Page 106 of One Indian Girl
I joined the two of them.
‘Carlos, can I talk to you later?’ I said. ‘A few business-related questions about the resort?’
‘Sure. MrSereno informed me,’ Carlos said.
Neel smiled at my attempt to do due diligence at every opportunity. Carlos excused himself and left us in the lobby area. The sun shone bright, though there was only one hour to sunset.
‘Beats working on a bank portfolio, doesn’t it?’ Neel said.
‘Totally,’ I said and laughed. ‘This is the best deal ever. How beautiful is this place?’
‘Yeah, glad we came. I had no idea this is so amazing.’
‘We will find a buyer, right?’ I said.
‘Gosh. You are unbelievable. Just look at the view. Worry about the buyer later,’ Neel said.
‘Sorry,’ I said.
We walked out of the lobby to face the sea in front of us. Rock formations in the middle of the ocean made the view even more dramatic.
‘What’s your plan for the rest of the evening?’ Neel said.
‘I have to make the term sheet,’ I said.
‘Come on. Do it back in the office. Want to take a walk around the island before dinner?’
‘Sure,’ I said.
‘Let’s change into workout clothes. See you here in thirty minutes,’ he said.
Neel and I walked on the two-kilometre trail that circled the island. Every nook and corner had spectacular scenery. Warm seawater touched our shoes as we walked on the sand near the water. If God hired an architect to design heaven, this was how it would be done.
‘Let’s keep it brisk,’ Neel said and increased his stride. He now walked in front of me, looking even better in his workout clothes: knee-length black shorts and a neon-green Nike T-shirt.
I wore a white T-shirt and grey trackpants.
‘You are really into fitness,’ I said.
‘I try,’ Neel said.
‘The hike that day. Walk today.’
‘Well, when you get to my age, your metabolism drops. Not easy to remain fit.’
‘You look so fit,’ I said. I wondered if I should have said it. I had just noticed a partner’s physical appearance. Well, who in the office hadn’t?
‘Thank you. I am old now. Forty-five.’
‘That’s not so old,’ I said.Okay, why did I have to say that?
He laughed. ‘Really? How old are you? Sorry. I shouldn’t be asking a lady that.’
‘I am twenty-five. Well, twenty-six soon.’
‘That’s incredibly young. Look at you, already on big deals.’
‘I am lucky.’
