Chapter 95: Demand and Supply
"I can't believe this," Sharon said.
"What's wrong, ma douce?" Adrian asked.
He was seated by the desk, working on his laptop. Sharon was by the bed frantically looking through her bag.
"I was in such a rush, I forgot to pack so many things."
"What do you need?"
"I forgot my charger and my supplements. I need a bikini and sunscreen. Who forgets to bring sunscreen and swimwear to Miami?"
"You can get some of the things you need at the gift shop,' Adrian suggested.
"With that price? No, thank you," Sharon said, making a face.
Adrian laughed at her expression, not what she meant because he couldn't understand. The cost of anything had never deterred him from making a purchase.
"You could make an order online," he advised, adamant in proffering a solution to her dilemma.
"It will take a couple of days to get here," she said.
After a short silence, she paused, meticulously organizing the scattered items into her bag, a pensive expression creasing her brow as a sudden idea captivated her thoughts.
"If I had money…" she started, sharing her idea with Adrian.
"If you had money?" Adrian asked. He turned to face her as her statement caught his attention.
"If I had money, I mean the kind that really counts," she remarked while strolling toward him, extending her hand widely, gesturing to emphasize the depth of her contemplation.
"What would you do?" Adrian asked, curious about the idea she was about to pitch.
"I would invest in this place, I mean, I would have a big store where I could retail items at their standard value," she shared with enthusiasm.
"That's not viable, the property value here is insane for a business like that to thrive," he countered pragmatically.
"It doesn't have to be a store, it could be a basement, where people can order anything they need or forgot at home at the regular price. Phone accessories, health and beauty products, personal hygiene products, seaside essentials, brand chips and snacks," she said, pacing back and forth in front of him. "And condoms!"
Stopping abruptly in front of him, she put her hands on his shoulders and leaned in to say,
"And clothes and underwear for people who don't want to do the walk of shame in the morning. They make an order and bam, fresh clothes at the door within minutes."
"Ok, I'll bite. Tell me more."
"In this area with numerous hotels and there's no affordable store for miles. Imagine the impact of filling that gap. All transactions would be through an app for quick deliveries. It doesn't have to be a big operation for now; the basement store could do well in hotel-centric areas. A strategically placed billboard along the strip teeming with hotels, would be the perfect ad."
Adrian gazed at her, almost rendered speechless.
"You came up with that, just now?"
"Hmmm hmmm," she said. "Making money is finding solutions to problems," she affirmed.
'Did you happen to attend any business school?" Adrian asked.
"Yeah. The business school of life."
"That's a good Idea, ma douce."
"Yeah, a wasted idea though. No resources to follow through," she said, walking to the couch to check messages on her phone.
Adrian smiled at her before returning to work on his laptop.
Later in the day, with much persuasion, Adrian was able to get all she needed at the 'expensive' gift shop.
***
Adrian decided to switch things up and treat Sharon to a secluded beachfront restaurant for a change of scenery.
Adrian, exuding sophistication in a sleek black shirt and trousers, his hair artfully styled back, presented a striking departure from his usual self.
Sharon, adorned in a pale yellow off-shoulder gown that flowed gracefully, complemented his refined look. They left their hotel room, their hands intertwined, and looking forward to a memorable evening.
Making their way to the driveway, they entered a world of anticipation and elegance. A chauffeur-driven car awaited them, its sleek exterior mirroring the heightened romance of the evening.
Adrian held the door open for Sharon, a gentlemanly gesture that spoke volumes.
Enveloped by the luxury of the car, they embarked on a journey to an exclusive seaside restaurant. The moon cast a soft glow on the night, enhancing the allure of the coastal drive.
Inside the car, their quiet conversations blended with the rhythmic hum of the engine, creating an intimate symphony as they approached the destination.
Upon arrival, the restaurant emerged like a hidden gem by the sea, illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns and the moon's reflection on the water.
Adrian and Sharon stepped out, hand in hand, ready to immerse themselves in a promising evening etched against the backdrop of the ocean's timeless whispers.
The air carried the sweet scent of saltwater, and the rhythmic melody of waves served as a gentle backdrop to their arrival.
Soft music played in the background, creating an ambiance that invited them to lose themselves in the magic of the moment.
Perched right at the water's edge, the upscale beachfront eatery served as a cozy haven for couples in search of a culinary escape.
Delicate fairy lights drape the palm trees, casting a subtle radiance over secluded tables adorned with sleek, minimalist decor.
The rhythmic sounds of waves offer a natural soundtrack, blending seamlessly with distant laughter and the clinking of glasses.
A hint of salt in the air mingled with the tantalizing aromas of carefully crafted dishes designed to awaken the taste buds.
Each table provided an uninterrupted view of the moonlit ocean, creating a backdrop for a modern romance.
The staff, dressed in chic attire, moved effortlessly, ensuring a discreet yet attentive presence. Adrian and Sharon exchanged glances and soft words, their profile set against the twinkling canvas of a starlit sky.
As the night progressed, the restaurant transformed into a contemporary love haven, where a fusion of ambiance, innovative cuisine, and the gentle rhythm of the waves come together to weave an unforgettable night by the sea.