Page 55 of Escape To Paradise
After Viktor finished his drink, he went back to the kitchen to prepare.
“He’s a good worker,” Maverick pointed out.
“I know. He’s great. I’m glad that you gave him a job.”
“He deserves it.”
There were three drinks left on the table. I picked the blue curacao drink, and he picked the Painkiller with pineapple, coconut, orange juice, and nutmeg. Grenada was known as the spice capital of the Caribbean, and it was only appropriate we used spice in the drink.
Maverick seemed impressed by his own creations.
“Do you like it?” I asked. I picked the cocktails that had tropical fruits and juices in them. We’re in the Caribbean after all.
Maverick sipped on the cocktail again and had a look of satisfaction on his face. “This is damn good!”
I was getting more relaxed on my second drink that I felt comfortable enough to ask him personal questions. “So, Maverick, what are you doing on this island? You’re so far away from home.” Ordinarily, I wouldn’t ask him these questions, but today seemed like the right occasion.
He leaned forward. “I got divorced. I needed a change of pace. An opportunity popped up, and I just booked a one-way ticket to nowhere. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one with that story.”
My cheeks warmed slightly. Coincidentally, we were on the same boat. “It’s a lot more common than you think.” I smiled. “But you’re the first one I know who jumped into a restaurant business with no knowledge or idea of what he’s doing.”
“That’s how I learned about, Harper. I jumped in headfirst?”
“Pretty impulsive, don’t you think.”
“I’m not the only one.”
“What does that mean?”
“I’m not the one who got involved with a total stranger. I’d at least listen to what my friends think.” Maverick’s tone changed, becoming serious.
“Are you talking about me and Julian?” I suddenly felt uneasy.
“You don’t know him like I do, Harper.”
I felt personally attacked. “Are you telling me who to date now?”
“No, it’s not like that. I just had a negative experience with him. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
I stood up from the stool. “I really appreciate you hiring me to be your consultant. But after I’ve fulfilled my part, I won’t go back here anymore. Bye.” I turned around and walked out.
Maverick ran after me, and he touched my shoulder. “Hey, Harper. Don’t do this. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to upset you. I’m just telling the truth. I invested my money so we could partner up. You know, build properties together, but he took my money.”
I stopped to give Maverick a chance to talk. “Okay, go on.” I folded my arms.
“But he partnered up with someone else. And he almost didn’t pay me back.”
“Almost?” I asked, starting to get impatient.
“Yes. He wouldn’t have paid until I kept hounding him. He paid me back after a year, but it seemed he wouldn’t pay me at first.”
“But he did pay you back?”
“Yes, he did.”
“Every cent?”
“Yes.”
