Page 22 (1/2)

"Where’s Sam?" Mia asked

"He has a friend who lives next door to us that he doesn’t get to see all that often," Tara said "So he’s hanging out with hiht"

"How fun for him"

"Yes He hates to lose any ti with Dexter"

"I’m a novelty," Nathan said "An hour or so with e"

"I’ out with kids our own age," Tara said "Though I do enjoy seeing both of you"

"Ditto," Mia said "How’s the business, Tara?"

"Great I was telling Nathan earlier we’ve outgrown our space, so we’re going to shop for a bigger location and hire a couple of new consultants"

"That’s incredible Congratulations"

The waitress brought their drinks, so they paused in conversation "Thank you," Tara said "I’m very excited More importantly, how’s your new business?"

"It’s wonderful I was so nervous--still am, actually But we’ve picked up several clients already, have a fewsmoothly so far"

Tara nodded "I knohat that’s like My business took off right away, too We al, just a little overwhel"

"Yes Overwhelood way"

"It’s because you knohat you’re doing," Nathan said "You have a solid teahed, then smiled at Nathan "Thanks for your faith in me"

"Why aren’t you with Mia’s company?" Mick asked

Nathan paused mid drink "I don’t know We’ve talked about it It almost feels like a conflict of interest because Mia and I are--"

Mia waited, hoping like hell Nathan said the right thing

"Friends"

She exhaled That was the right thing to say They were more than that, maybe Maybe not After last weekend she felt round rules since last weekend, because she’d been slammed ork and they hadn’t had a minute to talk to each other Hopefully soon they could have some clarification

"Of course you’re friends," Tara said "But friendship is one thing and business is another"

Mick took a sip of his soda, then leaned back in his chair "Yeah, I can see how you wouldn’t want towith the business side of things--" He paused to look at Mia "And I’ they would, but if it did, it could end your friendship"

"Exactly," Nathan said "And I wouldn’t want that to happen"

"Neither would I" Mia gave Nathan a pointed look "Though I do think MHC is the best ement company for Nathan So I’ht let MHC give me a presentation, hear the is worth the risk" Nathan looked at his parents "You’re both welcome to sit in on that if you’d like"

Mick shook his head "This is your career to e as you see fit, Nathan You don’t need your h it"

"I agree," Tara said "Whatever you think is best for your long-term future is what you should do Your dad and I will always be here if you want to bounce ideas off of us, but you’re an adult now You make the decisions"

"Thanks I’ll think about it"

Mia loved the confidence Nathan’s parents had in him They re like having people on your side who fully believed in you

They started looking at theto order Of course, the s she liked most about Ninety-Two

"This pasta with shri," Tara said "I think that’s what I want What about you, Mia?"

"I’ at the salmon Or maybe the broiled chicken breasts"

"I think tuna forthe filet"

Tara smiled at Mick "I’ood steak And the steaks here are very good"

Mick grinned "I know Aood steak"

"I’ll be sure to tell her you said that"