Page 57 of Summertime Friends

“Travel. Hotels. Fun.”

I tip my head up toward him, creating a space for him to elaborate—if he wants. He’s given me the opportunity and safe space to speak freely. The least I can do is return the favor, but selfishly, I do it because I want to know more.

“I want Hayes Hotels to become a global hotel line. Luxury places to stay worldwide known for their community impact and incredible views, giving people an excuse not to stay home.”

Liam continues telling me about Hayes Hotels. Without ever stepping foot into one, I feel as if I have. He talks about them and his dreams as if they are canvas and he is the painter, fluidly moving the brush, creating the most vivid picture. I can’t help my gaze as it focuses on him, mesmerized by his rhapsodic smile and the childlike excitement in his eyes.

“I have two in London and am working on a third.”

“That’s incredible. Where is the third?” I can barely ask through the memorization of him.

“Edinburgh.”

“Did you always want to do this?”

Liam chuckles. His cold tone is no longer present. It’s replaced with lightness and passion.

“Oh no. From age five to ten, I was properly convinced I wanted to be a tube operator.”

“A what?”

“The person who operates the underground train in London. I was fascinated with trains and thought the tube was awesome.”

“I can picture it.” I grin at him, trying to contain the laugh bubbling in me. “A striped denim cap on your head. Three-piece navy blue suit. Total Tom Hanks inPolar Expressvibes. There is still time to change career paths,” I tease.

“Sounds riveting, but I might stick to this.” Liam pulls me closer to him. His mouth up against my ear, he says, “Unless that is. . . your type.”

“Hmm. . .” I turn so that my lips are to his ear. “I’ll pass. I think I like this Liam a lot.”

“Is that so?”

I shrug.

“When did you buy your first hotel—wait, how could you afford that? I don’t expect that to be cheap or something you casually fall into?”

“It’s not. My mom is how I came into the money. Her parents had left her and me a trust. The terms of my trust from mygrandparents gave me access when I turned twenty-one. When my mom passed, all of her possessions and money became mine.”

“So you are rich?”

“I’spose. I’ve invested a lot of the money into my company.”

“But you’re twenty-four? You didn’t do anything dumb with the money?”

“Didn’t say that. I enjoy myself, but don’t overindulge.”

“That’s why you didn’t ask for me to pay.” He nods. “Did someone teach you or help you?”

“I studied business at school, but a business professor of mine invested in me—time, money, and wisdom. He helped me create a business plan and then lay the foundation. In the fall of my final year, he invested in the company after I found my first property—a hotel that had already opened and was searching for new ownership. Hotel Magenta reopened two months after I graduated.”

“He must be proud of his return on investment,” I say, but I don’t mean the money. I mean Liam. He’s driven and brilliant, and despite his presumptuous behavior, he’s humble about everything he’s achieved. He’s incredible.

We fall into a comfortable silence for the remainder of the walk back to the hotel.

Every so often, I pretend to miss a step, forcing his grip to become firmer, bringing me physically in balance but more emotionally unbalanced.

At the hotel, Liam walks me to my room.

Your room is below his. He has to pass your floor naturally. Don’t read into this, Emerson,I have to tell myself.

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