Though it was small and old, the cabin had everything he needed, and since it wasn’t his, he wasn’t worried about minor details like style. Because he was now going to stay at least for the next year, it would be helpful to grab a few more of his personal things—like more than a few days’ worth of outfits and a few more of his toys. There was no time like the present for a road trip.
Gage had told Brynn he would be out of town working on business development. When he’d originally typed that part, he’d been thinking it was a creative way to cover him trying out the local fishing, biking, and camping spots. While not technically out of town, it would have been outside the city limits. This plan of his, however, had lost some of its appeal without Keenan by his side to joke around with. Now there was no point in squeezing in everything Ruidoso had to offer if he was going to be sticking around for twelve months.
When Keenan had let him know he was taking off, the idea of going to the outdoor expo didn’t sound half bad. The drive to Denver would be relatively short and was practically on his way home. He could pack up a few more essentials for his extended stay in Ruidoso as well as garner some much-needed advice from the one he trusted most—his father. Savvy businessman that he was, his father wouldn’t be afraid to set Gage straight if he was blindly heading off a cliff with this crazy business idea. And maybe he and his pop could squeeze in enough time to fish with the new rod and reel he’d picked up from Owen’s. That would certainly count as researching products. He couldn’t recommend it if he hadn’t tried it out, right?
He smiled and nodded to himself. He was going to enjoy this aspect of the business.
Throwing only the barest essentials into a small duffel, Gage grabbed a protein bar and an electrolyte drink and jumped into his muddy, dented pickup. See you in a week, he thought as a farewell to his new town.
Gage had been so exhausted by the time he walked into his parents’ home, he barely remembered hugging his parents, his mom walking him to his room, or his father hinting at what he’d discovered about Gage’s new partner and business.
“Don’t stress, son. Overall, it’s positive—”
Gage was pretty sure his dad was going to say more, but he could barely keep his eyes open.
“Don’t bother him with that now, Joe. Can’t you see he needs a good night’s sleep first?” Gage’s mother was always looking out for him, always stepping in when Joe was about to require too much work. Some might call Gage coddled, but he liked to think of it as loved.
“Good point.” Joe looked at his wife with love. He turned his attention back to his son. “We’ll get into all the business stuff tomorrow.” He sidearm-hugged his son. “Sleep well. Glad you’re here.”
While his father’s mention of Brynn left Gage more than mildly curious, he climbed into bed reassured. His father was Gage’s idol and mentor. Joe had a successful businessman’s sharp, analytical mind, and Joe’s easy way about him made everyone feel a welcome part of his family. Almost instinctively, Joe knew who to trust and who to tutor, both professionally and personally. Gage knew that as soon as he mentioned the business opportunity with Brynn Caley, his father would take it upon himself to dig into her background. In fact, Joe probably knew exactly which Brynn Caley Gage had co-signed the contract with. Gage pictured the redheaded skier with her engaging smile and teasing eyes and fell asleep hoping it was her.
The next morning while Gage was enjoying a breakfast of over-easy eggs and hash browns, Joe entered the kitchen packing a folder stuffed with papers. He set it to the side and grabbed his own plate.
“Where’s Mom?” Gage asked. Other than the housekeeper who’d made breakfast, the house had been quiet when he’d gotten up. Following the aroma of food, he’d stumbled to the table, grateful for a home-cooked meal.
“You were pretty out of it last night.” His dad chuckled. “She told you she has a meeting this morning, but she’ll be back for lunch.”
Gage nodded his head toward the folder. “You know you didn’t have to kill a tree for this conversation, Dad,” Gage teased. He’d worked with his dad plenty over the past decade, being given increasingly independent projects as he matured, and every one of those jobs—large or small—had started with a similar folder. “We could have waited fifteen minutes and looked at everything online.”
“And you know I don’t work that way, son.” Joe’s smile, so similar to Gage’s, took over his face.
It was funny how his father knew his way around a computer so well that he could uncover things Gage wouldn’t even know to look for, yet he was so completely old-school about certain things. Like having printed, physical proof.
“Lay it on me, Dad,” Gage said around a mouthful of hash browns. Just the right amount of garlic made them zing. He’d have to learn to make these himself. “What did you find?”
“What do you want first? Info about Owen’s Outfitters, or your new partner, Brynn Caley?” Joe raised an eyebrow like there was something specific that Gage would want to know, and he assumed it had to do with his partner. Maybe this Brynn was the twenty-something woman, and his father had assumed a pretty face was the reason Gage had taken on the project. For that reason alone, Gage chose the other.
“The business first. When I saw the For Sale sign in the window, I figured the owner was only selling the property. It wasn’t until after I expressed interest in the place that I found out the owner was selling the shop with the stipulation that it stay the same kind of business. It’s what I wanted to do anyway, so it seemed like a decent investment, but you tell me.”
Gage was slightly embarrassed to admit that he hadn’t exactly done his homework when it came to this—the biggest impulse buy he’d ever made. He knew better—because his father had taught him better—but also after earning that MBA, Gage felt he had the credentials to make such an assessment, even on the fly.
