I ran my hand through my hair. This was getting us nowhere. “Well, thank you. I mean it. And the place looks amazing.” I’d expected to find a large payout for a bar remodel somewhere in the books, but I’d only found expenses for paint, secondhand light fixtures, and other inexpensive items.

Bell straightened one of the bar menus in the holder in front of her. “We did what we could with what we had.”

“Well, let’s see if we can get you a little more to work with.”

Her brow arched. “You don’t want to be in charge of the budget?”

I took another pull of my beer. “No. You’re making sound decisions with the bar. You’ve been more clever than I might’ve been. I just want to get you a little more breathing room.”

The set of Bell’s shoulders eased, and there was a mirroring sensation in my chest. “Okay. What are you thinking?”

“The lunch and dinner rushes are holding steady. That will always be our bread and butter, but I think we can get the after-hours crowd to pick up a little more.”

Bell traced an invisible design on the bar top. “Maverick’s has become more of the late-night spot. It’s rowdier. Loud music. Where people go to blow off steam.”

“I don’t want to attract a rough crowd. I don’t think that’s wise. But what would you think about live music on the weekends?”

She was silent for a minute, and I was surprised by how much I wanted her to like my idea, how much I craved her approval. Years ago, the roles had been reversed. It was always Bell coming to ask me what I thought about this or that, if I liked a drawing she was working on or whatnot. And now, I was holding my breath to hear what she thought about a business move.

“I think it could work…” She started drumming her fingers on the bar. Now that was familiar. If Bell didn’t have something to doodle on, she always pounded out a beat while she was thinking something through. “We could attract more tourists that way, some of the locals looking for date night options. We should consider offering a late-night menu—limited, of course. Things that Hank could prep, but a line cook could make.”

“That’s a great idea. Finding the right music is going to be key to attracting the crowd we want.”

“You’re right.” Her fingers picked up their pace along the bar. “I know a few guys who have a country/folk sort of feel. That might be a good fit. Something people could dance to or just sit by and listen.”

“That sounds perfect. Maybe we could do themed nights. Mix it up so people don’t get bored?”

“That’s a great idea. The only problem will be finding a variety of musicians.”