I nod, understanding more than I thought I would."You're looking for someone to step in?"
"Not just anyone," he says, folding his hands together."The right someone.Gage showed me your business plan, and I have to admit, I was impressed.The ideas for wellness integration, community outreach programs, and the Mommy & Me packages all display innovation.You're not thinking small."
My eyes flick to Gage, and I can feel my cheeks heat."You showed him that?"
Gage shrugs unapologetically."It was too good not to."
Stephen leans forward."I want someone who's passionate and who has a vision for the future.I'm offering a trial run.You manage the spa for six months.Implement your ideas.If it goes well, we’ll talk about a buyout plan.You can purchase it gradually while running it.No pressure, but full control.I'm not looking for cash up front.I'm looking for someone who will treat it like their own."
I turn to Gage."You did this."
He meets my gaze."I read your business plan.Every assignment you've turned in centered around owning a spa.I figured it out."
"Why?"I ask, trying to make it all make sense.
"Because I love you," he says, voice low."Because I believe in you, and I know you can do this."
I blink, trying to absorb what he's saying.This spa is in the most desirable part of the city.Rent alone here would've made it a fantasy.But he's handing me the keys to something real.Something powerful.
"I've always wanted to build something of my own," I admit."Not work under someone."
Stephen chuckles."I get that.But think of this as learning the ropes from someone who's been in it for decades.You get to make your mark while gaining access to my contacts, my infrastructure, and my reputation."
I blink, overwhelmed."You'd really let me implement my own ideas?"
"One at a time.Prove yourself.If it works, the floor is yours."
My heart slams against my ribs.
He pushes a contract toward me as he says this.I glance at the neatly typed contract between us, the weight of it pressing into the air like a storm waiting to break.
Gage steps beside me."Think of it this way.You'd be learning from one of the best in the city.If it doesn't work, you both walk away.No strings.But if it does..."
"And you're just willing to take that risk on me?"I ask Stephen.
"I've taken bigger risks on people with half your drive," he says with a shrug."What can I say?I trust Gage's instincts, and I trust my own."
I look at Gage again.He's watching me closely, but not as if he's waiting for gratitude.Like he's waiting for me to rise, and like he knows I will.
"You ready to build something that's yours?"
My fingers twitch.
"I don't need a handout," I say, arms crossed.
Gage's eyes glint."It's not a handout.It's a challenge."
I narrow my gaze."You think I'm scared?"
"I think you're the most fearless person I know.So prove it."
I stare at the contract.Then slowly, deliberately, I pick it up.
"I will."
Gage smiles."I'll put you in touch with Troy.He's a good lawyer.You'll want his help with the contract."
Stephen nods."Take your time and think it over.We can talk over anything you want in the contract.I want it to feel right for both of us.But something tells me you already know what you want."