Chapter 6: Chapter 5: Next Bump
"What?!" Keana, Clover, and Tina said in chorus. Meanwhile, Zaylee was so quiet about it, yet she's smiling like the devil.
Clover face-palmed himself. "You out of your mind, Brinley?"
"Pardon, please," Keana reacted.
"Just meet me tomorrow." That was my only response to their reactions.
"Where?" Tina asked.
"Just in the basement," I said. "And hell, you're so absolutely quiet, Zaylee. What are you up to now?" I joked around, we laughed together at Zaylee and mocked her.
"Whatever." She rolled her eyes then cut the signal line from her side.
One by one, every one of us ended the call.
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I wasted my time on the couch of the basement waiting for those assholes. Are they even planning to show up? I mean, it's already 10 in the morning, we could have at least started to discuss everything now—
There's a knock on the door. It's probably them. I did not respond though.
"Why are you always doing that?" Blurted out the first woman who came in.
"We're used to it, Keana. No need to rant about it," Zaylee slightly reprimanded.
"Yes, we are, but for fuck's sake, it's irritating."
"Can we just have a seat in there and stop fighting about that?" Clover interrupted.
They sat on their seats respectively. Zaylee stood up and went to get a bottle of wine. "Storytelling is better with wines," she said as she grabbed a bottle of wine from the cabinet.
"Now, tell us, what made you think about that, Brinley?" Clover frankly asked.
"You start from the beginning, as in from the moment you left us here in the basement," Keana seconded.
Zaylee gave us our respective wine glasses then poured some wine on them. "Okay, I am now ready to listen."
"What's wrong with it?" I said.
"What's wrong? You are asking us what is the fucking wrong with it?" Tina blurted out as if she's losing her shit.
"You definitely had us with the 'I am not gonna play the game' line, goodness Gracious!" Clover fussed.
"Not me," Zaylee whispered under her breath. Only I could hear it. For one, we're sitting next to each other. On her other side, Clover's busy concocting what went wrong.
"Of course, we are expecting a good reason from you after you just said that you are not accepting the dare," Keana said.
"Why didn't you accept the dare, in the first place?" Zaylee asked.
"Take note: I am still not accepting the dare. Keep that in mind. I'm just telling you that I am gonna hook up and date him, but not because of the dare," I explained then released a big sigh.
"Why not?" Zaylee asked again. "Are you attracted to him?" And her question got me thinking. Am I?
"I'm gonna ask you this, from the past boys I played before, was I attracted to them that's why I played them?" I stated a rhetorical question.
"Yes!" They answered together.
"Then that's the answer. I wouldn't date him if he's not in with my minor standards regarding boys." I took a sip of my wine. Yes, he is attractive, and quite the charm. He has proven that very well that last night. But, he's still not my type, that's why I'm sure that I am gonna win the game I started. He also interests me. There's a fine line between attraction and interest.
He's kind of the tag-around so it might be easy to puppy him around.
I laughed as I remember him always giving me the way, though the things I asked for were against his will.
"I'm waiting for the story behind all these," Tina said with a smile.
I had no choice but to tell them everything. I mean, I've been really planning to tell them about last night. It wasn't a big deal though. I've been through a lot regarding these clichés.
From the smallest to the biggest details, I told them.
"Woah!"
"Just that night?"
"How are you gonna date him when you only hung out last night?"
"How are you able to make it up to him?"
Those were the question they threw at me.
"Yes, just that night. We all know that we are both lying about that. He'll miss me, I swear. And, games work in their own ways, so let it be. Then, who said that I am the one who'll make it up to him? He'll make it up to me, I am irresistible for him, for everyone." I finished my glass of wine. "Did I answer all of your questions?"
"We do believe in you, Brinley. You never stayed in your latibule." Clover gave me a slow clap.
Clover always has his own term of a comfort zone, and that is latibule. I don't know about him when I think it just literally means hiding place.
"Why would I bother to hide when it's actually them who needs to?" I said in full of confidence.
"Feisty," Keana reacted.
"Yeah," Zaylee and Tina agreed.
"So, you'll just stay and wait for him to show up?" Keana asked.
"Most probably."
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"Where are we heading?" I asked my brother, then I glanced at my wristwatch, 1:06 PM.
"Just sit tight there, lil sis." My brother just smirked while driving.
