“Then we should discuss your wife’s program and the potential for it to be a profitable retirement plan over a fantastic meal.” Vick’s good-humored laughter rolled around them, ushering them to the dinner table.
“If I recall correctly, you were quoted comparing the Hail Mary pass to marriage.” Glenn dropped into the chair across from Chase, stirred an olive around in his glass and eyed him. “You claimed both had the same success rate—very low.”
Chase recalled that particular interview. He still believed marriage and Hail Mary passes were similar in that both failed more often than not. But his views had no impact on his fake marriage. He treated Glenn like any other dogged reporter and neither confirmed nor denied.
“You’ve never thrown a Hail Mary pass. You’ve said it isn’t part of your game plan.” Glenn combed his fingers through his mustache. “Now you have to adjust your outlandish off-field lifestyle to include a wife. How will that work?”
No adjustments required. Fake was fake. And his fake marriage dissolved at the end of the evening. There’d be no glass slipper, no hint that a fantasy would turn into real life. Marriage appealed to him as much as a borrowed helmet. Neither were a good fit. Both disrupted his focus and detracted him from success on the football field.
Still, Chase was adjusting remarkably well to his sudden, albeit temporary, role as husband. Every word Glenn spoke honed Chase’s protective edge. He scooted his chair closer to Nichole and rested his arm on the back of Nichole’s. “As with any new team you learn as you go.”
And he was quickly learning how much he liked being close to Nichole.
“Let’s order!” Vick handed out the menus. He lacked the yellow flag to signal an offside penalty but maintained the professional poise of a seasoned ref. “What appetizers would everyone enjoy?”
Glenn folded his hands together on top of his closed menu and studied Nichole. “Ms. Moore, or rather Mrs. Jacobs, about that business plan?”
“Nichole is fine.” Nichole lowered her menu and reached into her bulky tote bag on the floor, pulling out a binder. “I understand an app is not a business. However, the plan includes market analysis, financial projections and a full marketing strategy.”
“Nichole has created something of value, or we wouldn’t be here.” Chase intercepted the binder before it reached either Vick or Glen. “I’d like to know what value your firm brings to it and to her vision.”
“Fund Infusion has offered to fully fund the last round of my program revisions.” Nichole’s hand landed on Chase’s arm. A warning infused her words, tempering her tone.
“Is that all?” Chase countered. He could fund that much, although she hadn’t asked him.
Vick spoke up. “We believe we will have a strong and fair offer for your consideration, if Nichole presents us with the information we require.”
“What more would you like to know?” Nichole tugged the binder from Chase’s grip and passed it across the table.
That eagerness was back in her tone. Where was the skeptic who’d always intrigued him? Nichole used to question everything. She’d even made Chase list ten facts to prove the homecoming dance was worth her time. He’d failed to convince her. She’d claimed numbers six through ten had been feelings, not facts. She had always insisted he was illogical because he’d relied on his emotions and gut instinct. Be rational, Chase. You can’t know you’ll like skydiving simply because it looks fun on TV.
Well, he did like skydiving. And he distrusted Glenn from only one unfastened button and the kink in his own gut. She’d called him in to stand beside her and he’d do his part. “Call me old-fashioned, gentlemen, but I never do a deal with anyone until I know what those folks are about.”
Menus studied and orders placed: three surf and turfs and one petit filet, Chase eyed Glenn and then Vick.
“I prefer my steaks rare and my drinks cold.” Glenn smoothed his hand over his tie, loosening the knot even more, as if talking about himself was his favorite pastime. “As for the business, it’s simple. I started Fund Infusion to prove to my father I was better than him.”
“And did you?” Chase asked.
“Within the first year.” Glenn sipped his drink as if he’d given himself a private toast. “Now my legacy is ensured.”
Chase added cutthroat to his description of the man. Nichole would claim that wasn’t a strong enough reason not to let the guy invest in her business. Maybe it wasn’t, but it still didn’t speak well of the man across from him.
“I intend for In a Pinch to be my legacy. I’ve devised a go-to market strategy in Section Four.” Nichole tipped her chin toward the binder, pointing excitedly. “I’ve collected over two thousand test users and identified their preferences and needs. The local vendor list is expanding daily. I’ve also pinpointed competitors and highlighted their weaknesses. I have an aggressive growth plan that includes launching in several key metro areas prior to going nationwide.”
Nichole’s strategy impressed Chase the same way he appreciated a good play call by the opposing team. Good or not, Nichole just revealed too much of her game. Coaches called plays from behind laminated paper to avoid giving their opponents an advantage.
Chase grabbed her hand, drawing her attention and pausing her presentation. Advantage: Chase. “I’d like to know what their next steps are before you give them your full proposal.”
Glenn placed his palm on the binder. “The first thing we’ll do is review your wife’s business plan and determine if it’s even viable.”
“Of course, it’s viable.” Nichole had written it. Irritation snapped inside Chase, tweaking his frown into a scowl. “You don’t think you’re the only ones interested in my wife’s app, do you?”
Nichole cleared her throat.
“They should know they’re
