A Surprise Favor – Chapter 2

The bright yellow Laguna sun shines down, its warm rays washing over our bodies. Ahhh, perfect weather, as always. We leave the autocabs and step out to the sidewalk in front of the Lee villa, the trunks popping open to reveal our luggage. I take a deep breath and nod in satisfaction as I glance around. The air smells of saltwater and sand. Perfection.

We arrived at the spaceport two hours ago, and once the fees were paid up and my Flyght customers left the ship, Marcelo got us on the road in three cars.

“It’s been a while since I was last here.” Kalvin pulls a pair of sunglasses from his front pocket, slips them on, and my stomach clenches as I remember the days at flight school where I thought he was an arrogant prick. We were total idiots.

Saif and Marcelo come around the autocab from the other side.

“I usually like to stay in Naranja, but Paloma is nice, too.” Saif squints into the sun before shading his eyes with his hand.

“Playa Paloma is fantastic, you’ll see. The Lee villa is choice and was just renovated, too.” We gaze at the street, lined with palm trees and brightly painted buildings, and the sprawling blue waves of the ocean in the distance. It’s beautiful. Just what I need.

I told Marcelo when I first started looking for my network that I needed a few days on Laguna to get me in the right headspace. Now I’m finally here… a little too late, but better than nothing.

Lia, Carlos, and Nisrine arrive right behind us, the autocab popping the trunk as soon as it’s stopped.

“Guys, can you help Carlos bring in his equipment? I’m going to head in with Marcelo to make sure everything is in order.”

“Okay,” Saif says, jerking his head at Kalvin.

I turn to Marcelo. “I hope you like this place. You didn’t get to stay with us last time. It’s one of the best in Paloma.”

“I’ve been here in the past before they renovated it. The Lees are generous people. They were happy to have us here.” Marcelo scans his hand at the gate and the mechanism clicks before rolling the gate to the side. He sees me looking at the entrance and nods. “They added lots of privacy and security. It was necessary.”

Most likely because of the popularity of Vivian and Jinzo, but the Lees are wealthy and famous too. Extra security is always a good idea.

Marcelo and I walk up the stone pathway, shaded by fragrant trees and bushes.

The place looks posh, for sure. I inhale and nod with a smile.

“You approve?” Marcelo asks.

“Excellent. I love the changes already.”

“Just wait till you see the inside.”

Once again, Marcelo scans his hand at the large ornate door to admit us inside.

“I had Carlos send our security information to the Lees prior to our trip. It’ll work for us all.”

A wide marble entryway leads to a two story interior with a grand staircase. On one side is a cozy sitting area, while the other has an expansive kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances including a six burner stove and stainless steel refrigerator.

“Ah. They did a great job with this place,” I say, turning around in the foyer and peering out the windows at the azure sky.

To the right of the entrance is a keypad, facial recognition cameras, drone surveillance, and an intercom system with built-in cameras. Visitors can communicate without entering through the door.

“I’m glad there’s extra security, but do we really need it?” I ask, ambling away from the security towards the giant open kitchen. I wonder if there’s food.

I’m always hungry.

“Ms. Skylar, you were confronted by Dominic and your mother in a three-day time span. I wouldn’t put it past them to try again. We’ll be ready this time.”

Marcelo is taking his job seriously. When he said this was war, he meant it. And he’s probably right. I do need more security, but I have no idea who to ask for help.

I open the refrigerator and find it empty. Damn. We’re going to need to take care of that soon.

The front door opens, and Kalvin and Saif push through two large crates on wheels.

“I’m going to explore the rest of the house!” I call out, leaving my bag and sunglasses on the kitchen island.

This house has all the modern amenities and luxury appliances. An expansive lounge area, exquisite dining room, and private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms provide comfort. Out back, a tropical garden full of flowers and trees surrounds the pool. A terracotta tiled deck, wooden cabanas, and barbecue grill complete the scene. Wow! They spared no expense. This villa is an opulent palace.

Running back down the stairs, my heart races with excitement. I am this close to a vacation. So close I can almost feel it.

“Let’s throw a party, here, tonight,” I suggest to Marcelo with wide eyes. I bat my eyelashes in the hopes it will convince him. “Come on,” I insist. “It’s last minute, but you said we were going to have guests over for dinner, right? You already had something planned? So, let’s make it a party.”

A party is the perfect antidote to all the shit I have dealt with for the past few weeks. I have been chased through the jungles, beaten and battered by the plants and animals of Rio, and lost my mother to Dominic. I deserve a night of good food, lots of booze, and chatting with interesting and delightful people.

I deserve it.

He laughs, shaking his head and crossing his arms over his chest. “You are something else. Why would we do that?”

“It’ll be fun! We don’t have to stay in the house day and night. Whoever you were going to invite over is welcome to join us. We can chat up some neighbors and see if anyone else we know is in town.” I pause for a moment, then continue before he can speak again. “What about this new man you’ve been hinting at? He’ll love a party, right?” God, I hope so. Marcelo would never stick me with some party pooper, would he? “A nice, relaxed gathering in the backyard by the pool is the perfect way to get us started.”

I give him my most beguiling smile, turning on every bit of charm I have, and he finally cracks a return grin. Yes. I win!

“All right. If you want to throw a party, I’m game.” He turns towards Kalvin and Saif, who have been watching us throughout the exchange with admiration in their eyes. “Let’s get this shindig set up.”

—-

Hell yes. I am definitely ready to throw a party. It’s a step towards getting me back on track. This guy Marcelo picked had better be perfect or I’m walking. I’ve got too much drama in my life as it is to handle someone who doesn’t meet my expectations.