“You got lucky.” Joe pounded a heavy hand on Gage’s shoulder. “Martin gave me a heads-up before you signed anything, and you know I would have talked you out it if I thought it was a bad idea.”
Finding out Martin had gone behind his back didn’t make Gage feel any better, but he tried to shake it off. In Joe’s defense, it was probably difficult to start trusting your children to make genuine adult decisions. But seriously, at almost thirty, he was plenty old enough that his father shouldn’t even wonder at this point. But obviously, Joe had Gage’s best interests at heart, and Gage would do his best to shrug off the upset over his father’s nosiness. And remembering this would give Gage even more motivation to ensure he made this business a raging success, if for nothing else so that his father wouldn’t feel the need to interfere next time.
“Thanks, Dad.” Gage grew serious. “I’m sure you think it was an immature move, perhaps even foolish, but you know me. I don’t mind that it’s a small town. I know the sales won’t be through the roof—there simply isn’t enough traffic to move a lot of inventory—but I also know that no matter what the state of the business, I can improve it. And in a few years, after I’ve increased its value, I can sell for a profit and move on to higher-stakes businesses.”
“I like your confidence, kid.” Joe pulled the paper clip from a thin stack of papers. “Here are the financials. It wasn’t a bad pick, especially for going in blind. But as you say, there is room for improvement.”
“There’s always room for improvement.” Gage took a swig of orange juice and pushed his plate aside to make space for the papers. He looked over a few things, grabbed his father’s highlighter and pen, and jotted a couple of notes. Looking up, Gage said, “I can work with this.”
His father smiled, pride showing on his face. “I know.”
“And my partner? What did you find out about the elusive Brynn Caley? I haven’t had the chance to meet her yet.” He thought about her pithy email and pursed his lips to hold in a smile.
“You thought you were lucky with choosing a good business? I think you might even be luckier to have pulled in a good business partner.” His
father leaned back in his chair, beefy hands resting on the folder that had to contain information about her. Gage reached for it. “Oh, no. Not yet. Not until you tell me everything you know about this woman.”
Gage looked out the window at a car driving past. When he looked back at his father, he sighed. “Just her name. And apparently, she knows something about winter sports.”
“That’s it, huh?” His father’s eyes glinted playfully in the light.
“My sources say she’s either an Olympic flop who’s pretty dang good-looking, or she’s a very nice woman in her fifties from Arizona.”
“Your sources, huh?”
“Yeah.” Gage leaned back in his chair, trying to pretend like he didn’t care what was in the folder.
“Your sources must have been Google.” Joe called him on it. “Any flunky could have gotten that far.”
“Maybe.” Gage shrugged. “So, which is it?”
“Which do you want it to be?”
It was official. Joe was having way too much fun taunting Gage. He wanted to say, It’s working, Dad—you’re killing me, but he opted for being professional. “Whichever of the women has a better business sense, strong work ethic, but also is willing to work with me instead of against me. I want someone who will make up for my weaknesses and complement my strengths. Someone who builds me up and makes our partnership better just by showing up every day. That’s the kind of partner I’m looking for.”
All mirth gone, Joe stared at Gage for a second or two before responding. “Sounds like qualifications for a wife.”
Gage considered it, thinking back on Tasha and how she never would have fit that description. “Or just a business partner,” he said, holding his ground. “Not necessarily the same thing.” The young Brynn Caley’s face came involuntarily to his mind.
“They might both fit that bill, for all I know. But what I do know—” Joe opened the folder and pulled out a paper that resembled a résumé with a picture in the top left corner. “—is that she’s the younger of the two.”
Gage picked up the paper, bringing it closer so he could inspect the picture. The image his father had found was different from any he’d seen. It was a professional headshot, her hair falling just past her shoulders, slick and gleaming, the light catching the red strands like embers. She wore careful makeup to accentuate her features, and she was dressed in a button-up blouse with small gold hoops in her earlobes. She was even more beautiful than the pictures he’d seen before.
He forced himself to look past the picture and focus on words cut and pasted into a bullet-point list. He’d only started reading when his father spoke.
“What made you say she was an Olympic flop?” Joe tapped a pen in a rhythm on the folder, each time making a dull thump.
Gage looked up from the résumé. “I was kidding, Dad. I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I’d noticed that her goal seemed to be the Olympics, but she never made it, as far as I could tell.”
“Hmm.” His father was silent for a moment, allowing Gage to continue reading the list of Brynn’s qualifications and achievements. He continued, “It also doesn’t appear she has much business experience to bring to the table, but I assure you, she’s got the outdoor knowledge to back it up. And a college degree in marketing and design that should, as you say, complement your own skills.”
She might know winter sports, but he was the business guru. When he finished reading, Gage looked up to see his father staring at him for a reaction, so he tried to lay out his most honest gut reaction with what he knew so far.
