Page 12 of Vodka And Virtue

“We'll see. I’m not sure if we’ll have time.”

I took a deep breath in through my nose, holding it in my lungs before releasing it from my mouth.

“Carlisle, I'm trying here. Please give me a chance. I would really like to take you out to eat. Not only because I want to make sure you have something in your stomach after all that exercise, but also because I want to steal more of your time. I was willing to pay a hefty price for it. Would it kill you to give me an extra hour or two of your day?”

The fight seemed to deflate from him as he breathed out, his shoulders slumping.

“Yes, a bite to eat afterwards sounds great.”

I chose not to respond because I didn't want him to regret his acquiescence by pushing him or sounding smug. Instead, I asked, “While we drive out to the beach, maybe you could fill the silence by telling me something about yourself I don't already know.”

He looked at me sideways. “What do you already know about me? I certainly haven't told you anything.”

“Like I said, I've been watching you for weeks now. I've been friends with your uncle and your cousin for years. Do you think they never mention you?”

Color rose to his cheeks as his head dipped down. “What did they say about me?”

“Well, for starters, I know that your brother is your best friend and that you’re very close with your family. I think that's wonderful. You obviously care very much about the environment. I know for a fact you love your job and you’re very good at it. You’re extremely creative and sharp-minded, you're a quick thinker and a wonderful and fair manager. You like good food and expensive liquor, and jazz music.” I stole a glance at him. “Did I get all of that right so far?”

He bit back a smile, and I got the impression he was laughing at me or maybe at something I said.

“Pretty much. Except for the jazz.”

“You're not a fan?”

“It doesn't suck. But it's not my favorite. I play it at the lounge because it suits the atmosphere. It's sort of neutral for the majority of our patrons.”

“So what do you prefer?”

“Boy bands and pop. A little R&B.”

Grinning from ear to ear, I asked, “Would you like me to pull up some Backstreet Boys on my bluetooth?”

His spine lost some of its stiffness, and he laughed along with me.

“Thanks, but no, thanks. I'd rather hear about you now.”

“I'm an open book. What would you like to know?”

“Maybe start with where you've been the last few years.”

I was thrilled he wanted to know more about me. And hoped he wasn't just being polite by asking, but that he was genuinely curious.

“I was overseas in the Middle East. Qatar, Dubai, Saudi Arabia.”

“Wow,” he exclaimed, his eyes going wide. I had his full attention now and knew that it was much more than just politeness.

“What were you doing there?”

“I was contracted to work private security for an international firm.”

“That's it? You're just going to leave it at that?”

Swallowing my laughter, I asked, “What more do you want to know?”

“Tell me about your job and what you did there.”

“I worked for a bunch of rich men. Some of them had received threats against them because their financial status made them a target for blackmail. Some of them needed protection as they traveled to other countries where kidnapping is prevalent among rich businessmen. Some of them were just looking for a bodyguard or escort to business meetings with other high-powered businessmen that weren't to be trusted. Basically, I spent a lot of time standing around inside of fancy buildings and homes, observing my surroundings. I've seen some beautiful cities and sights, and I was glad for the exposure, but I'm more than glad to be home now.”

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