He began to head to the diner, when she asked him to make small detour. “Turn left here.” She indicated River Road. It was just off the beaten path, and he knew of nothing on it other than a few old farm houses most of which were abandoned. Some of the property had just been purchased by a land developer and recently zoned for commercial use.
When they arrived at her destination, he was still confused. He had not the remotest idea of what she wanted to show him. But it was an old farm house that was up for sale. He examined the property, and figured the land developer was hoping people would buy up this property and the others for a bed and breakfast.
Joseph’s expression must have clued her in to his confusion because she quickly began to ramble. “I think this would be the perfect spot for a restaurant. I would get patrons from the reserve and the nearby town. Now that the land is zoned commercial, I’m sure some of these properties will be converted into shops, antique stores, maybe a bed and breakfast or two. The kitchen would need to be updated and industrialized, but the rooms on the ground floor would make for great seating. And the porch too in warmer months. Upstairs I would use for storage.”
When had this idea popped into her head? He thought her restaurant was still far off. “Your restaurant?” He chimed in. He knew that was her dream, but knew she didn’t have the capital to start something like that now. Or did she?
“Yes,” she continued breathlessly. “It’s been my dream forever. And the back windows have a great view of the river. When I saw the sign this morning, something just clicked. I think I’m going to make an offer.”
He tried to wrap his brain around that announcement. “That’s going to be expensive.” His words came out softly. He tried to mask the incredulity he was feeling.
She didn’t pick up on it. She was too excited about her new venture to notice. “I have great credit. And a little put away. Hopefully enough for a small down payment.”
“This is going to take a lot of work.” He kept the shock from his voice.
“I know, but with the boys gone in a few months, I figure they can help me over the summer with labor. And I can keep working at The Mystic until I’m ready to open. With them in college, more of my money can be spent here.”
Not wanting to discourage or dissuade her, or show his suspicions, he smiled and reached for her hand. “It is a great location. And I’ll help when I can,” he murmured. But he continued to wonder where she would get the start up cash.
His reward was a bright smile and she leaned over and kissed his cheek in her exuberance. “Okay, I’m ready to eat. Let’s head to the diner. The boys are going to be famished. They have been at it all morning. And they got home so late from studying too,” she was shaking her head.
“Sure thing.” He smiled at her to put her at ease and put his car into reverse as she settled more comfortably into her seat.
“Have you mentioned the restaurant to your brothers yet?” He looked at her from under his lashes to gauge her reaction. He tried to keep his tone neutral.
He saw her stiffen slightly in her seat. “Yes. They know. They want this for me too. They are willing to do whatever they can to help me.” She ended her words abruptly and looked his way.
Jewel sensed something in his tone. He didn’t sound as excited for her as she’d thought he’d be. His eyes were probing. “They’ve known I’ve always wanted this. They know I gave up a lot to come home and raise them. They want this for me.”
“I’m sure they do,” he replied cautiously. His thoughts were a whirl. They would do anything to help her. He was sure of that. But what was anything? Theft? Robbery? How could she come up with the money to convert this old farmhouse into a high end restaurant? No matter how good her credit was, the banks would want some capital expenditures on her part to cover any loss if the restaurant wasn’t a success. It took a while to make a restaurant successful. He carefully chose his next words. He didn’t want to spook her or alert her of his ever growing suspicions. “Your brothers, once they go to school, will they be home often to help with the new restaurant?”
She didn’t answer right away. Again, he felt her stiffen beside him. “I’m not sure. And I don’t want them to lose focus of their educational goals. I’ll take my time. I don’t foresee opening for at least a year. Maybe even longer. As you said, the equipment needs alone will be quite expensive.”
He dropped the subject for now. They were almost at the diner.
“My brother and I had a rough start in school too. Too many parties, too many distractions. It’s good that they focus on school,” he added.