CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY SIX – THE BUILD UP IS WHERE IT MATTERS

Lorenzo broke the moment with a chuckle. "You know, for a couple of amateur criminals, we make pretty decent business partners." Charlotte rolled her eyes. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We haven't even opened yet." "Details, details," Lorenzo waved dismissively. "We've got the hard part done. It's smooth sailing from here on out." As if on cue, there was a loud crash from the kitchen, followed by a string of colorful curses from one of the workers. Charlotte and Lorenzo exchanged glances, then burst into laughter. "Smooth sailing, huh?" Charlotte teased. Lorenzo shrugged, grinning sheepishly. "Well, maybe a few more waves to navigate." As they sat there, sipping their impromptu drinks in their half-finished pub, Charlotte felt a strange sense of contentment wash over her. It wasn't perfect, far from it. But it was theirs. And for now, that was enough. The next morning, they were back at it, tackling the seemingly endless list of tasks that stood between them and opening da