Page 81 of Dr. CEO (The Doctors)

Ari-fucking-zona.

I stand in my hotel room, looking out at the view of the golf course and pool. The red rocks on the left are smattered with green, a stark contrast to the lush emerald golf course and teal-blue pool. The sun beats down on everything.

It’s fresh.

It’s new.

It’s beautiful.

It feels good to be on the road again. I’m more than ready for new sunsets, new views from my bedroom windows and new opportunities.

I’m due to meet Simon at the restaurant overlooking the golf course at twelve to discuss my investment in a retirement village.

I pick up the phone to room service. Usually my first drink in a new hotel room is a ginger beer, but today I want a change. “Can I get an iced tea?” I ask.

“Certainly, sir. I’ll have that brought up to you right away.”

I exhale. Yup, this is where I’m meant to be. I feel good. I did my job at Crompton. I didn’t need to spend as much time there as I did, but I would have had to go back for John and Carole’s anniversary dinner anyway. It made sense to leave after that.

The conversation with Kate had been difficult. But she knew Crompton wasn’t my home. She belongs there, not me. I head to the shower, not wanting to dwell on the fact I was an asshole for taking her to Norfolk and then leaving.

I always like a cold drink and a shower to settle into a new place.

The doorbell of my suite rings just as I fix a towel around my waist. I grab a small towel from the rail and rub it over my hair on the way to get the door.

“Good morning, sir. I have your drink.” The waiter crosses the room and puts the drink on a coaster on the table by the couch.

As soon as I see the iced tea, I want a ginger beer. Jeez, when did I become such a creature of habit? Kate observed my habits and love of routine, but I guess I’ve never given it much thought.

“Do you guys do ginger beer?” I ask.

“Your assistant called ahead, Mr. Cove. Your fridge is fully stocked with your favorite brand. Would you like me to pour you a glass?”

“That’s fine, I can do it.” I tip the guy and let him leave.

Why did I order an iced tea when what I want is a ginger beer?

I pull out my phone again and text Jacob that I had to leave the UK unexpectedly. Kate seemed to get along well with both Sutton and Ellie. Perhaps one of them will call Kate and check on her. Not that she’s going to be devastated about me leaving or anything. It isn’t like we were…

I grab the glass of iced tea and take a swig. Nope. I definitely want a ginger beer.

Fuck.

I stride across to the fridge and grab a bottle, opening it with more force than necessary. I gulp the first mouthful straight from the bottle. Yup. That’s what I want. A shower and a ginger beer, just like always.

Simon was already seated by the time I got to the restaurant.

“Have you ordered?” I ask.

“Nope. I was waiting for you.”

“What’s good here?” I scan the menu.

“No idea. Never eaten here.”

We order—me a quesadilla and him tacos.

“So, when are we seeing the site?” I ask.

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