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“That’s not what I mean.” She was staring at the bar. “Do you ever negotiate with women?”
“I think you and I have made a pretty good deal.” I winked, pleased we had negotiated terms we both wanted.
She wacked me on the arm. “I’m serious. Where are the women in this place?”
“I’m sure they are shopping or at the spa.”
Her mouth dropped. “That is the most sexist thing I’ve heard. I’m talking about the women who should be here in this underground business world.”
“Sweetheart, there’s nothing underground about this. This is how deals are made. It’s completely out in the open.”
“Exactly. It’s a good ole’ boys club.”
“You’ve walked through this lobby for all of thirty seconds and you’ve already determined how it works?”
Her eyes flared. “Tell me I’m wrong.”
She had me. It was a good ole’ boys club. I hadn’t thought about it much. I didn’t care whom I did business with as long as the deal was solid and would make money. I realized looking around, Sydney probably wouldn’t see it that way. She was clearly outnumbered.
I saw the cigar smoke drifting from the brandy bar. I could hear the pats on the back. The deep chuckles between men. An occasional statistic thrown out about the local quarterback. I shook my head.
“You’re not wrong.”
“As long as you see it.” She crossed her arms in frustration.
“I do now.”
The bellhop led us into the elevator and deposited us on the top floor outside of the executive suite. I opened the door for Sydney while he laid our bags out on the luggage racks.
“Is there anything else I can get for you, Mr. Lachlan?”
“No, I think we’re good.” I handed him a folded twenty-dollar bill as he backed out of the room.
“This is beautiful.” Sydney looked out of the window, admiring the Riverwalk below us. “Wow. You can see everything from up here.” I was glad she had decided to drop the conversation we started in the lobby.
“It has a nice view.” I stood next to her, watching the tourists mill about while one of the river boats floated by.
“So much better than staring at the peeling paint in my tiny cubicle at the Record.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Can we take a boat ride?”
“Err…uhh, I’ve never done that here.”
She pinched her pouty lips together. “Never mind. It’s no big deal.”
I grabbed her hand, the spontaneity of her idea taking hold. “No, if the pretty girl wants to do all the touristy stuff, then we’re doing the touristy stuff. I promised you fun, right?”
I loved the smile that spread across her face. “Really? You don’t mind?”
“Depends. Are you going to want to see the Alamo next?” I joked.
“Only if you want to see it.”
I realized I might have awakened something in her. She suddenly looked much younger than twenty-two. Her eyes lit with excitement.
“Ok, the Alamo and a river boat, but then I get to choose the next spot. Got it?”
