I was so perplexed by Maximo’s behavior. I had finished my shower, dried my hair, finished my makeup, and was already dressed to visit Mr. Heldojo at the Hell Room. I looked sexy if I do say so myself. I had slipped on a dress that hugged my curves. It was a wine red, strapless, and went to my midthigh. The back laced up like a corset and you could still see my skin through the lace. I wore my favorite black stilettos and thigh-high stockings that connected to my guarder. I double checked myself in the mirror before grabbing my bag and walking into the sitting room where Claire, Milo, and James were waiting.
They all looked up at me, smiling, except James who quickly looked away, pained almost. “Ready?” I asked the group and they all stood up.
“Maximo is waiting in the lobby for you, Fallon.” Miles said dryly. I shook my head, and we left the suite. We met Maximo, Julio, and Monte in the lobby. We climbed into a large limo that escorted us to The Hell Room.
I noticed I was nervous the closer we got to the club. Maximo sat next to me but ignored me. The Hell Room was on the corner of large building with several other businesses, 12 floors, and some residential areas towards the top of the building. There was a sign on the top of the building, “For Sale, visit KeysLA.com for more information.” I quickly looked up the website and found the building. They want 4.5 million dollars for the entire building. I thought that was a little steep, but with the business and residential areas, this was an investment property. I will keep that in mind, I thought to myself.
Maximo got out of the limo first and walked up to the bouncer. He was a large, unhappy looking man with large muscles, not someone most people would want to mess with. Julio helped me out of the limo and ushered me behind Maximo. When we entered the room, it was huge, loud, and filled with young adults dancing on each other.
Maximo walked towards the back of the club to a staircase and walked up to the balcony. This was an impressive club. The floor was a black tile, there was a stage off the corner, 2 large bars that ran the length of the room on both sides, and the balcony was a luxurious VIP section with black leather sofas, crystal chandeliers, and a private bar. There was a narrow hallway off the side of the VIP section that you would miss if you weren’t looking hard enough, that led to Mr. Heldojo’s office.
Julio and Monte led the way, Maximo and I followed. Julio ordered Miles and James to stand watch at the base of the hallway so no one could interrupt our business. This made me nervous. Maximo knocked on the door and heard a faint, “Come in.”
Maximo opened the door and let me walk in first. He whispered something to Julio, who closed the door but remained outside. Maximo turned around and walked over to the short, chubby man behind a large black desk. “Ah, Maximo.” He stood and gave Maximo a hug. “Good to see you, son. What brings you to the ‘City of Sin’?”
“Business, never pleasure.” They both laughed. I just stood there, not knowing if I should speak. Maximo turned to me, “Jett, this is my wife, Fallon.” He motioned for me to walk over to them. I walked over and stuck out my hand. Mr. Heldojo looked at my hand and laughed before pulling me into a large hug. I reluctantly hugged him back.
“Beautiful.” He nodded to Maximo who nodded back. “So, business you say? What business are you up to?” He smiled and motioned up to the chairs in front of his desk before sitting down.
“Fallon is looking to expand her business.” Mr. Heldojo narrowed his eyes at me.
“What kind of business are you in, Fallon?” He asked warmly, despite his gaze.
“I am a club owner, like you.” I smiled. “I also own an agave farm and tequila plant. I come from money, Mr. Heldojo, but I have never let my parents’ successes overshadow my own. I do not rely on their money or their business to run my own.”
“Who are your parents?” His eyes had softened and he had a slight smile.
“My parents are Teddy and Mary Martin, of Martin Enterprise. They have one of the…”
“One of the largest import, export, and transportation business in the U.S. Yes, Fallon, I know your parents well. In fact, I do business with your parents, as do many people involved with the Hernandez’s do.” His smile faded. “What are you doing here, Mrs. Martin?” Maximo winced but didn’t say anything.
“Mrs. Hernandez, Mr. Heldojo.” I gave him a warm smile. “I am wanting to open shop here in LA. It has such a great nightlife and potential for growth. I am already successful, but it’s not enough. I need more. More success, more money.”
“Yes, Mrs. Hernandez.” He smiled. “But why are you here, in my club, telling me your goals?” His smiled faded.
“Mr. Heldojo, I want to buy your club.” He laughed, hysterically.
“Well, Mrs. Hernandez, my club is not for sale. I am already owned by your husband’s family, why would I want to lose the only thing that has my name on it?”
“My family does not own you, Jett. We gave you the option to set up shop in the U.S. You chose this.” Maximo hissed. He was mad. Mr. Heldojo shook his head.
“My club is not for sale, Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez. Maximo, is this something we should discuss further with your father?” He raised his eyebrows and Maximo smirked.
“No, Jett. Thank you for seeing us.” He walked over the hugged Mr. Heldojo again. “Until next time.” And we left the office. I was shocked, Maximo didn’t even fight for me. Good thing I saved that website about buying the building, I will have to call them in the morning. Maximo led us out of the club to our limo that waited and off to the hotel we went, without saying a word.