What the hell? “I’m sorry, you must be mistaken. I didn’t agree to tour anything.”
“I’m speaking to Veronica Kayde, correct?” she confirms.
“Yes.”
“There is no mistake. Mr. Villanueva personally called me first thing this morning and told me to schedule tours with you as soon as possible. He also told me to tell you that this is all per your request,” she tells me as a matter-of-fact.
I’m too hungover for this. I pull the phone from my ear and bring up my text messages. I look at the conversation I started in my drunk haze.
Veronica: Hi, this is Veronica Kayde.
Unknown: Hello Veronica, I was expecting you to reach out. What took you so long?
Veronica: I needed a lapse in judgment. Is your offer still open?
Unknown: Hmm. I won’t take that personally. And yes, my offer still stands.
Unknown: I’ll make arrangements.
Unknown: Hello? Are you there?
I don’t remember texting him, but then again, I wouldn’t.
“Hello, Ms. Kayde. Are you there?”
“Ye-Yes. I apologize, but I made a mistake. I won’t be needing Mr. Villanueva’s help after all.”
“He let me know that you may change your mind. He asked me to remind you that the majority of the real estate in Veridian Bay is taken. Owned by your family, to be precise.”
Fuck, he’s right; even in the midst of my hangover, I know that he’s right.Take a deep breath, Veronica.What’s the worst that can happen? A lot, considering I can’t stand the man. Does my freedom outweigh the fact that I can’t stand being in the same room as him?
“Okay, Ms. Gomez. I would like to make a couple of requests before we start looking at places.”
“Very well, Ms. Kayde, and please, call me Becca.” I take a moment to think.
“One, it can’t be near real estate owned by my family, which can be difficult. The other is that it needs to be small, something just for me.”
“I’ve made notes of your requests, Ms. Kayde. I can have a couple of places ready for tomorrow. Does that sound good to you?”
“Yes, Becca. Please send me the addresses with scheduled times.”
“I’ll send that information shortly. Have a wonderful day, Ms. Kayde.” Then she hangs up.
I’m standing in my kitchen, my brain trying to catch up. What just happened? Shit, my head is pounding. A moment later, I feel my phone vibrate, and a message alert appears on the screen.
Unknown: Lunch today at 1. Btw, this is Cam. Save my number.
What the fuck? That is so presumptuous of him.
Veronica: I have plans today.
To sleep
Unknown: Lunch at 1. I’ll send a car if needed. Be ready.
He’s got to be kidding. I’m barely able to function. I’m curious as to why he’s helping me, since he doesn’t even like me. It makes no sense. Although he’s my brothers’ friend, we rarely interacted. It was always Gabe and he, but then he stopped coming around, and it was years later before I saw him again. By that time, Ian and Caleb were doing their ownthing, and Gabe was in his own world.Our last interaction left me not wanting to ever see him again.It’s my own fault.
Veronica: No need. I’ll be there.
