Warren & JPB | Thursday Afternoon

[x-quebecois.livejournal.com]

Warren & JPB have lunch after seeing a few more businesses in District X that could use monetary assistance and Warren makes a suggestion that sort of surprises Jean-Paul.


Settling back in his seat, he glass of water held in one hand and resting against his sternum, Jean-Paul quirked an eyebrow at Warren across the table. "Oui - and so. What did you think of these last few places? I know that you are interested in the clinic, also, but I think you would have gone there already, non?" They'd had lunch at an Italian restaurant on the western side of District X after looking over a few apartment buildings and small businesses that might benefit from a silent partner willing to invest some money. They were all important, so far as Jean-Paul could tell, to the community and they were managing to stay afloat, but a bit of extra cash never hurt any small business.

"I don't know," Warren replied honestly. "I mean, they're all great places, but I just don't know how to just... pick one. Or even if they'd accept it if I did. I know they could do with the money, but people get so funny about accepting charity." He took a sip of his wine, looking thoughtful. "I could set up a fund people could apply for a no interest loan from - then they could accept the money without it knocking their pride, and there would always be a pool of money available for people who needed it."

"Oui," Jean-Paul said. "This would be good - and also, as you say, there would always be money for the community to use. How would you decide who was most deserving of the loan from the applicants?"

Warren shrugged. "Purpose of the loan, the people applying for it, their financial state... I'd probably have a committee to decide on it. Me, my accountant, at least one other person." He tilted his head, looking at Jean-Paul. "You, if you're interested."

"I?" Jean-Paul smiled a littled. "I do not think I am qualified, as you say." But it was an interesting thought, that he might be more directly involved in helping the revitalization of District X. "But I would not say no," he continued, "if asked."

"You know the area, and you know what's needed. That's all the qualification I need." Sure, he could get a stranger on board, but Warren would honestly prefer someone he knew, at least to begin with.

Jean-Paul mulled that over while he took another sip of water, then nodded. "Oui. If you would like it, I will help with your committee." Then he smiled. "Only do not be displeased when we disagree."

"I'd be disappointed if you didn't," Warren said with a smile of his own. "What's the point in keeping you around if you're just going to agree with me all the time?"

Shaking his head a little, Jean-Paul let the smile stick around for a little. He didn't know why Warren had apparently disliked him so intensely before, but he was glad that whatever the reason, it didn't seem to bother the other many any longer. "Tell me when things truly begin and I will be more than happy to help, as I said." He reached across the table, offering Warren his hand.

"Will do," he replied with a smile, shaking Jean-Paul's hand firmly. It was true, Warren had disliked the other man for a long time, old resentments and more recent jealousy clouding his judgement. But none of the reasons he'd disliked Jean-Paul really existed anymore, so he was willing to set them aside.