Page 63 of Two of a Kind
One Year Later...
“Lex, yougottacome see this,” Taryn said, poking her head into the kitchen.
Lexi looked up from the table where she had been helping Patrick with his homework. After school, her kids got off at the same bus stop Taryn’s kids did and hung out here with their dad until she finished her workday at the Goddess.
“Stay here, guys. I’ll be right back.”
Lexi followed Taryn out into the bar area, which was surprisingly quiet, except for the flat screens broadcasting the local news. All eyes were peeled on the televisions, and when Lexi looked up, she saw why.
“Turn it up, Jake,” someone called.
Jake grabbed the remote, and soon, the reporter’s voice filled the bar.
“I’m here with Pine Ridge native and former CEO of Dumas Industries, Spencer Dumas, who has graciously agreed to an exclusive live interview via satellite from his private island in the Caribbean. Thanks for joining us, Mr. Dumas.”
Spencer smiled at the camera, looking every bit the playboy billionaire he was. “My pleasure, Gerry.”
“Mr. Dumas, your exclusive adults-only resort, Sate, garnered worldwide attention recently when international film star Kayden Cassidy credited another Northeastern Pennsylvania native, Kayla O’Connell, with saving his life. Can you tell us what happened?”
“I could”—he grinned—“but I think Kayden already covered that pretty thoroughly in his interview.”
“Ms. O’Connell is an employee of yours?”
“Yes, she is Director of Public Relations for Sate and my right hand. We couldn’t function without her.”
“Mr. Cassidy claims she was tending bar at the time, and that her quick response saved his life when he choked on an olive.”
“Ms. O’Connell enjoys getting behind the bar occasionally. She’s damn good at it, and the customers love her.” Spencer’s grin grew as he tugged Kayla next to him.
“Is that true, Ms. O’Connell?”
“I don’t know about that,” Kayla answered, laughing, “but I do love it. I learned everything I know about bartending, and a few other things”—she winked—“at Jake’s Irish Pub, where I worked for several years.”
A cheer went up from the bar patrons.
“Hey, Callaghans, if you’re listening, no hard feelings, aye?”
“Mr. Dumas, you shocked a lot of people when you stepped down as CEO of Dumas Industries and divested yourself from the company. Any regrets?”
Spencer grinned. “Only that I didn’t do it sooner.”
“Any words of advice for the new CEO?”
“I wish my brother Phillip and his beautiful fiancée Chelsea every happiness and continued success.”
They wrapped up the interview by providing some stunning photos of Sate and some of its many amenities.
Jake turned the volume back down and conversations resumed.
Lexi shot Ian an “I told you so” look then went back into the private kitchen with Taryn.
“What do you think?” Ian asked Jake quietly.
“Me? I don’t know. What am I supposed to think?”
“Lex believes Kayla has changed.”
“Maybe she has.”
