She's a menace. She's smart and she's right. You're being stubborn. I'm being careful. There's a difference.
Careful about what? He gestured between them. This whatever this is. We just met. We don't know each other.
And you're offering me a contract that could save my business. That's not It's not clean. Nothing worth doing is clean. She stepped closer. Close enough that he could see the flex of gold in her eyes.
I'm not offering this because I pity you. I'm offering it because I need someone who won't me about repairs or pad the bills or treat me like an ATM with legs. You fix my car for free. You showed up late to a date because you were helping a stranger. That tells me more about your character than any Yelp review.
And if this thing between us doesn't work out, if we try dating and it crashes and burns, then we have a professional relationship and I still get my cars fixed. Adults can handle that. Can they? I don't know. But I'm willing to try if you are.
Ethan looked around the shop at the equipment he'd bought secondhand, the tools he'd collected over 15 years, the dreams of expansion that had slowly contracted into just trying to survive. Then he looked at Sophie through the office window, bent over her homework, trying to pretend she wasn't listening to every word. "If I say yes," he said slowly, "it's because it's a good business decision, not because we're dating. " "We're dating? " I thought, "Weren't we? " Vivien smiled. "I mean, I was hoping, but you haven't actually asked. I'm asking. " "That's not asking.
That's stating. " He laughed despite himself. "Fine, Vivian Hart. Would you like to go on an actual planned date with me? One where I show up on time and not covered in mud? " "I don't know. The mud was charming. " Vivian, yes, I would like that.
Okay, then. Okay. They stood there grinning at each other like teenagers until Sophie's voice cut through the moment. Does this mean you're taking the job? Ethan sighed.
Yes, Sofh. I'm taking the job. Finally. You were being so dumb about it. Love you too, kiddo.
Vivian pulled out her phone again. I'll have my fleet manager contact you next week. He'll go over the details, schedule, pricing, expectations. What if your fleet manager doesn't like the idea of working with a Georgetown shop? Then he'll deal with it or find a new job.
I'm the CEO. That's how it works. Must be nice. It has its perks. She glanced at her watch.
I should go. I have a meeting at 2 on a Saturday. International markets don't care about weekends. She started walking toward the Jaguar and Ethan followed her outside. Sophie had her face pressed against the office window, watching everything.
Thank you, he said, for the contract, for coming here, for not running screaming when my daughter announced my financial problems to the world. Your daughter is delightful, and you're welcome. Vivian opened the car door, then paused. That date. When were you thinking?