Page 52 of Chaotic Curse
“Don’t I?”Jordan retorts.“Everyone in this town is skeptical about your father’s business.There’s no way he got all his billions from his father’s ranch and his mother’s inheritance.”
Hawk’s blue eyes darken, and his facial muscles flex.
I’ve seen that look before, many times at home in Colombia.Fists are about to be thrown, and I have to stop it.
“Jordan, that’s enough!”My voice cuts through the tense silence, making everyone look at me.“Why do you care so much about where Hawk’s family money came from?Are you jealous?”
Jordan looks taken aback.But he recovers quickly, his sneer returning.“I just care about you, Daniela.I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Well, thank you for your concern, but we’re fine.Now, if you’ll excuse us, Hawk and I are leaving.”I tug on Hawk’s arm.
Hawk rises and nods.
“Don’t bother.”Jordan stands.“I’m leaving.Fuck all of you.”
Gina and Lavender are staring, mouths agape.
“What was all that about?”Gina asks.
“He’s a dick.That’s what it’s about,” Hawk says.“I should have punched him into next week.”
“I’m glad you didn’t,” I say.“The last thing we need is for you to get in trouble.”
“Well, now we have an even number for rides,” Lavender says.“Unless you guys are still leaving.”
Hawk shrugs.“I guess one more ride won’t hurt.”
“Good.”Gina laughs.“And kudos to you for getting rid of Jordan.Lav and I think he’s a douchebag anyway.”
I cock my head.“Then why did you agree to come here to the waterpark with him?”
“Because”—Gina shrugs—“he’s got connections.He’s gotten us into some of the best parties and events around the city.But that doesn’t mean we like him.”
Hawk furrows his brow.“Connections?What do you mean by that?”
“He works at a pretty lush restaurant,” Gina says.“And if Lav and I want to make it in the culinary business, we need to rub elbows with the Texas culinary elites.”
“I didn’t know therewereTexas culinary elites,” I say.
“Oh, yeah,” Lavendar says.“It’s a whole system, really.You haven’t lived here long enough to get wind of it.But don’t worry, girlfriend.Gina and I will take care of you.”
Hawk’s expression is unreadable.
He seems to be pondering Jordan’s “connections.”
“Come on,” I say, tugging on his arm.“What’s the next ride?”
“I vote for the whirlpool,” Lavender suggests, her eyes glinting.
“That sounds like a plan,” Hawk says, squeezing my hand.“Lead the way.”
We follow Lavender and Gina and enter a whirlpool ride where we are spun around in an enclosed tube before spinning down a long tunnel into a large open pool.The thrill of the ride staves off some of our awkwardness, and soon we’re back to laughing and joking, the ghost of Jordan’s bitter words forgotten.
After the thrilling experience of the whirlpool, we decide to take a break and rest by the poolside.Gina and Lavender engage in a playful splashing battle, their laughter echoing through the park.
Hawk sits beside me, a content smile on his face.His hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining.
“What time is it?”I ask him.
