Page 36 of Mexico Can Choke On It
“What exactly is…nips for tips?”
“Basic bartending economics 101. No undergarments increases revenue.” She gestures toward her chest with the bowls. “The girls earn their keep.”
Do not stare at her breasts, Sterling. You are not a hormone-addled teenager. You are a grown man. A professional. An heir to billions. Stop. Looking.
I’m definitely still looking.
I cough into my hand, immediately wincing as pain shoots through my taser-fried muscles.
Petra grins, knowing exactly what I was looking at.
“Okay, tough guy. Let’s feed you before you pass out and sue me.”
We settle onto the couch, and she drops two white pills into my palm, passing me a chipped glass of water.
“What are these exactly?”
“Like Tylenol, but stronger. Trust me, it’s fine. Probably.”
“You inspire exactly zero confidence.”
“Relax. They’re not roofies. If I wanted to take advantage of you, I wouldn’t need pharmaceutical assistance.”
I choke mid-swallow.Why do I have the impression that’s not a brag but simply plain fact?
She hands me a steaming bowl filled with a vibrant, unnaturally orange…pasta?
“Eat up. Those pills need food, or you’ll be barfing all over my vintage couch.”
I raise my fork, eyeing the bright-orange mound, then take a bite. “Your mom used to make this when I’d stay for dinner!”
“I remember!” she says, laughing. “You thought it was a science experiment. And you’re right, it is. Nuclear-orange goo that’s puremagic. But it’s gotta be Kraft Mac & Cheese. I’d rather eat out of a dumpster than go generic.”
“Marcel, my personal chef, would hate how much I’m enjoying this,” I mutter, chewing.
“Oh my God. That’s the most billionaire thing you’ve ever said.”
We both go quiet, totally absorbed in our bowls. Petra polishes hers off and places it on the coffee table with aCLINK.
“All right, B. Why were you lurking outside my bar like a handsome stalker? I’m enjoying this twisted little reunion,but we aren’t in each other’s lives.”
Tell her what’s going on. Tell her you’re leaving Heartvest. Tell her you feel as though you’re breaking something with Gavin you can’t fix.
“Your brother wants you in Mexico. I came here to convince you.”
“I figured. The answer is still no.”
“Think about it logically. In exchange for a paid vacation in a private Mexican paradise, you’ll get your college paid for.”
“Look around, Moneybags! Am I a person who makes decisions based on good financial plans?”
“You said yourself you need the money.”
“And I’ll figure it out like I always do,” she counters, chin jutting forward defiantly. “Without selling my dignity to be my brother’s performing poodle for his bridezilla fiancée.”
“It’s eight days, Pip. That’s it. Why are you being so stubborn?”
“Eight days of pretending to be someone I’m not for people who’ve never respected me. No amount of infinity pools or free champagne is worth that.”
