Business and Grits.

My worst fears are realized: Michael loves Charlotte! But does Charlotte love him? Apparently, she, it - the world of megabanking does. He’s back for a second set of interviews and had meetings from early morning throughout the day, a regular whirlwind of fun. He was gushing with enthusiasm when he called after a dinner meeting follow-up with some of the execs he met with earlier. He said they were impressed with his education and career path, especially his role as co-owner of Red House. They like his brand of entrepreneurial spirit there, and his initial vibe was that he feels he’s what they are looking for. (OH NO!)

The city has it all, he says. Most of all, big plans for the future. Yeah, and big plates of grits and pork parts! I did a little research of my own – the city will soon have a NASCAR Hall of Fame, which means lots of Hooter’s restaurants sprouting up all around. Eeew. Michael said that what I consider “real” culture is coming too, museums of a nonautomotive nature, restaurants with chefs who know what escarole is and how to use it, and who don’t have packs of cigarettes rolled up in the sleeves of their grease-stained T-shirts. But it’s the South! Michael corrected me – the New South. Oh. He said that bankers wouldn’t be flocking to Charlotte if the city lacked the cultural amenities they’ve come to enjoy, like ten-page wine lists. I peppered him with more queries. No, he had not seen a single Confederate flag flying. Yes, there were grits at breakfast but only one VP in the conference room ate them. Michael himself had a blueberry scone. Where did they eat tonight? Savannah Red, a local denizen of southern food with fresh inspiration, oh, and a wine bar too. What about barbecue shacks? He did see one of these enroute from the airport. It featured a giant plastic pig on the roof with X’s where its eyes should have been. Uh-huh, exactly!

Much to my dismay, Michael did not mention his part-time and commuting requirements at any time during today’s interviews, and that his wife would leave Napa only if California fell into the sea. That discussion would happen later – once they offered him the job. (If, Michael!) He reminded me of one of his favorite aphorisms, “Always negotiate from a position of strength.” (I hope he feels faint the day he has to negotiate.)

He has a brief meeting in the morning with Human Resources to discuss the basic benefits, and he assured me he’d be home for “supper”. I think he was being facetious, but I’ll see if Dean & DeLuca has any pickled pig’s feet I can surprise him with.

Good night, ya’all!