Clover, Zaylee, Keana, and Tina went home before lunchtime. That's when my brother picked me up from the house and told me that he'll bring me somewhere else. And, I have no idea where it is.
I did not answer. He remained silent for the next minutes too.
As moments passed by, the road became more and more familiar.
Oh yes! Why wouldn't this road be so familiar? Well, how could I forget that I went here last night?
I opt to remain to observe the place. I can't be wrong about this. Why would I forget about this place? Tss.
My brother pulled up in front of a gate. Shit. This is the place. I could still remember where his motorcycle was exactly parked that time. Where we made out.
Cuestanovas Resort and Suites. I read the name sign above.
I went out immediately. My brother went out next.
"Why are we here?" I asked him.
"Business matters, sis."
He started to walk towards the counter area. A thought subsided on my mind, what if he's here? What will happen? Will he approach and chase after me like he did last night? What if he was certain about what he said. That that was just last night.
What the heck? Why am I doubting my prowess of getting him right into my track? I've never been this unsure about me not getting someone into my own turf. Why does he make me feel this way? This doubtful.
I guess because he's a dela Cuesta?
What a bullshit reason.
Or just maybe, he's really just so mysterious, opposite of what personality he showed me last night— a naughty Ashton.
I followed my brother, I stood beside him.
"Mr. Clinton McNeill?" Asked the staff. Not the same one last night.
"Yes," my brother answered.
"This way, sir." The staff led us the way. The atmosphere here seemed so familiar. Of course, why wouldn't it be so familiar?
I just followed them. Wow! The breeze in here never seems to change. Pure as usual.
We reached a building. As the staff opened the door, people in suits were revealed before my eyes. I guess, my brother just brought me here for some sort of business meeting.
But why here?
As my brother went inside, I followed his steps. I roamed my sight as I got inside. From corner to corner— Ashton Vans dela Cuesta! He's here. Sitting in the opposite seat as my brother.
"Brinley, sit here." My brother patted the chair beside him, yet I got stuck just staring at the surroundings— he's looking at me. It seemed like his eyes were adamant about not blinking as he stares dearly at me. "Brinley!" My brother called me again.
"Yes. Yes, of course."
I sat beside my brother. I feel like his eyes were still on me, from my way in until my way here.
"What are we doing here?" I asked again. I just can't get over it.
"Business, sis. Business. They're selling the resort." And that statement of my brother got me in shock. They are selling the resort?! Does Ashton even know about that last night? If yes, is that why he brought me here? The last girl he'll bring in here while the resort is still theirs.
I leaned my back on the chair. I pondered.
My brother just got me involved in a business meeting? I can't believe this. I can't believe this is actually happening!
"You know what, Clints, you're unbelievable!" I rolled my eyes at him. He just laughed at me.
Clints, I always use to address him that. I find it cute.
"You know what, Brinley, you should get used to it, just like how you call me Clints." He tapped my lap. I released a sigh.
The door opened, a lady in a business suit appeared and went in front. "Good afternoon everyone, I am Mr. Taranovas's secretary. Sorry for the inconvenience, but Mr. Taranovas said that he'll be late for approximately 20-25 minutes. He's just settling a deal from another business," the lady said. The environment got susurrus. He's just settling a deal with another business. The Taranovas must be probably and nearly bankrupt. That's why they are selling the resort, and all the big contributors are going to be affected. Everyone present here must be one who invested their money in this resort. "You can have a break outside if you'd like while waiting for Mr. Taranovas," she added, then gave each one of us a smile.
I stood up first as the lady said we can chill outside.
As I stepped outside, the wind seemed to like my appearance. It kissed my skin. It played with my hair. My perfume scent seemed to dance with it.
I started to walk towards the beach.
I sat on the recliner.
Damn my brother! Why did he even bring me here?
Oh yes, of course. Business, they've always wanted me to handle these kinds of businesses.
And for a business meeting, and me wearing a white shirt and a maroon bomber jacket on top, paired with ripped jeans and sneakers, just great.
Can you even imagine that?
How could my brother bring me here with me wearing this kind of outfit?
It's not fucking accurate. Does not suit well.
Oh well, I remain hot anyway.
I stood up, and just remained standing.
"Hey." That voice. How could I forget that voice?
He stood beside me and handed me a glass of wine. I gratefully accepted it.
