He shrugged and leaned casually back in his chair. His body was lithe and coiled like a tiger ready to spring. She liked his power and energy, but he unnerved her a little bit. She couldn’t tell if he was interested in her like she was in him, or if he was simply toying with her.
“Why?” he asked simply.
“I just wondered if you’d give me a bit of advice.”
“Of course.” He leaned forward now, his blue eyes intent and excited.
“Have you heard of the showShark Tank?”
“Sure.”
The way he said it and the overconfident look in his eyes made Mar wonder if they’d asked him to be on the show. He’d be an amazing fit, as impressive as the other sharks but a lot better-looking, at least in her eyes.
“They came to me asking if Cosette and I would be interested in coming on the show. I think for a start-up company it’s a fabulous idea, but why would an established business want to give up any equity, even for a partner who can get them on QVC?”
Luke pushed his drink aside, leaned forward, and started expounding on different reasons she might consider the show, the best argument being the basically free exposure it would give their brand. He understood that they didn’t want a partner, but he explained that some of these partners could bring retailers and revenue sources to the table that they might never be able to approach on their own.
They went the rounds discussing, sometimes vehemently, sometimes surprising themselves by agreeing. They moved on fromShark Tankto other marketing successes, failures, and new ideas, to employee recruitment, motivation, and retention, and then to distribution. Luke expounded or enhanced many ideas that Mar knew would help the company.
It was growing dark, and suddenly Luke’s sister Rachel was standing over them. “You two done ‘discussing’ so we can send the bride and groom off?”
“Oh!” Mar scrambled to her feet, shocked that she’d gotten so lost in her discussion with Luke that she hadn’t fully focused on her darling friend on this most special of days. Not that Cosette needed Mar, as she had Isaac attending to her every whim, but Mar was still the best friend and maid of honor. “Thanks, Rachel.”
They hurried together to get the sparklers and lighters. The twins, Seth and Caleb, had promised they could do a fabulous fireworks show to send the bride and groom off, but Rachel shut them down quickly, explaining that fireworks were illegal in Florida, and no, they weren’t going to break the law under her watch.
“Were you two having fun?” Rachel asked.
Mar looked back to where Luke now stood, watching her. His expression was unreadable. “He’s really smart,” she said. “I appreciated his business insights.”
Rachel gave her a stare-down that only a sister could achieve. “Is that the only insight you’re interested in?”
Mar arched an eyebrow and tossed her long hair over her shoulder. “I don’t think I’ll answer that question.”
Rachel laughed. “Good for you.” She bumped Mar’s hip with her own as she carried her supply of sparklers to the crowd forming a line. “I think you’d fit in great with our family.”
Mar watched her go. It was a kind statement, but Mar would never fit in great with any family. She didn’t understand the concept of family, and she was more than likely destined to be alone.