So it was about money after all. “How much do you need?” She glanced around. “The place looks fine to me.”

“It’s not about the money. At least not entirely.”

Aha. Sure.

“I want… The water pipes are really old. This part of the coffee bar”—she gestured toward where the guests were sitting—“was renovated three years ago, but the kitchen is still the one they installed in the sixties. It’s not urgent, but I really would like everything to be up to date.”

Before Madison could think of how to respond, Danielle continued, “But that’s just one part. Honestly, it’s all pretty overwhelming. Aunt Eileen told Dad that you’re out of work right now, so I thought you might like to join me here.”

Madison squinted at her. If Danielle knew that she wasn’t working, why had she asked about it earlier? “Just to make sure I understand you correctly, you want me to join you, and by join you mean inject money into the business and help with the management?” She was a Fielding. Why should she do any work at all? Responsible people have responsibilities. You’ll never be believable as a housewife or stay-at-home mom, so that means you need a job, Janice’s words echoed in her mind as an unwanted answer to her rhetorical question. But was being the owner of a coffee bar a good enough responsibility? At least it would be more responsible than having parties and sleeping around, her mind supplied.

“You would help the Archer to shine in new splendor.”

“It looks shiny enough to me. Besides, getting my hands on something is not really my style.” She waggled her eyebrows. “Now getting my hands on someone…” But even while Madison said it, she had to admit that Danielle’s offer had some appeal. It was the perfect addition to her plan with Sherry. A nice little family, a job… It was all too good to be true.

“So, you don’t want to join me?”

Madison took a long sip while trying to see the coffee bar as if for the first time. No way in hell would this place make enough money for two people to make a living—or would it? Most of the tables were occupied.

Grandmother Eileen wanted her to behave like an adult? Fine. Danielle was probably the only person in the world who wouldn’t try to take her to the cleaners, so however this all turned out, it would be a win-win situation. She took a deep breath and extended her hand. “You’ve got yourself a partner.”

Danielle’s eyes widened almost comically. “Really?” She grabbed Madison’s hand and shook it vigorously. “Woohoo!”

In the following hour, they talked about the details, and Danielle showed her the kitchen and the bar area.