"I'm aiming to go big, to create a nationwide chain—not just fooling around," Elaine was in the middle of explaining her grand vision to Nora when the doorbell rang.

Walking to the door with her phone still in hand, she glanced at the monitor to see who it was. What she saw made her pause.

"Someone's here. I'll call you back," Elaine said hurriedly.

"Who is it?" Nora asked, curious.

"It's Brian!"

Nora immediately ...