Slipping his phone in his pocket, he closed his laptop and left the office. Normally he’d call their pilot to fuel up. But he didn’t want anyone to know where he was going. Not now at least. If things got out of hand, maybe he’d come clean.
For now, let them think I’m lying on a topless beach somewhere enjoying the view.
Gareth couldn’t help but wonder if New Hope Resort had such accommodations. He didn’t believe it was the Hendersons’ style, but their business partner, Drake Fletcher, was a gambling man, and Gareth had no idea what he was like. But I’m about to find out.
Brooke Cortes’s hands shook as she wiped the frozen piña colada from the man’s suit jacket. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t see your suitcase there and I . . . oh . . . I’m so sorry.” If things weren’t bad enough, as she tried wiping with one hand, she continued spilling the drink with the other. “Really, sorry.”
The man snarled. “Clumsy idiot. You should be fired. Where is your manager?”
Fired?That wasn’t going to go over very well with her parents. They told her this was a dumb idea, but grabbing a job as a waitress in a fancy resort sounded like what she needed. Why had she thought it would be stress-free and allow for hours at the beach? Because like you so kindly pointed out, mister, I’m an idiot, that’s why.
“If you’d like, I can have him paged,” Brooke stated. She really hoped it wasn’t going to come to that.
“That’s a bit drastic, don’t you think?” a deep voice said from behind her.
Brooke wanted to turn and see who it was, but the angry man in front of her held her attention.
“Do you know how much this suit cost?” he asked.
“I’ll buy you a new one if you promise me one thing.” She held her breath and waited as the mystery voice continued, “You apologize to this young lady for being such an ass.”
The man’s chest puffed up and his face turned beet red. “Who the hell do you think you’re talking to?”
“A bully. And I don’t like anyone who throws their weight around. For the record, I don’t give a shit if you’re the pope or the president, she deserves a bit of respect.”
This wasn’t doing her nerves any good. The two men now glared at each other. “I can’t believe you dare speak to me in such a manner. I assume you work here as well.”
“Hardly. I’m a guest. So, do you want the suit or are you just willing to walk away and go about your day?”
Brooke wasn’t sure what the man was about to do, but eventually he huffed, grabbed his bag, and walked away. Only then did she turn her full attention to her rescuer. She instantly understood why the other man backed down. The guy looked fierce. She wouldn’t have wanted to cross him. And from his tone, she knew he’d been prepared to back up whatever he said with action.
“You didn’t have to do that, you know, but thank you.” She did appreciate his assistance. She knew he’d have asked for Mr. Fletcher. Brooke hadn’t been at New Hope long enough to anticipate how he’d have reacted to such a complaint. Mrs. Fletcher, on the other hand, didn’t seem to get flustered over anything.
“The guy probably needed some cooling off anyway. My name is Gareth, and you are?”
“Brooke. I haven’t seen you here before. Are you just checking in?”
“I am,” he replied.
She smiled and said, “Welcome to New Hope. I’d shake your hand, but as you can see, I’m a bit sticky right now.”
“Don’t let that Neanderthal ruin the rest of your day.”
She laughed. “He wasn’t that bad.” Close.
“I like your attitude. What is your manager’s name?” he asked.
“Drake Fletcher is the one here now.”
“Now? You mean he’s leaving?” Gareth asked.
She nodded. “He owns New Hope with others. Alex Henderson and his wife, Ziva, live here in Tabiq. When they visit the States, Mr. Fletcher fills in. So don’t worry, we are always well-supervised.” Brooke had to admit, Alex was more easygoing than Drake. It was no surprise as Alex was an author, and he looked at everything like it was going to be in his next book. I’m sure a clumsy waitress wasn’t what he was looking for.
Gareth said, “I probably should let you get back to work and go to my room.”
“There is a clam bake on the beach tonight. Maybe you and whoever you’re traveling with could attend.”
He replied, “I’m here alone.”