Page 15 of Pucking My Off-Limits Billionaire Boss
Max's eyes light up. "Community involvement, nice touch."
"There's more," I add. "We'll have themed nights to attract various demographics. Ladies' night, game night, special events tied to holidays, and of course, hockey-related events and viewing parties during major games."
Max laughs. "Using your hockey background, huh? Smart."
"Absolutely," I say, grinning. "I'm planning to create a sports bar atmosphere inside. We'll install multiple screens to broadcast sports events, especially hockey games. Cedarwood needs a place where sports fans can gather."
"And the kitchen?" Max asks.
"Oh, we're going big with that," I respond. "We'll have a fully-equipped kitchen capable of catering services for local events and parties. I want Cedarwood Tavern to be synonymous with quality food and great entertainment."
Max leans back, impressed. "You're not just planning a tavern, Jake. You're building a whole damn hub for the community. Downtown’s gonna come alive like never before."
I nod, feeling a rush of excitement. "That's the plan, Max. Cedarwood Tavern… it's going to be a place where memories are made, where every visit is an experience. And that’s why the old space, it’s just not big enough. I need more.”
Max whistles, impressed. "That's something, man. But doesn't that mean you own the old Mocha Memoirs spot too?"
The mention of Mocha Memoirs, and by extension Lucy, stirs a mix of emotions within me. "Yeah, it's all part of the plan. The old Mocha Memoirs sits right smack in the middle of the block. Essential, really, for everything I've envisioned."
Max's expression shifts to one of understanding. "Got it. So, you need the spot to make it all work."
I nod. "Absolutely. The location of Mocha Memoirs is crucial. I'm not just thinking about renovating a single establishment; it's about transforming the entire area. It's about synergy, and Lucy’s old shop is right at the heart of it.”
He leans back, considering this. "Sucks for Lucy, right? I bet never in a million years would she have guessed Cedarwood Tavern would gobble up her spot.”
"Yeah," I admit, feeling the complexity of the situation. "There's… a lot of personal history tied up in it. But from a business standpoint, the location of Mocha Memoirs is non-negotiable. It's the linchpin for the whole project. Without incorporating that space into the larger plan, the vision just doesn't work."
Max nudges me playfully. "Speaking of Mocha Memoirs, remember Lucy Marks? Man, you two were something else back in the day."
I feel a familiar tug at my heart at the mention of Lucy. "Yeah, Lucy," I say, my voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and something I can't quite place.
Max grins, giving me a knowing look. "You know, everyone could see the connection between you two. It was obvious. Why didn't you ever do anything about it?"
I shrug, looking away. "I don't know, man. Timing, I guess. Life just got in the way."
Max shakes his head, still grinning. "Life, huh? More like you were too stubborn to admit you had feelings for her."
Max, leaning on the railing beside me, gives me a side glance, clearly not convinced. "So, have you heard anything about Lucy lately? What's she been up to?"
I try to sound nonchalant, despite the sudden surge of interest at the mention of her name. "Lucy? No, not really. Haven't kept up. Why? What's she doing these days?"
Max smirks, seeing right through my feigned indifference. "Oh, come on, Jake. You can't tell me you're not a little bit curious."
I roll my eyes, trying to brush off his insinuations. "It's just old high school stuff, Max. Ancient history."
"Sure, sure," Max teases, clearly enjoying this. "Last I heard, she's still in Seattle, running her new coffee shop."
"Really?" I try to keep my tone casual, but there's a hint of something else in my voice. "Is she, uh, seeing anyone?"
Max shrugs. "Some finance guy, I think. Andrew, maybe? I don't keep tabs on her love life, man." He laughs.
The idea of Lucy with someone else stirs a strange feeling in me, something uncomfortably close to jealousy. I push the feeling aside, not willing to delve into what it means.
Changing the subject, I ask, "So, got any plans for the evening?"
Max's grin widens, and he claps me on the back. "How about we celebrate? You're officially the owner of Cedarwood Tavern again. That calls for a drink, don't you think? And, by the way, Hailey’s taking the afternoon off. Got her a spa day to unwind. Figured she deserved a break from Charlotte for a bit."
I raise an eyebrow, impressed. "Look at you, Mr. Good Husband.”
