It's Complicated: A Reservations Story

“I agree,” Thane said, slipping into an ultra-calm demeanor.

Julian couldn’t breathe. What did “I agree” even mean? This company was his baby, his life. He needed this job. “Then don’t take my job away from me.”

“We’ve decided to manage Reservations in the same way I manage Escape properties,” Arik explained. “Reservations Coronado will become the flagship property of the wider company. It will be the standard of excellence every other Reservations site will strive to achieve. It will be our official training hub and possibly the corporate office once we get that far along. We’d like you to become the general manager of the Coronado property, leading the future of all Reservations sites to come.”

The air pushed from Julian’s chest as he stared at Arik. He reached for the armchair to keep it steady as he took his seat because his knees went weak.

Well, Julian hadn’t expected that at all, and he felt a little silly. He’d been seconds away from a full-blown breakdown. Honestly, he still might be a little on the hot mess side of things when he thought about all the responsibility these men were entrusting him with.

Julian turned to Thane, his savior and mentor. “What if I fail? You always say I don’t have the experience to manage on a larger scale.”

“You don’t, Julian,” Thane said, tossing his hands in the air in a that’s obvious gesture. “But you’re a quick study and you’re right. No one cares more about this concept than you. The standard you demand needs to be held for the entire company. Of course, you’ll have training, and you’ll pick it up quickly. I don’t doubt that for one second.”

“I’ll have the general manager over Escape mentoring you as well. You’ll do fine, I’m certain,” Arik nodded.

Excitement at such an opportunity edged out the uncertainty. “What about Joshua?” he asked about the current Reservations general manager.

“He’s been hired by Bennigan’s corporate office. They’re trying to make a comeback and need some seasoned help,” Thane explained. “We asked him to keep it quiet until we could speak with you. He’s given a month’s notice effective yesterday.”

Reservations - Coronado would become the flagship entity of at least twenty planned restaurants and clubs that Julian knew about. He could stay in California and still keep an eye on other properties, while the flagship site became the company standard. His mind reeled at the possibilities. Julian sat back in his seat, staring at Thane, the man who’d become his hero. He’d thought introducing Thane to Levi had helped even out his tremendous debt to Thane. With this move, they were solidly back on an uneven playing field. Julian owed Thane a world of appreciation.

Julian didn’t say any of that. Instead, he waved a hand, encouraging Thane to say more. “Go on.”

Arik chuckled.

“We believe it’s the best option for you and for the future of Reservations,” Thane said, his voice growing softer. Thane wasn’t fooled. He could read Julian better than anyone. “You could put down some roots here. If it doesn’t work out, then we’ll transition you into Dishology, you can be a greeter in one of my restaurants somewhere, but I think it’s the right move.”

“What’s the money like?” Julian asked, hiding his deep inhale by crossing his arms over his chest as he tried to settle his frazzled nerves.

“I’m having the paperwork drawn up now. You should have it in email by the time we end this meeting. You won’t be disappointed, but it’s also not open for negotiations,” Thane explained.

Julian rolled his eyes and crossed his arms tighter over his chest. “Sure it is. You always lowball me.”

“No, I don’t,” Thane shot back. “We have a salary structure that needs to be adhered to.”

Let the negotiations begin. “But we’re a new company. Who set the salary standard?”

“Julian, take a couple of days or even longer and think hard about this,” Arik interjected. “The benefits are that it will keep you here in California, which might also be the disadvantage. I want you to really decide if you’re ready to take on such a large job.”

Arik was right. The new regional training position they previously offered him had been an inviting break from the monotony of his nonexistent life, but all that had changed. How far down the rabbit hole would these flashbacks and new stirrings of emotion take him? Was he emotionally ready for such a big job with everything else happening inside his head?

As much as Julian hated to, he caved and nodded in agreement. “How long do I have?”

“We’ve both dedicated resources to this spin-off company. My HR department will handle the offer and hiring paperwork—” Arik abruptly stopped speaking and both his and Thane’s gazes shifted past Julian to whatever was behind him. Julian looked back over his shoulder to see the blinds were open on the small window looking out over the larger conference center. A string of buff rough-and-tumble men dressed in military fatigues were leaving another sectioned off room. They were probably part of some sort of special teams based on their look.