CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Kyle—

Lifting a taster spoon, I check the big pot of chicken chili, and give Melissa a thumbs up.

"You ready?" I ask.

"Absolutely. Let's kick the tires and take it for a spin, boss."

I chuckle. She's only filling in for the grand opening and until I'm sure my staff is up to the task. "You're adorable. Especially with the apron and hat."

"Hey, this hat beats a hairnet by a mile. And I am adorable, thank you very much."

"You talkin' smack, woman?" Billy yells from where he's manning the grill.

"Mind your grill, ol' man," she sasses back.

I check the clock on the wall. "We open in five minutes, people."

"We're ready, boss," Rafe says, sniffling from the chopping block where he's slicing onions.

I look over, his eyes watering.

"You cryin', brother?"

"I'm not crying, you're crying."

I roll my eyes and walk from the kitchen, through the dining room, checking that every table and booth is set up properly with condiments and the specials menus I had printed.

I lift my chin to the prospect in civilian clothes, manning the bar. "You ready, kid?"

"Ready, boss."

"What's the special today?" I quiz him.

"Two-dollar margaritas and five-dollar pitchers of beer."

"With…?" I drag out the word, reminding him.

"Oh, right. With an entrée purchase."

"What's the limit on the margaritas and pitchers?"

"Two margaritas per person and two pitchers per table."

I give him a thumbs up. "Make sure the servers get the food orders. I'm not giving away booze for nothing. I want repeat food customers."

"Got it. No food, no special."

At the door, Brandy is set up at the hostess podium, prepared to seat people, a stack of menus at the ready. I give her a hug.

"Thanks for doing this on your day off, hon."

"I'm glad to help, Kyle. And if the prospect needs help, I'm an experienced bartender."

"Gonna quit your day job?"

She bites her lip. "Maybe I can fill in on weekends."

"Let's hope the place takes off first."

"Oh, it will. I'm sure of it. Especially with the University so close."

I walk to the door and step outside. My entire club is out there dressed in street clothes, making it look like we've already got a crowd waiting.

I spot my president and walk over and give him a back-slapping hug. "Thanks for everything, Prez. You're a big part of making this happen."

Cole grins. "I believe in you, Kyle. You've always had that go-get-‘em work ethic. I know you'll bust your ass to make this a success."

"Gonna try."

"In the meantime, you can park the food truck at the clubhouse."

"Thanks. I appreciate that."

"And maybe do a Sunday barbeque for us now and then."

"I knew there had to be a catch," I reply with a chuckle.

"There always is, brother."

My mother rushes over. "I want to get a group shot. Everyone, bunch together."

We all put our arms around each other and my father points up at the sign.

She gets a good shot and I give her a hug. "Thanks, Ma." Then I turn to the crowd. "Come on in, everyone. We're officially open!"

There's a round of applause, and everyone files in. There are even several actual customers mingled in. My crew knows to take care of them first.

Green stands on the sidewalk with flyers, waving people in. He winks at me, then continues on like a carnival barker.

"Come on in, folks. Best food on the block. Try the homemade onion rings. You'll see I'm not lyin'. Two-dollar margaritas. Five-dollar pitchers. You can't beat that with a stick, mister."

I chuckle and walk inside.

Soon the place is bustling with business.

We're about two hours in when Brandy calls me to the front door.

"Yeah, sweetheart. What do you need?" I see there aren't any customers at her podium.

"There's a woman outside who wants to talk to you. She gave me this." Brandy hands me a folder. For a split second, my heart races and my hope soars that it may be Sutton out there. But she wouldn't be leaving a folder. I flip it open. Inside is a Five Forks Award Winner certificate and a yellow sticky note that reads, Suitable for framing. I expect to see this up on the wall in a prominent position ~ Food Truck Tina.

"She's waiting outside?" I ask.

"Yes."

I step through the door and see her . She greets me with a smile, and I extend my hand.

"Tina? I'm Kyle. I finally get to meet you face-to-face." I hold up the folder. "You changed my life with this, you know?"

She grins. "I'm so happy to see all your success. It really does my heart good. I saw on your social media page you were opening a brick and mortar, and I had to see the place for myself. I've been meaning to interview you. Maybe you've got a minute for that?" She holds up her phone.

"For you, anything. In fact, come inside. Lunch is on the house."

"First this," she says, and turns on her phone and gets the two of us in the shot.

"I'm here today in San Jose with Kyle. Most of you may remember him as our latest Five Forks Award winner. Well, I'm happy to say Kyle has found a permanent home here in San Jose at San Pedro Square on the corner of West Santa Clara. But Kyle's isn't quite accurate anymore, is it?"

Then she points to the sign on the brick wall.

I stare at the new signage. "No, I suppose not."

"Why'd you change the name?"

"I named it after my lost love—the woman I foolishly let get away."

She gets a shot of the sign, then looks at the camera. "You heard it here, folks. The inside scoop. Sutton's Place is named after his lost love. Sutton, honey, if you're out there, you're letting a good one get away." Then she leans to the camera and whispers, "Don't be a fool."

She pulls back. "So, Kyle, what's on the menu today?"

I tell her our menu and specials, and once again she leans to the camera.

"Did you hear that, peeps? Two-dollar margaritas! I'm in heaven!"

She's funny and bubbly, and I love her immediately.

"Come on in, darlin'. I'll set you up right."

She looks at the camera and fans her face. "He called me darlin'. And he's got a beard and tattoos. Ladies, take my advice, and make a beeline down here."