideas.”
"Yeah," I reply, nodding. "I've gothugeplans, Max. Not just for the Tavern, but for the whole area. I want to make it a regional destination. A place where people come not just for the drinks, but for the experience."
“Let’s hear it.”
I lean in, my enthusiasm growing as I outline my vision. "First off, I'm thinking of organizing live entertainment. We'll have local bands, trivia nights, and even themed parties to draw in different crowds."
Max nods, clearly intrigued. "Sounds like a great start."
"And that's not all," I continue. "I want to create an outdoor seating area with a small stage for live performances. Think patio or beer garden vibes, perfect for enjoying good weather and great music."
"An outdoor stage? That'll be a hit for sure," Max agrees.
"I'm also planning to host fundraisers and charity events. It's important to give back to the community that supports us."
