AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“She already prepared it. It’s light. You can pick at it.”
He smiles and smoothes over his shirt with his palm after setting the glass of water onto the coffee table in front of him.
When Sophia slides the door closed behind her, Rafael says, “I really don’t have long. There’s a meeting tonight in LA I need to get back for, and I hear the traffic is…”
“Temperamental,” I supply.
“Yes. But I wanted you to meet Enrique. He lives here.” He pauses and gestures out to the neighborhood below us. “In this area. He’ll be bringing you cash deposits. I want it deposited and invested. Then periodically we’ll sell stock, or I’ll have you purchase equity in specific Brazilian entities.”
I stretch one arm out across the outdoor sofa cushion and cross one ankle over my thigh, glancing back at the house, remembering Enrique is still in the restroom. The sun reflects on the glass, making the panes more of a mirror than a window.
“Are you sure you want me to invest? You know, any stock purchases could decline in value.”
“You would only pick winners,sí?”
I chuckle. “I’m not a magician. If I were, you wouldn’t be offering to invest in my company. If we’re…if the goal is to cycle money and remain off any radar, I’d recommend safe investments, not stock. I could send you a list of easily convertible assets to acquire.”
“You turning away business?”
“Just giving advice.” I shrug nonchalantly. “It’s what you want, right?”
He grins and points at me. “That’s why I like you. You’re not a kiss ass.” Then he grins wide. “Unless it’s your lady.” He glances over his shoulder, back at the house. “Looks like things are going well with you two.”
“Indeed. I’m a lucky man.” I say, smiling as Enrique slides the door open.
“I can tell.” He nods thoughtfully. “And it’s not just the…” He holds up his hand and shakes it. “It’s the way you look at each other. There’s something different now.”
“We’re in a good place.”
Enrique steps out on the patio, and Sophia follows, holding a tray in front of her. Enrique stands awkwardly beside Rafael’s chair.
“Rafe, I got an alert that there's a wreck on the 101. We should probably head.”
Rafael lets out a groan. “I’m sorry, you two. I thought we could have a nice afternoon catching up. But…” He lets out a sigh. “Next time, you and me, we’ll go windsurfing.” He points to the Pacific. “Sophia, have you got plans for the next couple of days? Gemma gave me a job, and that’s to convince you to come visit her. Please? Gemma will not be a happy woman unless I sell you on this.”
Sophia glances at me, as if she’s asking permission. Of course, she’s playing a role. And, I have to admit, I rather like this bit of the role-playing.
“I can’t think of any reason you can’t get away for a couple of days, can you?”
She squeals, like I’ve granted her permission for something she so very much wants to do and bounces a bit in her heels.
“Sounds like she’s in. I have some business in LA, too. Maybe I’ll drive her down.”
“Great. We’re staying at…” His brow crinkles and he looks to Enrique. “Let me ask Ivan.”
We all follow Rafael as he traverses the house and exits through the front door. Ivan leans against a car, a phone in his hand.
“Ivan, I didn’t know you were here. You didn’t want to come inside?” Gemma asks.
“He’s a slave driver,” Ivan jokes, gesturing to Rafael. “I had some emails to take care of. You all done?”
“Yes.” He snaps his fingers. “Where are we staying in LA?”
Ivan looks between us and Rafael. He appears hesitant to answer.
“Sophia’s coming down to do things with Gemma. You know how she’s been bored.”
“Chateau Marmont. When?” Ivan doesn’t sound happy, but if he’s in charge of security for Rafael, having been in his position in the past, I imagine he is mentally reconfiguring personnel assignments.
