December 9 2020
The Brewster apartment smelled faintly of coffee and late-night takeout as Dave and Tony leaned over the kitchen island, laptops open and spreadsheets scattered around.
Tony - We've been making a killing at the club
Tony said, eyes bright.
Tony - Honestly, expanding to another location could double our revenue in six months.
Dave ran a hand through his hair, staring at the numbers.
Dave - Yeah, but we can't just rush into this. I want to run it by AJ first.
Tony raised a brow.
Tony - She's busy with the hospital, man. Do we really need her blessing?
Dave shook his head.
Dave - It's not about a blessing. AJ keeps me grounded. She sees things I can't because she thinks ahead. If we expand too fast, we could screw up big.
Tony shrugged.
Tony - Fair. But I just—look at these numbers.
He pointed at a projected revenue chart.
Tony - It's huge.
Dave smiled, closing his laptop.
Dave - I know. That's why I want AJ's input. She's smart. Analytical. She won't let me jump into a bad decision.
Later that evening, AJ sat with them at the table, her tablet in hand, looking over their projections. Mateo was napping in his crib nearby, the apartment unusually quiet for once.
AJ - So
she said, tapping her stylus against the screen.
AJ -You've done your homework.
Dave nodded.
Dave - We think we're ready to expand, but I wanted your perspective before moving forward.
AJ scrolled through the charts, her brow furrowed.
AJ-The growth potential is solid, but your overhead will double, and staffing another location could stretch you thin. Have you considered managerial training for new hires?
Tony leaned forward.
Tonya We have a plan, but we wanted your opinion on whether it's feasible.
AJ looked up, a small smile tugging at her lips.
AJ - Honestly? I think it's a good idea. You've prepared. You know the numbers. But don't underestimate the challenges — expansion isn't just about money; it's about people and structure. Do it wrong, and you could lose more than you gain.
Dave reached for her hand across the table.
Dave- That's why I wanted to check with you first. You always see the bigger picture.
AJ squeezed his hand gently.
AJ - That's why you married me
she teased lightly, her voice soft but confident.
AJ - Now go make sure the accountants aren't lying to you.
Tony chuckled.
Tony- She's terrifying, but she's right.
Dave laughed, leaning back.
Dave - I don't care if she's terrifying. I just care that she's in my corner.
AJ's smile softened as she looked at him, then glanced at the spreadsheets.
AJ - Alright, I give it my cautious approval. But you're coming to me for any decisions that risk more than we can handle.
Dave nodded, satisfied.
Dave - Deal.
And for a moment, the business talk faded, leaving only the quiet satisfaction of trust, respect, and the knowledge that whatever they built, they were building it together.
