No Such Thing As A Hollywood Ending

chapter 18

Lucy paced around her bedroom, her mind buzzing with an idea that had had since that night with Henry. It wasn't one of those typical "eccentric millionaire" ideas like throwing extravagant parties or buying a private jet. No, this was different. She wanted to open a restaurant. But not just any restaurant—a place modeled entirely after a school cafeteria.

The thought had struck her during one of her many lunch breaks spent sitting by the piano, watching the interactions between her classmates. There was something oddly comforting about the clattering trays, the slightly worn-down tables, and the hustle and bustle of students weaving between each other to find a place to sit. It was chaotic, sure, but it was also familiar, grounding.

And Lucy wanted to recreate that—minus the bad food and awkward social tension. Her vision was to take the concept of a school cafeteria and elevate it, turning it into a quirky, nostalgic dining experience where people could come, grab a tray, and choose from a menu of comfort foods like gourmet pizza, mac and cheese, and cafeteria-style desserts like brownies and cookies. It would be a fun, laid-back place where people could relive their school days, but with better food and fewer rules.

She sat down at her desk, pulling out her notebook filled with sketches and business ideas for the restaurant. She had already thought of a name: "Caféateria." It was perfect—a playful mix of "café" and "cafeteria." She could already see the trays lined up, the booths that looked like school tables, and the nostalgic lunch line, complete with servers wearing cafeteria-style aprons.

The only problem was money. Lucy knew she had no real experience running a business, and something like this would take a lot of capital. Her first instinct had been to talk to her dad. After all, he had the resources, and she figured that once she explained the concept, he might be willing to help.

So, she had marched into his study earlier that afternoon, her heart pounding with excitement. But his reaction hadn't been what she expected.

"A school cafeteria restaurant?" Her dad had raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his leather chair. "You're serious about this?"

Lucy had nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I've thought it all through. It would be a nostalgic experience, a place where people can relax and have fun, just like in high school—but with good food!"

Her dad had sighed, setting down the report he was reading. "Lucy, I admire your creativity, but this idea... it's not practical. Who's going to want to eat in a place modeled after a school cafeteria? People hated those experiences growing up."

Lucy had felt her stomach drop. "But that's the point. It's fun because it's ironic. People love quirky restaurants."

Her dad had shaken his head. "Restaurants are a tough business. Most of them fail within the first year. I can't in good conscience give you money for a project I don't think will succeed."

The words had stung more than Lucy wanted to admit. She had been so excited to share her vision, but her dad's practical approach had hit her like a cold wave.

"I just... I thought you'd believe in me," she had muttered, her voice quieter than she intended.

"It's not that I don't believe in you, Lucy. I just think you need more experience before you dive into something like this. Maybe take a business course, work in a restaurant first. Learn the ropes."

And that had been the end of the conversation. Her dad wasn't going to give her the money, and she wasn't sure how to feel about it. She knew he wasn't being cruel—he was just being realistic. But it still felt like a slap in the face.

Now, back in her room, Lucy stared down at her notebook, her heart sinking. She wanted this so badly, and the more she thought about it, the more convinced she was that it could work. People loved themed restaurants. And there was something charming about the idea of a cafeteria where the food didn't suck and the atmosphere wasn't as sterile as the real thing.

She tapped her pen against the desk, deep in thought. If her dad wasn't going to fund it, she'd have to figure out another way. Maybe she could start smaller—set up a pop-up version of the restaurant or host a special event where she could test the idea. There had to be a way to make this dream happen without relying on her dad's money.

Determined, Lucy stood up and grabbed her phone. Maybe she didn't need her dad's support. Maybe this was something she could figure out on her own. And as she started brainstorming ways to fund her project, the initial sting of rejection began to fade, replaced by a sense of resolve.

She wasn't giving up on Caféateria. Not yet. And she thought maybe Henry could help.