“So why haven’t you talked about this with Mom and Dad yet?” he asked as they sipped their beers.
She shrugged, staring at her mug. “I want to be sure first. Mom will be supportive and let me make my own decisions. But you know how Dad is. He’s pushy. He’ll want to know everything, and get all up in my business, and then he’ll take out the checkbook. That’s the last thing I want. I have to do this—succeed or fail—on my own.”
He understood that need to make a success out of yourself on your own merits. He’d been walking in his father’s footsteps his entire life, but he’d like to think he’d forged his own way, had made a name for himself on his talents alone. Otherwise he wouldn’t have been playing as long as he had. The Cassidy name could only take a football player so far. After that, you had to make it or break it on talent, sweat and hard work.
And as he looked across the table at his sister, he realized the fire that had burned in his belly all those years ago when he’d first started out in his career burned just as hot in her. She knew exactly what she wanted and she was going after it.
He reached out and grabbed her hand. “You can do this. All on your own. I know you can.”
“Thanks.” She inhaled deeply, then blew out a breath. “Now that it’s out in the open, at least with one member of the family, it’s starting to feel real. I have a lot to do.”
He laughed. “Yeah, you do. But before you go charging full steam ahead with this new venture, tell Mom and Dad.”
“Well, I have a lot to do before I talk to them. I want to be sure everyone is on board and I have something to present to our parents that’s real and tangible.”
They finished their beers and went back to his house, then sat and talked for hours about her business plan. He had to admit he was impressed. She had it all laid out, had a vision, had her chosen personnel and her financing in place. She knew exactly what she wanted and was confident in her approach. With every passing minute he knew for a fact she could make this business a success.
But she’d have to work damn hard at it. He didn’t doubt she would. Just like he didn’t doubt she’d succeed. And he’d continue to worry about her because that was his job.
“You know, I get that you’re all into being your own woman and self-reliant and all that shit, but if you ever need me, I’m right here. And I’m serious about being an investor. If you need me at all, I won’t get in your way. I’ll just fork over money and wait for you to double my investment.”
“I know that. And thanks. The money part I might definitely consider.”
He caught and held her gaze. “I mean it, Mia. I’m not just blowing smoke. If you need me for anything.”
“And I meant it when I said I know, Flynn. You’ve always been there when I needed you. I don’t doubt you will be in the future.”
He caught her genuine smile. Damn this kid who wasn’t a kid anymore. She made him feel like an old man.
Was this how Dad felt, watching them all grow up and get lives of their own? Mia’s maturity caused an ache in the pit of his stomach and made him realize how quickly time passed. It wasn’t that long ago that she was chasing him in the dirt on the ranch, her ponytail flying and her tennis shoes kicking up dust. He could still remember her high-pitched squeals when she laughed.
Now she was a grown woman.
Jesus. Time to stop thinking about that.
He finally picked up his phone. “We should head over to the restaurant. I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry.”
“No surprise there. You’re always hungry.”
“True.”
They got into his SUV and drove to the restaurant. Mia was busy on her phone texting with someone, so he stayed quiet, figuring she was either chatting with friends or conducting business. He parked on the street, leaving space in the small restaurant parking lot for patrons.
They got out and walked toward the restaurant.
“This place is awesome, Flynn,” Mia said as they headed to the door. “I love the feel of the neighborhood. It’s right on the corner, with shops all around. And you’re within walking distance for a lot of folks.”
“Yeah, we’ve already got people who live nearby who we consider regulars.”
“That’s amazing.”
He held the door for her and they walked in. Mia took in a deep breath.
“I can tell by the smell I’m going to love everything in here.”
He grinned. “I thought you were going to be super critical.”
She shot him a look. “This is me being critical. And shut up.”
He laughed and waved at Ken, who came over and shook his hand.
“Hey, Ken. This is my sister, Mia. Mia, this is Ken, my restaurant manager.”
Ken shook Mia’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Mia. Flynn’s told me all about you.”
“All the awesome things, no doubt.”
Ken smiled. “Of course. Are you two having dinner with us tonight?”
“Yeah. Is Amelia here?”
Ken nodded. “She is. And she said she wants to talk to you, but as you can see we’re pretty busy right now.”
“Okay. I won’t bother her while she’s slammed.”
Ken got them a table, then Candace, one of the waitresses, came by. Flynn introduced her to Mia, then Candace took their drink order and left menus for them.
Mia looked around. “The ambiance is fantastic. It’s not fussy, but it’s not lowbrow, either. It’s very homey feeling.” She met his gaze. “That’s what it feels like, Flynn. It’s like being at home. Kind of a rustic yet modern feel to it.”