"Did you already know?" I asked him. "Why did you bring me here last night?" The first question is not that inscrutable, it's obvious.
He cleared his throat before speaking up. "No, I knew after I went home, dad told me. And I was grateful at least."
Ideas formed inside my mind. At least. "At least what?"
"At least, you were the first and last girl I brought in here." He took a sip of his wine, then he looked at me and smiled.
"Do more than that. Fool me in a more effective way." I smirked. "First and last girl," I mocked him.
"Oh c'mon, I use to come here alone. You owe me that."
I finished my glass of wine. "I brought you on that cliff too, I use to come there alone," I backfired.
"We're even then." His eyes became serious. I diverted my sight to the waves.
There was a moment of silence between us. I started musing again.
Cuestanovas Resort and Suites. Cuestanovas? Dela Cuesta and Taranovas combined? Yes, yes, but having so many contributors to this resort, two surnames were the only names combined to name the place, why?
"Cuestanovas? Why?" He looked at me. He must be thinking that my question is stupid.
"Our surnames combined--"
I interrupted. "Yes, I'm not that stupid not to figure out. I mean, of all the investors, why are there only two surnames used?" I changed my question.
"Oh, yes. It's because my dad was not interested in this resort before, but then, the Taranovas persuaded him, that's where they offered the name of the resort to us. They offered it 50/25, and the other 25 for the rest of the investors," he explained. I just nodded. "He's kind of a hard-to-get." I looked at him. It was a blank look. I did not know what purpose I had too. "My dad."
"Ah, yes. The complete opposite of you." He stifled a giggle of disapproval.
My feet started to play with the sand underneath. I didn't care. All I can see was how beautiful the water in this resort was. How can this resort get bankrupt?
Oh, life.
I looked at the guy beside me. Did he miss me as I assumed he'll be--
"I missed you," he uttered, he looked at me, and for a second, he looked away immediately.
He missed me. I was right.
"I told you," I chuckled.
"Did you miss me?" He asked back. Yes.
"Let's go over there," I avoided the question as if I was playing with him.
As we were on our way to the other side of the beach, we chatted along the way.
I don't know, even though how much we talk, we always appear mysterious to each other. We see each other as mystic creatures, and I am sure that we also feel the same way.
Who am I to know that?
Nah, I just know.
He glanced at his wristwatch.
"We should go back."
I nodded at what he said. We silently strode our way back to the building.
He opened the door for me, after, I sat beside my brother.
My brother seemed so occupied with the folder he is reading right now. I did not bother him anyway.
The door went open again, it's the secretary. "He's here," she said in a low voice.
-------------------------------------------
"Okay, here's the point, I am selling this resort for money, nothing else. Just business. No issues, it's just that it's bankrupt since I handled this. I need to do this and let go of this property. I am telling you, my investors, and Mr. McNeill, an interested buyer, this is worth it. All my investors will get a share, 5% of the money. All good?" Mr. Taranova blurted out as he got pissed off at all the accusations thrown at him.
"Why wouldn't you admit that you are the one who's bankrupted, Mr. Taranova, not only this resort?" Fired an investor.
While discussing, I couldn't help but exchange gazes with this dela Cuesta. I tried intimidating him with my stare but he won't give in.
"No, and does that really matter? The point is, I am selling the resort! So please, we have an interested buyer, and for my investors, your shares are worth it exchanged with all the money you spent for this, right?" Mr. Taranova pinched the bridge of his nose.
The surroundings got filled with whispers.
"How much?" My brother inserted. He was quiet all throughout their arguments, just observing.
As Mr. Taranova heard my brother, he wore a foolish grin.
"Don't smile like that, especially to me. I'd probably do better than you," my brother reacted then tapped his nails on the table.
"2.2 billion, Mr. McNeill, for a 30-hectare resort, good facilities— " My brother cut his statement off.
"Stop that sales talk, I'm buying."
"Very well, Clinton--"
"It's Mr. McNeill, I am here on behalf of my father." My brother sneered, I could just burst out laughing in here. Clints can be the cause of your exasperation.
I think I know where I inherit my attitude.
"So, Mr. McNeill" —he pressed the name as he addressed my brother— "When can we settle this?" He asked.
"After this meeting. And one more thing, I want everything settled before a month." Things just got hot. As I scrutinized the faces inside the room, it seemed like what my brother just said was a deal-breaker.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone