When the two men looked at him over their coffee cups, he frowned and went on. “We started this club and built it into a respectable business. I want more. We’re capable of being more. In honor of Levi, this place should be more.”

Their eyes narrowed at the mention of their friend, Landon’s brother, who’d died too young. In a stupid way, because they’d all been too afraid to walk away from a situation they’d committed to and didn’t know how to get out of. They all blamed themselves, yet none of them blamed each other.

Was Jason challenging them to step up? Hell yes. “We don’t want to get complacent,” he said.

“I’m in,” Landon immediately said, the mention of his twin clearly getting his juices flowing.

Jason wondered if he could convince his talented friend to play the guitar on stage. Not something he’d bring up now. It was too early in the process, and Landon had avoided his instruments for years because he’d used to play with his twin.

Right now, Jason just needed them on board for the change of direction in the club.

Glancing at Tanner, Jason waited.

“Yeah. You got my vote,” Tanner finally said. “We need to build and find our own niche. Get away from the other basic clubs and the best way is to outclass and outsmart them.”

“Not play dirty the way some of them do,” Jason said, glancing at Tanner, whose temper was legendary, trying to remind him, by sheer force of will, he needed to continue his good behavior and stay out of trouble.

Tanner got the message, lifting his hands in a gesture of peace. “No worries here.”

They all hoped Tanner was finished using his fists to make his point. Ever since going into business, he’d thrown his energy into the club and channeled his anger into positive pursuits.

“So we need a plan,” Jason said. “Money to bring in the acts. Landon, booking is your specialty, but I’d like to talk to my brother-in-law. See if Grey Kingston will perform for us or talk us up to other musicians.” He didn’t mention Charlotte yet.

Bringing her into the mix was risky because she’d wanted more than Jason had been willing to give. If he asked her to come to New York now, she might take it as a sign he’d changed his mind about a relationship. He hadn’t.

Not with her.

Not with anyone but… He still couldn’t get a certain curvy blonde out of his mind.

He glanced at his friends. “It’s that easy? You’re both in agreement that this is the direction we should go?”

Landon shrugged. “I like the concept. What did Gabe say?”

“To talk to the two of you, then bring him a viable plan.”

Landon walked over to the window and stared out at the empty club. “I’ll bring in an expert on live-act PA systems. Get an estimate on upgrading not just the equipment but the acoustics. I’ll also make a list of possible acts.”