Page 35 of All Signs Point to Malibu

“First time actually,” I say. “I’m sure everything is delicious.”

“These are Liam’s latest drafts,” William says to Sonia. “I want your thoughts.” He presents several architectural designs.

Strange that Sonia wouldn’t have already seen these. Wouldn’t Liam show her what he has planned for her family’s resort?

I strain to hear the conversation.

“They look fantastic. I see he’s incorporated the extra three floors for executive level guests,” Sonia says.

“I’m thinking it’s not enough. Five would be better,” William says.

“Salmon or chicken—both sound tempting,” Alisha says across from me and I miss Sonia’s reply. “What are you having?” she asks.

I really should decide. I scan quickly, then set the menu aside. “Shrimp cocktail.”

“Ooooh, that sounds delicious,” Alisha says. “But I’m actually starving...”

Her voice competes with the conversation at the Bankses’ table and I miss part of it.

“Order whatever you like.” And please stop talking.

“Liam said the regulations for height in that area of the coast forbid us going any higher,” Sonia is telling her father.

William waves a dismissive hand. “A technicality. He’ll figure it out.”

“Dad, it’s not something he can just decide on his own.”

William shrugs as though he’s appeasing her. “Look, he wanted more say in the process and I’m allowing him to have that.”

So they can pin this unsanctioned design on Liam if the resort doesn’t meet height regulations?

“Daddy, you can’t insist Liam adjust the designs, knowing this will be problematic.”

William leans in and his expression is so serious that even I feel like a child being disciplined. He opens his mouth and I still, waiting to hear what he’s about to say...

But the waterfall next to us turns on. Crashing water cascades over the rocks into the koi pond below, drowning out the conversation.

Shit. I need to know if William is actually going to insist Liam redesign the building so I can somehow warn him about the height restrictions. Or is Sonia going to step up and fight against her father’s wishes?

“Excuse me for a sec,” I tell Alisha. “Ladies’ room.”

She sets her menu aside. “I’ve had so much water, I’ll come with.”

“No!”

She looks taken aback.

I force a strained laugh. “Sorry, I just mean, maybe you should stay in case the waitress comes to take our order. If we miss her, we’ll probably be waiting forever for her to come back.”

Alisha nods. “Good thinking.”

I stand and put on my hat and sunglasses.

“You’re taking your things to the bathroom?”

“It’s the sunlight. I’m supersensitive.”

She gives me an odd look.

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