“Not all. Izzie’s parents are cool. Her dad works for this investigation firm. They’re like private investigators, hostage negotiators. They save people’s lives.”
I loosen my grip around Julianna. “What’s her dad’s name?”
“I don’t know. They both work for the company.”
“Well, when her mom or dad drops her off at the resort, I’d like to meet them.”
“Fine.” She rolls her eyes at me and heads out of my office.
The smell of Julianna’s coffee permeates the small space, even without her in it. I grab my empty mug and head down to the lounge.
Cali is seated across from the coffee machine, book in hand. Her dark hair frames her features, and I try to sneak by without having to say hello.
“Thanks again for helping me last night,” she says.
I glance over my shoulder as she puts her book down, a bright, sunny smile on her face.
“It was nothing.” I punch the code into the coffee machine and wait for it to brew a latte.
“Carrying me across the hallway wasn’t nothing,” she says, insisting that I acknowledge her appreciation.
“How’s your ankle this morning?” I ask. She’s got her foot up on the ottoman, but she’s not icing it.
“Better.” She lifts her pants leg to reveal an elastic bandage wrap. “I tend to be clumsy.” Her smile lights up the room, and all I want to do is sink back into the darkness of my office.
Why am I so glum? Moving was supposed to help me refocus and move past Jess, the woman who ripped out my heart when I walked in on her with another man in my bed.
I force a smile. “You should pick up a pair of flats in the shop.”
“No, thanks. I don’t need to spend on a pair of overpriced and uncomfortable shoes in your store.”
“They’re actually quite comfortable. Julianna helped pick out the women’s slippers and boots that we sell.”
“Well, then I might have to glance at them if your daughter is the one responsible for your inventory.”
She slides her foot off the ottoman and gestures for me to have a seat.
Does she think I enjoy conversing with her? I grab my latte that’s finished and consider dumping it for black coffee. There’s only so much sweetness that I can handle in one morning, and Cali wins that award.
“Sit.” Cali gestures for me to join her.
“I have work,” I say, and glance at my watch.
“You’ll always have work. Make time for your guests.”
Standing across from her, I exhale a heavy breath and sip my drink. “You should elevate your ankle. I’m not sitting.”
“Fine,” she says with an exasperated huff, and rests her ankle back on the ottoman. “Are you always this difficult?”
“Are you always this demanding?” I quip.
A wide grin captures her face. “Yes, most definitely. I realize we haven’t exactly gotten off on the right foot.” She grimaces at her words. “Can we start over?”
“It’s not any big deal,” I say.
“It is to me. Your daughter is bright and has some great ideas. She was showing me her videos on her phone, and I’m serious about wanting her to intern for me.”
“And I’m serious about not letting her waste her talent on being an influencer. I’m happy it worked out for you, but my daughter needs more structure. She can’t be chasing butterflies and marketing the next big craze to young minds.”