“She graduated from college with an exceptional GPA, especially for one who was constantly traveling for sports. She wouldn’t have gotten that far—academically or in her athletic career—if she didn’t know how to apply herself and work tirelessly.” His father nodded in agreement. Gage continued, “In addition, you haven’t had the chance to see it yet, but she sent me a solid business plan—one that included things I hadn’t thought of myself.” It pained him to admit that to the man he idolized. “I do think she’ll be an asset to the partnership.” His father’s indulgent smile was his only answer as Gage continued, “And if she isn’t, I buy the property in a year and she’s out on her ear.”
His father’s smile turned to a grimace. “Don’t burn any bridges. You never know how things will change. Or stay the same.” Joe gathered the papers, slipped them back into the folder, and straightened them before sliding the file toward Gage. “I’m glad you’re putting your business degree to work, even if it isn’t one of my franchises. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, and I know you’ll figure out a way to make the business work. I have complete confidence in you.”
Joe stood and gathered their dishes. He carried them to the sink, effectively ending the father-son business meeting.
Gage spent the rest of the morning scrutinizing the information his father had given him, taking notes and making plans. It wasn’t until he got to the bottom of the stack that he came across the details of the trust fund his father had set up when Gage was a kid. Joe had told him more than once that when Gage was ready to start or acquire his own business, there was a nest egg growing to help him in that endeavor, but now that he was seeing the numbers, his eyes went glassy over the generosity. With this figure in mind, Gage reviewed the budget he’d developed, and though it didn’t change much of what he’d planned, he could now do it comfortably.
Phase two of Brynn and Gage’s plan was to get the remodeling done on the shop. Looking over the pictures he’d taken the day before, Gage wrote out more detailed instructions and emailed them to Keenan. That was the easy part. Keenan would help him make a comprehensive materials list, purchase the products and have them shipped, and give him an estimate of time and costs. All he needed now was to get Ms. Caley involved.
He’d been mulling over the wording all day. His conscience stung, making him ask himself if he wanted to change his tactics just because it was the cute redhead rather than the middle-aged woman from Arizona. Surely his change of heart didn’t have anything to do with that. But would it be weird if Gage softened his approach now after sending that first, bitter email? Would Ms. Caley notice if he changed too much and take advantage? He didn’t want to appear weak or give her the upper hand. Yet, if he was reading the subtext of Brynn’s email correctly, he ought to ease up on the language. He didn’t want to alienate her completely.
To: Brynn Caley
From: Joseph Konewko III
Property Improvements
Ms. Caley:
In my estimation, renovation of the building needs to be priority number one. The exterior, while adequate, is generic, but a clever name with new signage could go a long way in branding. The interior, on the other hand, needs a complete overhaul. The lighting is dim, the paint old and faded, and the flooring deplorable, as was discussed in the remodeling portion of the business plan. Furthermore, the layout of the store with its product placement needs a closer look. To that end, I suggest we consult a sales psychologist to maximize our opportunities.
If you would like to address any of these projects or have concerns of your own, don’t hesitate to let me know. I have talked with a crew about doing the renovations and have a verbal agreement with a contractor. Are you on board with us moving ahead with renovations?
If I hear nothing to the contrary, I will assume that you approve the aforementioned improvements to the property and are willing to contribute to the project.
Best regards,
JGK
Chances were that Brynn didn’t have a trust fund at her disposal, but he couldn’t be sure. Besides, she had been ready to purchase the property, so she had to have been approved for a loan. It was only fair that she invested equally.
Gage reread his email. He sounded stuffy, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to send it. Remembering her pithy response last time, he felt he needed to challenge her again. Let’s see how she reacts to this time. He clicked send.
After catching up on the scores
from this week’s games, he was about to close his laptop and head outside for some fresh air when he noticed a new email. Brynn had responded already. That was quick.
To: Joseph Konewko III
From: Brynn Caley
RE: Property Improvements
Mr. Konewko—
I would agree that the property is desperately in need of updating. The carpet alone makes me ill every time I open the door. It smells like a cross between soggy carpet and sweaty gym socks—exactly what I suspect a hockey locker room smells like. Because you were a little vague on the details, I figured I could be of some use in that regard—especially since I have been contemplating the acquisition of this store for a couple of months now and am familiar with its current state.
I have attached some pictures of paint color schemes as well as choices of flooring, though I strongly suggest wood-look tile for durability, since many of our customers will walk in with snow on their boots for at least half of the year.
I propose we begin work on remodeling the day we close on the lease—Nov. 14. That barely gives us a week and a half until Thanksgiving, but I think it’s doable if we work quickly, and efficiently. Will that work for the crew? I feel strongly that we must to be ready to have our grand reopening on Black Friday at the latest. How does that fit with what you were envisioning?
Sincerely,
Brynn Caley
The tone of her emails was getting a little less formal and a bit more conversational. So no longer sounded upset. While perhaps that made the emails less entertaining, it probably meant she was warming up to the idea of working together with him. And he had to admit her plans were as good as his. Maybe it was time for him to start loosening his own grip. It was time to trust her.
Kayaks and Kisses: A Romance Renovation Novel (Vintage Romance) Page 6
