Page 90 of Rainstorm

I barely recognize that hoarse voice when Ariel finally surfaces and makes her way into the kitchen to sit with me at the table, holding her head in her hands. “I have a whole bunch of woodpeckers drilling my brain.”

“Serves you right, I’m afraid,” I say, trying to look serious. If she feels as bad as she looks I feel sorry for her, but it was self-inflicted.

“If you’re going to act like a mother hen and lecture me, at least tell me you have a hangover cure,” she grumbles.

“You’re talking to the wrong person,” I say, pretending to ignore her as I go back to what I’m doing. Although I haven’t slept at all, I’m hoping my efforts will be worth it, and that Ariel will appreciate what I’m doing and doesn’t take it the wrong way.

“I definitely need to choose my friends better,” she scowls.

Do I feel sorry for her? Well yes, I’m a soft touch with a good heart, so I get up to grab her a cold bottle of water from the fridge and some more Advil.

“See, I knew you weren’t that mean.” She smiles as she takes the hangover cure from me.

“I have a proposition for you,” I state, sitting back down at the table. I’ve decided not to waste any time, to get straight to the point, with no messing about.

“An improper one? I like those, but I’m afraid you’re not my type. I’m into guys in case you hadn’t noticed.” She nudges me and winks.

I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing, but this is not the time for joking around, we need to be serious.

“Actually, this is a business proposition. I want to be your partner.”

She frowns and I’m not sure if it’s because she doesn’t understand what I’m saying, or if she doesn’t like my idea.

“I’ve already told you, Roselynn, I’m not a charity project.”

She turns to face me and I see her good humor has vanished. Now I get to see another Ariel, the fierce and defensive version.

“Well, that’s good to know, because I’m not offering a charitable donation. I’m only offering to go in with you because I believe it’s a sound investment.”

“What are you suggesting? What’s in it for you?” Her voice might be soft, but she’s being blunt and defensive.

“Like I said, I want to be your business partner, Ariel. I’ve been studying your notes about your plans for the business and I believe there’s potential for you to be very successful and for me to get a good return. So I have funds that I’m prepared to invest. I’m a goal digger, just as you are.”

She blinks a couple of times, and I can see her struggle reflected in those big green eyes. She wants to take up my offer, but she also wants to stubbornly push me away.

“You actually have that kind of money in your bank account?” she asks in disbelief. “I didn’t know you were a rich woman.”

“I’m not rich, but I did manage to save quite a bit when I was working on the TV show. I was pretty well paid with not many expenses since I was basically still living with my parents. Then, when I moved in with Chase, he took care of all the household expenses, so I decided that the best thing was to start a savings account for a rainy day. And guess what, that rainy day has arrived!”

“Okay, so what’s your plan, if I did agree to this?” she asks, folding her arms over her chest as she stares at me.

I try to hide my smile at making some headway in getting Ariel to consider my offer, because now I’m convinced that she’s going to end up accepting the deal.

“Don’t think you’ve won, I haven’t accepted, yet.” She frowns, trying to sound angry.

“Not yet, but if you have any sense you will,” I cajole her.

“But not yet!” she stubbornly insists.

It doesn’t take long to explain to Ariel what I have in mind for the business. Our business, once I manage to convince my friend to sell me half, so now we are partners.

“We need a lawyer to make this all official and above board. I don’t want any of your money until all the legal paperwork is in place,” she insists.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of all of that. You just concentrate on what you do best, working on improving all your concoctions and leave all the admin and paperwork to me.”

“God, what have I gotten myself into? We haven’t even signed the papers yet and you’re already ordering me around like an army general.” She rolls her eyes at me.

“Be prepared, partner, this is just the start,” I tease.

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