We sat around the table, glasses clinking, people talking all around us.
"So," I said, turning to Jacob with a grin, "how's the shop? I heard you're expanding."
Jacob nodded, looking proud. "Yeah, we are. Just opened a spot in Tampa and got another one going in Jacksonville. It's small, but it's real. Feels a little crazy, to be honest."
Charlotte lifted her glass, laughing. "Look at you! What's next—Miami?"
Jacob chuckled. "Hey, maybe! People always need a good repair shop, right?"
"Especially one where the guy actually knows what he's doing," I said, winking. Jacob had always been the car guy back in high school—could fix anything.
Lucy leaned in, laughing. "He practically lives at those shops now. But it's worth it!"
"Proud of you, man," I said, giving him a nudge. "It's awesome to see."