Page 9 of Seventeen Years Ago

“Yes.”

“I’m just trying to figure out if you’re a friend or a business acquaintance,” he asked.

“I do not know what business it is of yours,” I said firmly.

He glared at me for a second, then said, “It’s a personal question.”

“Both,” I replied.

Bennett nodded. “The reason I asked is that my wife Zoey is throwing a ladies’ dinner party next Sunday.”

“If you haven’t noticed, I’m not female.” This guy was getting on my nerves and wasting my time, not that I couldn’t use the distraction.

“I’m letting you know because it is actually a surprise party for Caydan and Allyson. It is their anniversary and with several of the family members being in Tabiq, we wanted to celebrate with them. I was stopping by to extend an invitation to join us.”

“Family? You’re a Henderson?” I asked.

“My wife is. Are you familiar with the family?” he asked, looking at me hard.

“I’m from Boston,” I replied. He nodded as that explained enough. “I appreciate the invitation, but I don’t want to intrude on a family function.”

“You won’t be the only non-family member. Reesa, the president of Tabiq, and her husband Finn will be there as well.”

I had said Caydan and I were friends, but we weren’t so close that I would attend his anniversary party. At least we haven’t been for years. But what harm was it for me to accept now? I could always come up with an excuse to back out later.

“If you can give me the details, I’ll let you know if I can join you,” I said.

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a card. “It’s all on here. But remember, this is a surprise.”

“Got it.”

He nodded and before leaving he said, “Enjoy your stay on the island. It’s beautiful, but in case Caydan hadn’t mentioned, it’s not recommended that you leave the resort on your own.”

“Why is that?” I asked.

“Some parts of Tabiq are not as safe as others.”

You have no idea how sick and dangerous this place really is.

“I don’t have any plans to go out exploring. If I leave, I'm sure it will be with Caydan,” I said.

“Good.”

I closed the door and looked at the card he had handed me. It was an informal party on the beach. Good for them, but I had no plans on being there. If I didn’t like what the president had to say, I won’t be here more than a couple of days.

Good thing I brought my laptop.

Work was the place I always went to hide from things I wanted to avoid. Right now, there was so much that I wasn’t even sure a major acquisition crisis would be enough to make me forget where I was.

CHAPTER6

Aiza

The weekend seemed to have flown by once my grandmother had me assisting with the making of my own birthday dress. But it was finished and was the most beautiful dress I’d ever seen. I couldn’t wait to wear it. Reesa hadn’t arrived in the office yet, so I didn’t even know if we were still going to Zoey’s party. It was more than fine with me if we weren’t. I’d be just as happy wearing the dress out to dinner with my grandmother.

The phone rang and I answered, “President O’Connor’s office, this is Aiza, how may I help you?”

“Hello Aiza. This is Caydan Pintino. I have an appointment with Reesa shortly but wanted to let her know we are running a few minutes late.”

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