Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
“I still can’t believe you’re the only gas station between Big Sur and San Simeon. And that you don’t jack up your prices.”
“I don’t price gouge. I wouldn’t do that.”
“But you could make a bundle by just inflating them a bit,” he points out.
“That’s not what we’re about.” I make a frustrated sound. “We believe in fairness, community, and having each other’s backs. Suppose I don’t expect someone like you to understand that.”
“Of course I do. Just because I live in a city—” He scoffs, seemingly offended. Good, so am I. “But you also gotta watch out for your best interests. Stake your claim and all that.”
He says the words, but they sound rehearsed, like even he doesn’t know if he truly believes them.
“I obviously have.” I wave a hand. “I happen to enjoy my corner of the world.”
“I can tell. It looks good on you.”
He’s back to flirting, but I’m still reeling from the abrupt change in topic to my business acumen. I tend to be suspicious, and something feels off.
I stop short. “Is that what this is about?”
“What?”
“All these questions and your so-called vacation?”
“No, I…well, sort of.” He looks away guiltily. “My partner and I invest in real estate opportunities.”
“I thought you said you were in sales.” Okay, that sounds stupid. But I hadn’t expected real estate. “Never mind. You know what I mean.”
“It sounds like I offended you. That wasn’t my intention.” He frowns, regret in his eyes. “I was only curious if you’d ever consider it.”
“Why not be upfront about it?” My legs push forward on the trail, and he follows. “Was that what the hookup was about too?”
“Hell no. I was only passing through.”
“And now?”
“The area interested me, so I decided to see what Aqua Vista is all about.”
“Did it interest your business partner too? Is that why he sent you?”
“God, you make it sound horrible.”
I suppose that’s why some people believe sales and acquisitions are cutthroat. Damn, when had I become someone like that?
“I don’t like to be played. I’d rather people be upfront in business too.”
“I am being upfront. Christ, I only just arrived yesterday.”
I ignore his excuses as questions jam my thoughts. “Why the service station?”
“Why not?”
“Is it so you can hike the prices and make a bundle off the backs of hardworking people?” Damn, I honestly didn’t realize how strongly I feel about all that. My dad really did have an influence on me. He was a fair and compassionate business owner and loved this town, wanted to help the people thrive. I mean, I always thought he hung the moon.
“Fuck, I wasn’t trying to—” He runs a hand roughly through his perfectly mussed dirty-blond hair. “That came out all wrong.”
Thankfully, we are back at the trail entrance.
“Or maybe it came out right,” I lob back, unsure why I feel so incensed. Maybe it’s because people are never quite what they seem. But I have no reason to be disappointed in Aaron. After all, I hardly know him.
“We purchase properties to make improvements. I can envision so much more for your station—”
“So you can make a profit. Isn’t that what it comes down to?”
He starts pacing. “Can we start over? I won’t bring up this topic of conversation again. Promise.”
I stare hard at him, wondering if he’s bullshitting me. I can see the regret in his gaze, but I can’t be sure over what. He obviously came here with an ulterior motive and even ingratiated himself to my sister. “Sure, we can start over. I own a service station, and you’re a customer. Have a good day.”
He’s still standing by his car as I drive away.
5
AARON
Well, fuck, that didn’t go over well. Maybe I should’ve waited, but then he’d have accused me of being even more sneaky and underhanded. God, he’s frustrating. Never have I had someone make me feel guilty for simply suggesting a business arrangement. Sure, we’d had tough negotiators or tears shed because it’s hard to let go of a beloved property even when you know it’s the right decision. But each customer understood it was with the idea of making the place better, more successful, or to move on for the sake of progress.
It’s the same concept for the service station. They don’t even offer a coffee machine, for Christ’s sake, let alone a snack station.
Back at the inn, sweaty and flustered, I jump in the shower and consider my options. After retrieving my clothes from my suitcase, I study the worn handle, wondering if leaving right this instant is best. Especially now that I know Jack isn’t going to sell. Or I can stay and have a real vacation. And try avoiding the man in the process.
Once I’m dressed, I slip the pink crystal back into my pocket—as if it really has some sort of healing properties. But maybe there’s something to it. My back and stomach do feel better, but maybe that’s because I finally got the sales pitch off my chest. Even though it bombed. Big-time.