“Let’s go then.”
I led her to the car, and then doubled back to get some food from the plane. The stewardess handed me a picnic basket and a bottle of wine.
“Enjoy your stay, sir.”
When we were ready, I fired up the engine and took off, tires squealing on the tarmac.
I circled the plane in our vehicle and then drove off the landing strip, onto a nice road that took us around the island. I saw the beach and couldn’t wait to take Sydney there for a swim.
“Are we alone on this island?” I asked.
“Pretty much. Some staff fly in from California to take care of the place, make sure everything works. But I’ve grown used to it being just me.”
She took my hand. “I’ll keep you company for a few days.”
“Yes, you will.”
There wasn’t much else to show on the island, at least not from the road. There were some interesting caves deeper inland, and a small freshwater pond, but nothing too exciting. Or perhaps it was because I had studied every inch of the island, and it no longer excited me. Either way, I wanted to show Sydney every corner of it. But first, we needed to eat and shower.
Five minutes later I slowed down and left the paved road in favor of a dirt one, following a short road between trees on either side. It had a very southern feel to it; even though the trees were palms. We rounded a corner and my house stood in front of us. Technically it’s the company abode but I had designed it. White with huge pillars and a bright teal door made it feel light and summery, even in the winter.
I watched Sydney’s mouth make a beautiful little O.
“There is a system of solar panels on the roof and around the island, so the house is self-sustainable,” I explained, watching those fuck me eyes of hers grow wider. “There’s Wifi, a movie theater, you name it. A perfect weekend house.”
“I would say so,” Sydney agreed.
I pulled the car in front of the circular drive way and helped her out. Then we walked to the house. “Go ahead, it’s open,” I encouraged.
She opened the door, as I brought in the basket and wine. Inside, the house was cool and freshly cleaned, just how I liked it, which reminded to me to leave an extra tip for the staff.
“What was it that you do again?” she asked.
“I have a business consulting firm. Well, maybe around a hundred of them, all over the world. Maybe it’s two hundred already, I’ve lost track.”
“Not a bad thing, in this case.”
“Not at all.”
She walked around some more, and then joined me in the kitchen. I was cutting fruit.
She said, “You must be one hell of a business consultant.”
“Me? No, but I’m good at finding them.”
“I see.”
I noticed something was bothering her. “Are you okay? Having second thoughts?”
“A bit too late for that, but no. I’m fine.”
“You can talk to me. There is no one around here for a thousand-miles radius.”
But she didn’t reply. “I think I need to take a shower,” she said. “Real quick.”
“It’s up the stairs and to your left. There’s towels and all.” I didn’t want to push her. I realized this wasn’t
a normal situation and decided it was better to let her get used to it, as she grew comfortable.