Standing By: A Knight's Tale #2 Read Online Free PDF Page A

brothers needed to know that information, of course, they’d ask something along the lines of: “ Why would you care? ” To what I’d have to say, “ Well, because she and I dated back when I was nineteen. ”
    “We’ll organize something,” I rise up from my seat. “Maybe Vegas the weekend before your wedding. I’ve got to go; today I finalize the purchase of Willows .” Then before heading out to avoid anything Chloe, I turn to look at Jake. “Stay safe, asshole.”
    “Love you too.” He salutes me with his hand.
    “You know I love you and congrats. I’ll go and check on Em later today.”
    “She’s leaving for London too. You’ll see us Sunday.”
    I wave at them and head out, sending out a prayer for my brother’s safety.

Chapter 4
    Mitch
    “M r. Knight,” My assistant knocks before entering my office. John is the son of one of my vice-presidents. He studied business at NYU and while he decides what to do with the rest of his life, he’s working as my assistant, learning the ropes of the investment world and of course, the restaurant world too. “Here’s the copy of the contract you’re about to sign. The accounting department is ready to transfer the money when you indicate it and I moved your four o’clock to three as you requested. Anything else?”
    “No, John, are you still on for tomorrow’s inventory day at Frida & Diego ?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “Perfect, after that you can stay around and shadow my manager. I want you to learn how to close the administrative part. I’m heading out to meet Mr. Welsh, call if you need me.”
    I set out to Willows after I had taken care of all the pending issues at the office. I made sure everything was covered, up until three when I had a group of students from Columbia University scheduled to present their innovative computer application. A billing system that didn’t need a major infrastructure to function, which could, in turn be a sizable savings for the companies who use it. They need a silent partner and I’m always open for new ventures.
    “Knight,” I press my Bluetooth as the buzz in my ear indicated an incoming call.
    “It’s Jake,” my brother says. “Emma isn’t coming with me; she and Mom are heading to San Francisco with Em’s grandparents. They decided to have the wedding there—I mean we .” I hear Emma’s voice on the other side. “Yes, we , baby. Anyway, you’re on your own for the next week or so.”
    “Thank you for letting me know,” I try to sound disappointed, but the joy of not having my parents in the guest room for a week is refreshing. “Call if you need me.”
    I hang up and hail a cab.
    “ Willows , in West Village, please,” I tell the driver as I board the cab that stinks of tobacco and sweat and I wonder if I should’ve driven.
    “Wasn’t that restaurant called Le Cuisine ?” The driver suddenly asks and I confirm.
    The restaurant is located down in the West Village, close to my house and is what I like to think of the beginning of my own organic restaurant chain. Parker Welsh founded it fifteen years ago and it was the first restaurant I worked at when I moved from England to the United States. Back then, I decided to follow my own dream while my twin decided to play hero. My little brother wanted to go into marketing and advertisement and I liked to play with food. I had a Master’s Degree in business and culinary training. However, I wanted to start from the bottom in order to learn everything that involved the business and Parker allowed me to do so. A final walk through, a few signatures, send the wire transfer to his bank and the place where I started more than a decade ago is mine.
    I hand a twenty-dollar bill to the driver, as he parks in front of the restaurant and tell him to keep the change.
    “Knight,” Parker bobs his head while walking towards me. He wears a navy blue button down shirt, a pair of jeans and his dark hair is short. “You’re early, as usual.”
    “You know me.”