It Started In Paradise

Donovan peered across the dim, busy restaurant and spotted his friend. Merengue blared through speakers tucked into the ceiling. The volume elevated to a level that made it difficult for him to hear his own thoughts. Donovan snaked through tables sideways and then weaved through a crowd of dancers yelping and winding their hips to the rhythm pulsating through the restaurant like a collective heartbeat.

“You made it!” Keenan tapped the stool next to him. “I saved you a seat.” The two shook hands.

“Great to see you! I think someone touched my behind on the way over here.” Donovan looked back toward the dance floor. A woman in a white ruffled blouse and red flowing skirt winked as she three-stepped from one side to the other. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure that happened.”

“There’s a good chance that it did in here.” Keenan laughed. “How’s the conference going?”

“I haven’t done much yet.” Donovan lifted his hand to signal the waiter. “My flight got in early. After settling in, I did a little sightseeing and spent the rest of the afternoon at the pool. I tried to take advantage of what little downtime I have. How’s business coming along?”

“The deal looks like it’s going to happen.” Keenan took a sip of amber liquid after swirling it in his glass.

“That’s great!” The waiter arrived and Donovan ordered his drink in Spanish. “I’m glad we were able to get together for a drink before you left.”

“I know. We’re like two vessels crossing. You come the day before I leave.” Keenan sat back and gave Donovan a pensive look. “The offer still stands.”

Donovan sighed. “I appreciate it but my plate is full.”

“I know the resort would do well with you heading up the events department. It’s a great venue for weddings and conferences. I’d like to see you take on a larger role than just being an investor on this project. And the money.” Keenan whistled. “We’re going to make a ton. The seller got into some legal trouble and he’s offloading his properties for ridiculously low prices.”

“You make an attractive offer, but to be effective I’d have to stay here for extended periods of time. Right now my father’s relying on me to expand our business back home. We’re contemplating renovations, hiring consultants, ramping up our PR efforts and all kinds of stuff. I almost didn’t make it here for this conference, but I worked it out and was able to schedule a few important meetings.” Donovan looked down the bar for the bartender. “You just make sure I have a special suite for when I visit Puerto Rico. Let the staff know they have to treat me well. Ha!”

“That will certainly be taken care of.”

The bartender finally arrived, set Donovan’s drink in front of him and napkin beside it. He waited for Donovan’s nod of approval before leaving. “How’s the family?” he asked Keenan.

“Everyone is great. My parents are moving to Miami. My dad said he’s done with New York winters. Jackson opened a private investigation company and he’s doing extremely well. He didn’t expect all the disgruntled spouses but they pay well.” Keenan’s laugh settled into a wide smile. “I’m getting married.”

“Wow!” Donovan sat back and patted Keenan’s shoulder. “Congratulations, man! I haven’t seen Adriana since graduation. Is she still in banking?”

“She runs a brokerage firm now. Miami has been good to her.” Keenan placed his empty glass on the bar top. The waiter held his finger up, questioning if Keenan wanted another. Keenan held his hand up in return, letting the bartender know he was done. “Graduation,” he said reminiscently. “So much has changed since then.”

“Yeah.” Fond memories of days in their Ivy League graduate program flashed across Donovan’s mind. “All good things.”

After catching up, they went back to talking business. Keenan shared the renovation plans and reviewed the finances for the resort his company was in the process of purchasing. Even though Donovan’s only role was that of an investor, Keenan gave him a thorough update, promising to keep him informed through the entire process.

Donovan felt confident about the money he’d invested in the endeavor and looked forward to gaining a robust return. If this went well, there were resorts in other areas of the island they wanted to explore. After that, they’d see about getting property in other tropical cities as well.

When business had been handled, Keenan stood and Donovan followed his lead.

“Great seeing you, man,” Donovan said. They hugged.

“I wish I could hang around longer but I need to head back to the other side of the island since I’m on the first flight out in the morning. Next time we need to coordinate our travel better so we can really hang out. I don’t get to see anyone since I moved to Miami.”

“Tell Adriana I said hello and good luck with the wedding.”

“You’re going to come down for it, aren’t you?” Keenan asked.

