Mr. Big Shot: An Enemies To Lovers Romance (Kinda Cocky Book 1), стр. 38
That was the whole purpose of this trip.
“And back here is our marketing firm. It’s a bit small because most of our clients don’t need marketing tips. But, for some of our clients, this is what sells them on us.”
I nodded. “I’m okay with marketing.”
“Oh, no, sir. Not for your realty company. That thing is a treasure you’ve built for yourself. But, for your furniture--.”
I looked over at the man giving me the tour. “I said, I’m okay with marketing.”
He paused. “Right. Okay. Onward and upward, then!”
I followed the man around until the tour was done. And while I knew he was nervous, I had already settled on using their facilities. They were affordable, accurate, and they obviously produced quality products. Plus, with my vacation home only being an island hop away, it would be easy for me to fly in and check in on things.
All of the rental properties I had purchased were also vacation homes in and around the islands.
“So, Mr. Hearthstone. I’m going to give you a copy of our warehouse’s contract. You don’t have to sign it or even commit. I just want you to have it for you to look over in case you’re still interested.”
I took the stack of papers from him. “I appreciate that, and I’ll be in touch.”
“Wonderful! We look forward to hearing from you.”
After shaking his hand, I made my way back out to the town car waiting for me and slipped inside. Then, I dialed the bungalow resort’s number on my phone. I was running behind on the tour, which took much longer than necessary, and I didn’t want to miss placing a room service order for dinner.
“Room service,” the man answered.
“Yes. I’d like to place an order for dinner.”
“Room number?”
“Bungalow 102 and 103.”
“Got it. Order?”
I rattled off what I had ordered Karina the night before for dinner, even though I hadn’t joined her. Steak, medium rare, with lobster tail and garlic shrimp. Steamed vegetables, loaded mashed potatoes, a bottle of wine, and a small portion of each dessert on their menu.
Plus, a carafe of coffee for later.
“Will that be all?” the man asked.
“Yes, sir. Thank you.”
“Give us an hour. Thanks.”
Whoever that was that worked down in room service, I liked them. They were short, sweet, and to the point, every time I called. I slipped my phone into my pocket as the driver Karina tracked down drove me back to my place.
I really needed to lighten up on her a bit.
“We’re here, sir,” the driver said.
I pulled out a fifty and handed it to him. “Thank you for helping me out while I’m here.”
He waved it away. “You can tip me at the end of your trip.”
I tossed the bill into his lap. “And this is the end of my trip for today. Thank you.”
I slipped out of the car and stared at the front door of my bungalow. For some reason, I didn’t want to be in there. I didn’t want to be by myself. Though, I also didn’t want to sit down with anyone and engage them in conversation, especially Karina.
You know where that will lead.
That was exactly why I had to stay away from her.
So, I turned on my feet and headed back down toward the beach until I reached that little seafood shack with the best drinks on the island. I walked up to the bartender and sat down, resting my forearms on the sprawling bamboo wrap-around bar.
“What’ll it be?” the man asked.
“Whiskey. On the rocks. And just keep coming with it,” I said.
“Zane? Is that you?”
I paused at the sound of his voice. “No. It can’t be.”
Kaleo clapped me on the back. “Holy shit! It is you, brudda!”
I turned on my stool and found myself in a tight embrace with an old friend. So, I wrapped the arm that wasn’t trapped around him and patted his back.
“What in the world are you doing back here? I haven't seen you in a few years,” Kaleo said.
I motioned to the seat next to me. “Sit. You thirsty?”
“You know, I always am. One of those pineapple drinks of yours, sir!”
I nodded. “And put it on my tab.”
Kaleo smiled. “Always the giver, if people know you well enough.”
The bartender slid a drink toward me. “Your whiskey. And I’ve got your pineapple doozy coming right now.”
I caught my drink. “Why do they call it a ‘doozy’?”
“Because it’s got four different liquors inside a sixteen-ounce drink, that’s why.”
“Sounds like a… doozy of a drink, then,” I smirked.
“Now, you’re getting the hang of it!”
He clapped my back again, and I almost choked on my whiskey. The bartender grinned at me as he made a disgusting-looking drink that somehow smelled more appealing than any drink had ever wafted up my nose. I watched him hand Kaleo the entire drink in a hollowed-out pineapple. And as my old friend took a gigantic sip, he smiled.
“Ah. Refreshing, and takes the edge off.”
“Have you ever had an edge you needed to take off?” I asked massaging the back of my neck.
“Not when I have these things every night.”
I sipped my whiskey. “I’d be perpetually drunk if I had one of those every night.”
“And that’s the secret no one tells you.”
I chuckled. “Good one. I approve.”
“I’m surprised to see you out here this time of the year.” Kaleo took another gulp of his drink.
“Yeah. I know.”
“You're usually out here in the fall.”
“Well, I'm here on business, not for the anniversary.” I winced at the harshness of my words