“You’re not wrong,” Gabe said, “but I think what Mason’s trying to say is that we can find something that will make you happy while benefitting the company.”

“Like what?” Cole persisted. He was far from being convinced that there was even anything for him to consider.

“You have an analytical mind,” Mason said, and Cole couldn’t argue. “You like what you’re doing now? I mean, beyond working for Sierra?”

“I do. I like being active, working with my hands. Can’t imagine being stuck in a suit or at a desk all day, so I’m not sure there’s anything at North for me.”

“It wouldn’t have to be in the corporate office necessarily,” Gabe said.

“I’m not going to work retail like Drake.” No fucking way.

“It wouldn’t have to be retail,” Mason said, his cool blue eyes narrowed in thought.

Gabe leaned forward and addressed Mason. “What do you have in mind? I can tell something’s brewing,” he asked as Winona reappeared, plates heaped full with double-decker sandwiches and chips in hand.

Cole nodded at Winona when she raised her penciled-in brows to ask if he wanted another beer.

“We’re looking at expansion,” Mason said once Winona headed out to the tables to wipe off some recently vacated ones. His voice was quiet but firm, telling Cole this might not be common knowledge yet. “Major expansion,” he said. “It’s an aggressive undertaking, with new stores throughout the region, not just in state.”

That was the first Cole had heard of plans to expand beyond Tennessee, not that they’d have reason to tell him. He took it to mean the company was doing well.

“We’re working on the first few locations, securing properties. If things work out, there’s going to be remodeling involved. Branding of each location from the ground up is vital, from layout to building materials. That’s something the CEO oversaw in the past, but that was one store at a time, and it was before the company was so large.”

“Cole would be a perfect fit,” Gabe said, nodding thoughtfully as he shoved a chip in his mouth and chewed.

“Would this position call for a suit or a tool belt?” Cole asked, intrigued but cautious.

“Not a suit,” Mason said. “Maybe not a tool belt either. I envision you working closely with the contractors at each site to ensure they do things our way, overseeing quality, branding, and budgeting.”

“And timeline,” Gabe added.

“Definitely timeline.” Mason nodded pensively as he paused with his beer raised halfway to his mouth. “We’ll need to hammer out the details—”

“Don’t get overeager,” Cole said. “I was only asking about possibilities. I’m not ready to change jobs.” If he didn’t put the brakes on, Mason would have him hired before walking out of the bar tonight.