"You'd be surprised how many people say that," Jason says.
"Do you plan to enter the BBQ competition this summer?" Kayla asks him.
"Yeah, I have to go defend my title. I was asked to do a show on the Food Network, but I had to turn it down."
"What? Why? Whatever they were offering, I can get you a better deal." Kayla kicks back into work mode.
"No, it wasn't that. It's just they aren't filming until this fall and, well, this isn’t public news yet, but Maggie is pregnant and will be due around then."
"Oh, my gosh, Nick! That's exciting! Congratulations," Kayla says.
"We talked about it, and with Sage and Sarah both due this summer, the timing just wasn't right," Nick says.
There is a hint of disappointment in his eyes, and I know he wanted to do it, but family comes first. Of course, Kayla picks up on his disappointment, too.
"You wanted to do it," Kayla states.
"Yeah, if I'm being honest."
"What did you tell them when you declined?"
"The truth. My wife would be due any day and I couldn't risk missing it."
"I wouldn't be surprised if they contact you again. You didn't blow them off, you showed them you value family. They’ll be contacting you again. I can almost guarantee it,” she winks.
After her presentation, we finish our lunches.
"Listen, we like the idea, but we need to take it home, talk to our wives, and our family," Jason says as we start to wrap up.
"Of course! All this info is yours and my number is on the folder if you or they have questions. Call or text any time."
Once in the car, Kayla lets out the cutest little squeal.
"I don't know why that felt so good, but that meeting was so different from the ones I’m usually in. It was…I don't know. If I say it was ‘human,’ would that make sense?"
"Yeah, Business meetings are boring, stuffy, and more like a chess match than two people talking about a deal."
"Exactly. That's it exactly. I hate dealing with those kinds of people. But this, I enjoyed. I want more of this working with everyday people."
"So, make a shift. You can delegate out anything you don't want to do. That's the joy of being CEO."
"I think you’re right," she says as we head home, and I can already see the wheels turning.