I continue explaining our goals for Beaumont Grand, and everyone carefully observes each word leaving my mouth. My aim is to project utmost politeness, reinforcing the sophisticated persona I’m trying to present. I need to look like a random civilian chap, even with the ruggedness in my voice and displayed in my tattoos.
My eyes scan over the dark, drab marble table. Worn placemats and utensils lay all the way down it, and the light fixture above mirrors their faded design. It’s all so unappealing.
Kingsley aimlessly stirs his soup. He must be dying for this to be over. Honestly, me too.
“I have a pretty good eye for what gets people to stop whatever they’re doing and tune in,” my brother, Thomas, adds. “Rip and I will probably explore the place a little later and get an idea of which areas we’ll film.”
Mya Beaumont’s eyes light up with an idea. “Kingsley can give you a tour.”
Kingsley’s torso stiffens at the mention of his name. He doesn’t respond to his mom’s suggestion, earning pointed looks from his family.
“King is more than happy to give the guys a tour.” The girl beside Kingsley—Odette—flashes me a smile and then turns to him. “Aren’t you?”
He rolls his lips. “Of course.”
Is no one going to comment on how toneless this guy is? Are we all going to ignore it?
Fuck, it’s going to be a long two weeks getting to know this guy.
“That would be perfect! Let’s wrap this dinner up so you guys can get the grand tour.” I have no idea who said that because I’m too busy devouring the amazing shrimp étouffée. ??
“This place is fucking massive,” I breathe in awe.
I have to say, Beaumont Grand looks way nicer in person than it appears online. Kingsley’s taking us on a golf cart ride—I’m riding shotgun beside the son of the property, and Thomas is in the back.
Trees hang over the streets, and bushes are planted before them, giving it that clean, vacation-type look. The streetlights are placed so they blend in, but you can totally see the dim light they give off.
It’s not an in-depth tour, partly because it’s dark out, but mostly because Kingsley doesn’t want to give it. He won’t admit that, but it’s quite obvious. We’ve been in the car with him for close to an hour, and I can count on one hand the number of full sentences he’s spoken. He doesn’t bother with small talk or getting to know us, so the ride is pure silence. What a warm welcoming.
We gently brake in front of an enormous building, its large windows offering a view of the giant water slides within. Ah, the infamous water park.
“The water park is probably the thing guests are most excited about when coming here,” Kingsley explains. “And not only the kids, but the parents too.”
Thomas leans over the seat between Kingsley and me. “What makes the parents so excited?”
“The closed-off, adult-only hot tub in the building. While their kids play, they relax.”
That sounds great for the parents, but like hell for the staff. I imagine they probably check out while their kids become little terrors for the staff to deal with on their own. I’d quit my job.
“I bet the place is more popular in the cold than the outdoor pool, yeah?” I joke lamely.
Thomas shoots me a bored look. What? I have to spice up this dry evening somehow.
Our tour guide exhales through his nose forcefully, a weak attempt at a chuckle that falls flat. I almost laugh at the stupidity of it.
He presses on the gas, and we propel forward again. “Next, we’ll pass by the activity center, then I can show you where you’ll be staying.”
“How many times have you beaten the golf course?” Tommy asks.
Kingsley shrugs loosely. “I’ve never played it.”
“Not once?” My brother gawks. “You’ve never gotten bored and gone to play a round?”
Kingsley chews on his bottom lip as he shakes his head. I know he feels my gaze, but he’s keeping his eyes forward, acting like he doesn’t see me.
I’d chalk it up to him being like any other spoiled rich kid who’s gotten bored with their parents’ endless wealth, but he’s acting so damn weird about it, I don’t believe it is the case.
I kick my legs up on the dashboard. “Well, Tommy and I are definitely going to check it out, and you’ll join us because we’ve already decided we’re going to film there.”
