ODDS OF LOVE : ONE MOMENT

Episode 31

" Well , that was the world's shortest visit ever," Nigel said bitterly as he tried to avoid Richard's gaze.  He was feeling that embarrassed and ashamed in the aftermath of Joe Jacobs practically stuttering and stammering as he tossed the rose at Nigel and then made his hasty departure. All without looking at his hideous face. It made him wonder how Richard could look at him. He had never once seen pity or revulsion on Richard's face though, he admitted. Yet. But give it time. After all Nigel was not someone who took up permanent space in anyone's life. " I'm sure he is just ripping off to pen an email to me in which he says he has decided to go a different route with the job now. "

Richard put his iPad down on the nightstand. " And when he does let me read it. If there is any thing discriminatory in it I will sic a whole team of mean nasty lawyers from my firm on him. Pro Bono of course. "

Nigel laughed. " Of course. As much as that would amuse me, Richard, I think not. I don't think I will be his assistant manager. I mean why would he want me around there curdling the cottage cheese and scaring customers. I'd be a liability. "

Just like he would probably be for Richard. A liability.

Richard pouted. He honestly pouted , to Nigel's amazed wonder. Which made Nigel laugh more. " Nigel, you take all my fun away. I was going to hand you the Cafe J on a silver platter. Now admit it. That would be fun. Giving that man a little of his own medicine for a change. "

Nigel shook his head. " No. Well. Yes. I have always wanted to run a restaurant. I like cooking. I do a fair bit of it in my rare moments. I would love to take the Cafe J and turn it into a high end steak and potatoes restaurant. "

Richard grew quiet for a long while. Then he smiled almost devilishly. " I have an idea. "

" I'm scared. "

Richard grabbed his hands and squeezed them firmly. " The last time I was at the Cafe J I noticed a storefront across the street that was for lease. I think it was a pizza restaurant at one time. Never frequented it myself. But hear me out. You are so incredibly capable with management and administration. You ran me for six years after all. You could manage it. You could hire on a damn fine kitchen and front end staff. Maybe even poach a few from the Cafe J. I think it could be a true success. "

Nigel could see it all unfolding in his head as Richard spoke. It would be perfect, he grudgingly admitted. Except for two things.

He was not smart enough to run a whole restaurant. He was not that capable. Was he?

And also......

" I don't have the money to open a restaurant. We're not all independently wealthy, Mr. Norland, sir. "

Richard laughed. " But I am ! And I'm always looking for good investments. You do all the work which we know you love to do. And I shall be your partner. Silent partner. "

Nigel gaped at him. " Richard....."

" Let's do it, Nigel Hawthorne -Cyrus. "

To his amazement, Richard Norland actually got on his knee and took his hand in his own, asking," Nigel, would you do me the honor and pleasure of opening a restaurant with me? A steak restaurant right across from Joe's vegan delight? "

Nigel giggled and for one moment forgot his burns and his embarrassment over Joe's reaction. " Oh bloody hell. Why not? What do I have to lose? "