Page 22 of My Ex-Fiance's Best Men
“It’s beautiful,” I say.
“It’s the black-crowned Night Heron, native to the island,” Theo replies. “There are a lot of rare and endangered species here. The heron is one of the more popular birds.”
“See? What did I tell you. Walking brochure,” Dominic says, but I can tell he’s proud of Theo, that he and August respect him for his passion and his dedication.
“Where are we headed, exactly?” I ask.
“There’s a tributary not far from here,” Theo answers, checking the offline map on his phone again. “It’s got a gorgeous view. It’s cool and secluded, and according to one of the island guides I spoke to at the sporting goods store, one of the best spots in Hawaii.”
August smiles. “Leave it to Theo to find the hidden gems.”
“Funny, that’s what Manny called it too. The hidden gem of Hawaii.”
“Manny?” August asks.
“The sporting goods guy.”
“The sporting goods guy,” August laughs, making me giggle as well.
Theo takes it all in stride as he continues to guide us through marvelous trails. We’re surrounded by songbirds and rustling leaves, whispers of Mother Nature herself as we observe and admire her beauty, ceremoniously and respectfully passing through under her watchful eye.
“You know, I’ve traveled to a few places over the years but nothing quite like this,” I say. “Hawaii is something else. It’s got a whole vibe of its own.”
“You’re right, and the people are so kind and welcoming,” Dominic points out. “The weather is almost always perfect. This would be nirvana were it not for the volcanoes and hurricanes.”
“The people of this island are also remarkably resilient,” I say, remembering the tragedies that have marred Hawaii over the past few decades. “Being able to literally rise up from the ashes and rebuild the way they always do takes a certain kind of collective, community strength you don’t often see.”
“You’re just as resilient, Phoebe,” August says. “You just don’t know it yet.”
“Losing my father and being dumped on my wedding day hardly compares.”
He shakes his head and takes my hand in his. The touch alone is enough to start fires burning beneath my skin, making my heart skip a beat and my stomach tighten. At the same time, it fills me with a sense of peace, comfort, and safety. Something I’ve never felt before.
“Don’t trivialize your losses,” he says. “Just because your house didn’t get gobbled up by hot lava doesn’t mean your pain and your suffering aren’t valid. On the contrary. You’re as much of a fighter as anybody else.”
Dominic gives me a curious look. “Have you ever considered working for another company, Phoebe?”
The question surprises me. It sounds unrelated, but I know it’s connected to this conversation somehow. They know enoughabout me to consider better options for my future. Hell, I’ve considered them myself. I’ve just never found the courage to pursue any of them.
“Baldwin Enterprises is all I’ve ever known,” I reply with a shrug. “I remember staring at the company logo on my dad’s papers when I’d sneak into his office. He’d always tell me that I would take over for him someday. My mother argued that statement, saying that Crystal would be the one to take over because she’s the eldest daughter.”
“The high seat should go to the most capable, not the eldest,” Dominic says.
“I suppose so. I’ve questioned their decisions since Dad died, but I never really had a say in any of them. When I turned sixteen, I started a part-time internship there in the financial department,” I tell them, remembering my early days in the company. “It helped with my admission file for Columbia. But once I graduated, Mom and Crystal refused to let me back into the financial department. They said the only job opening they had was in marketing.”
The guys exchange curious glances, and August mutters, “That was a bald-faced lie.”
I shrug, still feeling the need to defend them. “They did the best they could with what was given to them.”
Dominic exhales sharply. “They were given a powerful company. Under Helen’s direct command, Baldwin Enterprises has been steadily losing stock value over the past six years. They got a charging ship and they turned it into a sinking ship.”
“I wouldn’t know. I don’t have access to any of the financial records, remember?”
“And that should make you angry,” Theo says. “Doesn’t it?”
“Of course it does.”
“Well, are you going to do something about it?” he asks.
