Page 135 of Mr. Aster
I looked at him, thankful this was a sincere, friendly conversation instead of a flirty one.
“I guess she would be. I mean, I finally moved down here, and we started spending a lot of time together. Now I’m suddenly moving away again,” I said, taking a bite of a carnitas street taco and watching the beach volleyball game being played by a group of shirtless men in the sand in front of us.
“Sad as she may be, you must do what’s best for you,” he said kindly.
“That’s how I’ve managed this whole decision. I’ve got to get out of this rut I’ve been stuck in.” I looked at him and grinned, “Writing about people living their lives to the fullest and working hard to achieve their dreams has inspired me to do the same.”
“Oh?” he said, swallowing a bite of food. “Am I to assume you’re embarking on a business adventure?”
“In a way, yes,” I chuckled, “but not any business adventure I would write about like I do with you billionaires.”
“So, I shouldn’t be expecting that my new hotel chain in Mexico will have competition from you?”
“Not yet,” I returned.
“May I ask what you’re going to do?”
“I’m working for a travel agency, doing their diving excursions. I’m considering holding surf workshops of my own for tourists visiting the Puerto Vallarta area. Between cruise ships coming in and beachgoers from around the world, I’m pretty sure I would do well.”
“Why not try a more popular area with a lower living cost? Maybe somewhere like San Blas?”
“San Blas would be perfect if I wanted to teach small-town locals how to surf. I need tourism, buddy,” I smiled at him, really enjoying this authentic side of the man.
“Sayulita?”
“No,” I snapped. “I won’t be visiting that place again for quite a while.”
“Ah, I see,” he said. “Perhaps that is where Sebastian and you spent time together?”
“Yes, but I’m not talking about that or him. That destination is off the menu for a while.”
“A shame. I’m developing there due tohisrecommendation. He was drunk when he told me about it, but after Jim and I researched the possibilities, I saw that it would be an excellent place to start our new project. We’ve chosen to create hotels that cater to those with hesitations about visiting Mexico, offering all the luxury amenities of our exclusive properties at a lower cost.”
“Jim has that effect on people, you know?” I said, smiling at him. “Ensuring that the wealthy use their money to help us less fortunate live a life just as luxurious, but at half the cost.”
“I like his style and manner of thinking; it’s why I chose to venture down this path with him. I’ve only catered to the famous and wealthy, and I now want to cater to those who make them wealthy and famous.”
“And it's about time someone gives us little guys some credit,” I chuckled.
“You’re a smart woman, Darcy. I see what he found in you,” Titus stood and reached for my hand. “Join me for a walk on the beach, and I’ll gladly share some details I would tell no other so your final piece of work for that publisher stands out above all others. It should definitely outshine the article you wrote about the man who broke your heart,” he winked. “If you’re comfortable with it, of course?”
“Look at you, being a gentleman,” I teased. “Sure, I’ll walk with you. A walk on the beach sounds nice.”
“Okay, honey,” my mom said. “You promise to visit me and Dad every once in a blue moon?”
“I promise,” I smiled.
“And still nothing from Sebastian?”
“Mom…”
“Hey, I’m not one to be okay with how childishly you two have behaved. You both should be ashamed of yourselves for thinking this is okay.”
“You’re supposed to be on my side, Mom,” I looked at her in frustration. “After the way he skipped out, you’d think I wouldn’t need to state my case all the time. Trust me, no one thinks this is okay.”
“You left, too, my darling,” Mom said with an eyebrow arch.
“She shouldnotbe chasing after a man, Tina,” Ines said, making dough for tortillas. “I don’t care what anyone says.”