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

Donovan and Keenan walked out together. Both had drivers waiting to take them back to their respective hotels, where Donovan headed straight to the lobby bar in search of Chloe and Jewel. He checked his watch and then texted the ladies.

Jewel responded first, letting him know that they were still in their meeting and should be done soon. They agreed to meet up in an hour. That gave Donovan enough time to freshen up and change into casual clothing.

Donovan walked through the lobby, stepping in time with the rhythm of the music floating from the lobby bar. The day had been productive and he felt good about that. Now it was time to relax and enjoy the evening essence of beautiful Puerto Rico and he looked forward to doing that with the Chandler sisters—especially Chloe.

Since they were children, he’d always been aware of her. Donovan chuckled. What would his mother think? She would certainly be upset, but as much as he loved his mother, Donovan was his own man. Besides, tonight would be nothing more than an opportunity to unwind with friends—friends that just happen to be quite beautiful despite their familial history.

In the hotel suite, Donovan got dressed and slipped into a pair of slacks and a button-down shirt before squirting on a few splashes of cologne. This time, he opted for the tiki bar outside of the hotel.

Salsa mixed with the sounds of the waves offered audible splendor. A cool breeze caressed his arms. Donovan smiled in response. Finding a table that provided the best view of the moonlit ocean, he sat facing the water as he waited for his server. A young man with a long ponytail, untamed facial hair and a floral shirt approached shortly after.

“I’ll take your best scotch,” Donovan said.

“Sure.” The waiter scribbled Donovan’s order on a pad.

“Wait. No.” He thought better of his decision to indulge in his signature selection. He was in the tropics. Why not order accordingly? “What do you recommend?”

“Rum, of course!” His accent made his words sound like music. “I’ll bring something you’ll like. Trust me?”

“I’ll go for it.” Donovan nodded in agreement.

“Be right back.”

As the waiter walked off, Donovan sat back in his chair, allowing the tropical breeze to soothe him. His mind drifted. What was it going to be like when Jewel and Chloe joined him later?

Chapter 3 (#u31e36d9c-0fb0-5d42-99a7-1ae874060ddc)

“Great meetings. I’m really excited about the renovation now. I can’t wait to get back and share this information with Mom,” Chloe said to Jewel as she headed toward her room. She stepped out of her dress and laid it on the bed.

A few minutes later, Jewel joined Chloe in her room. “Technology is an amazing thing. We’ll be able to produce more pies using the same amount of space. We’ll never have a problem meeting demand now—especially during the holidays.” Posing in the mirror, Jewel checked out the flowing jumpsuit she’d just put on.

“How’s this?” Chloe presented herself to Jewel, twirling in the floral strapless sundress she’d selected for the evening.

“Oh! Very pretty.” Jewel offered a wide smile. “Donovan’s going to love that,” she teased.

“I’m not thinking about Donovan.” Chloe waved her off and slipped her feet into a pair of beaded flip-flops.

“You should be. It’s been months since you’ve dated—about a year, actually.”

“And I’m fine with that. Who’s counting anyway?” Chloe shrugged.

“Me! And so should you. It’s time to get back in the game.” Jewel put her hand on the doorknob. “Ready?”

“Yeah.” Chloe walked through the open door. “Truthfully, Jewel, I’ve been so into work I’ve hardly thought about it. I’m thrilled about taking the restaurant to another level. Chandlers can really become the sought-after venue for events once we start working with this consultant. It’s time to elevate our brand. When you love what you do, it’s easy to be caught up. After my breakup with Alan, the days and months have just rolled right on by.”

“Mom loved that guy for some reason.”

“I know. She just knew that he was going to be her son-in-law. At first, I thought that he would be the one, too. He seemed refined, debonair and worldly. He relished living up to the image of what we represented—two successful people with all the appropriate fixings and a glamorous lifestyle. I wanted genuine romance. I didn’t care what we looked like. Warm hugs, kisses, cozy movie nights and long walks are the things that I craved. He wanted to be seen at every major function. We just couldn’t seem to find our middle ground. I’d end up at home while he attended his high-profile parties. Eventually, we just grew apart. As much as it hurt, we both knew it was best to end the relationship. Mom will never get it.”