After all, it’s not like my network is growing by leaps and bounds or anything. Three men would be a great start.

Takemo’s pretty face pops into my head, and I frown. I’m not sure what to do about him.

“Stop frowning,” Lia says, as we round the bend on the walk into town. We’re in search of food and booze for our gathering. Saif tags along behind us. I couldn’t convince the guys to let us go alone.

“Sorry.” I return my face to its rightful state: resting bitch.

Lia narrows her eyes at me. “That’s marginally better.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

She throws her head back in laughter. “I’m a better mom than your real mom.”

My heart melts for this young woman. I adore her.

I throw my arm over her shoulder. “Damned straight you are.”

The streets are vibrant, people lined up at market stalls and in cars. Lia and I buy vegetables, olive oil, spices, and bread from the local bakery. Saif is quiet as I add bags to his arms. At the butcher, I want to fit in with the elite, so I get real meat instead of printed burgers. They need to be real.

“Can you send these to my address?” I ask the butcher as I access my wristlet to pay.

“Sure can, sweetheart. Leave your address with the system, and one of my employees will run it over in an hour.”

Sweetheart. I smile. How little he knows.

I meet Lia on the sidewalk outside, and she’s talking to a young man in a white fedora-style hat, a light linen shirt with a subtle pineapple print on it, and dark navy shorts. Saif is sitting with the bags on a bench a store away.

“Lia!” I exclaim. “You found us a man for the party tonight already?” I lift my eyebrows at her and turn on a dazzling smile. You never know who you’ll run into on Laguna.

“I work fast,” Lia whispers. The man chuckles.

Oh, he has a certain charm about him. His eyes glint with a mischievous twinkle, his smile is warm and inviting, and his presence is confident yet approachable. Hmmm, who could he be?

“This is Eduardo.” Lia gestures to him, her glossy lips widening with delight. “Eduardo, this is Skylar.”

I reach out to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you, Eduardo.”

“Same. Lia here was just telling me you’re in town for a week or so.”

I get a good look at his face so I can ask Ai to run him through the usual facial recognition databases. Can’t be too careful nowadays. He’s a handsome one. I’d say ‘debonair’ if I were about three social echelons higher than I am now. His cheekbones could cut stone, and his skin is the golden tan of someone always in the sun. Maybe he’s from Laguna? Hard to tell. I’ll have to ask him tonight.

“We are. I’m looking forward to lots of time on the beach. Why don’t you join us later at our place? We’re having a gathering for some friends by the pool. Nothing fancy. We’re going to open our bar and do a little grilling.”

I can feel Lia’s eagerness radiating from her entire being as she awaits his response. What’s this about? I side-eye her, wondering if she and Carlos are on the outs.

Eduardo gives a slight nod and offers a heart-melting smile of his own in response.

“Sounds like fun,” he says, touching the brim of his hat. “Sure, I’d love to come.”

Lia gives him the address, and we part ways. She looks over her shoulder at him.

“Okay. True confession time. I know you and Carlos have been dating.”

She rolls her eyes. “Of course. I knew we wouldn’t be able to keep it secret for long. Dare I ask how you know?”

I purse my lips. “I’m not telling.”

“Ah.” She aims her eyes at the sidewalk. “I know he loves me, but he keeps telling me it’ll never work out because, well…” She shrugs. I glance at Saif behind us, and he raises his eyebrows.

“Yeah.” Carlos has the Vir Gene, and he will only ever sire males. Not ideal in our current situation. “Well, it’s good to date around, since you’ll want a network of your own one day. Just…” How do I say this nicely? “If you’re thinking of making him jealous, then take it easy. We all still have to live together.”

She laughs, and it’s a hair’s breadth away from evil.

“Oof. Carlos had better watch out,” Saif says with a chuckle.

“Oh no. You’ve been spending too much time with me,” I lament.

“Never,” she says with a wink. “And don’t worry.” She shrugs. “Eduardo just seemed like a nice guy. We were talking while you were in the butcher’s shop. He’s a real estate developer, here to check out villas he wants to purchase and renovate. Sounds interesting.”

“It does.” I’ll have to talk to him later. Maybe it’s something that could bring in revenue for me, too. I like real estate, and I enjoy earning money, especially since Mom cut me off and my Rio job has become less lucrative.

We finish shopping at a store with handmade cheese platters and artisanal tapas dishes. Lia convinces me to get wine from nearby vineyards, and I happily comply. Saif follows, helpful and patient as always. I put my arm around his waist as he hails us a taxi.

When our autocab pulls up to the curb at our house, I’m one-hundred percent ready for a nap. My internal clock is off. I’ve been to three different planets with three different timezones in the last three days. If I’m going to make it through the night, I’ll need to nap.

“What’s this?” Lia asks, focusing on the autocab in front of us at the curb.

The door opens and a stunning man steps out in long white linen pants and a dark green silk shirt. He’s carrying a bouquet and a leather overnight bag. I inhale slowly, studying his sharp profile… until I realize it’s Takemo Diaz.

“For fuck’s sake,” I whisper.

Lia presses her lips together, trying to stop the oncoming laughter. I smack her on the shoulder.

“What?” She tries to appear innocent, but I know the truth. Lia has turned into a huntress in the last few years. She’s as on-the-prowl for men as I am.

“Why don’t you go after him so he’ll leave me alone?” This could actually be a good idea, yet the concept twists in my gut like rotten food.

“Skylar?” She raises her eyebrows. “He has eyes for no one else but you.”

She smirks before opening the door and getting out of the car.

“She’s right,” Saif says, leaning in to kiss me below my ear. “Maybe give him a chance?”

I sigh as he exits the car.

Here we go.