Chapter 52 Party Before the Storm
Emma's POV:
"Boss, wake up."
Luca's voice pulled me from sleep as the car came to a stop. I adjusted my seat and rubbed my eyes, blinking away the drowsiness. We'd arrived at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, where Luca had just parked in the spacious lot.
"Hmm? Are we here?" I stretched my arms above my head, my body stiff from sleeping in the passenger seat.
"We are," Luca nodded, turning off the engine.
I reached for my phone and checked the time. Perfect. "You go meet Flynn. I'll find something to entertain myself." I stifled a yawn and reached for the door handle.
"Wait, Boss. Where exactly are you planning to go?" Luca's concerned expression made me smile. Always the worrier.
"I'm going to grab drinks with Thomas. If you can't find me, look for him." It had been ages since I'd seen Thomas, and a trip to Orlando without visiting an old friend seemed like a wasted opportunity.
"Fine. Stay with him, don't wander off. I'll come get you as soon as I'm done with Flynn." Luca's voice had that familiar protective edge.
"For fuck's sake, I'm not a child. I'm not going to get lost." I rolled my eyes and stepped out of the car. "Go handle your business."
I walked through the hotel's grand lobby, sinking into one of the plush sofas as I pulled out my phone. I dialed Thomas's number and waited for him to pick up.
"Hyatt Regency Orlando. Come get me," I said when he answered, hanging up before he could respond.
Less than ten minutes later, a sleek blue Apollo pulled up at the hotel entrance. Thomas was leaning against the passenger door, his signature smirk in place as I approached.
"Well, well. Hurricane Emma finally blows into Orlando?" he teased, opening the door for me.
I ignored the offered door and walked around to the driver's side. "There's a surfboard expo tomorrow. I'm here to spend money and boost your city's GDP." I opened the door and slid into the driver's seat. "Let me drive."
Thomas raised an eyebrow. "Came alone?"
"Luca's meeting Flynn," I explained, adjusting the seat to my preference.
"No wonder I didn't see that flashy car of yours." He reluctantly moved to the passenger seat, watching nervously as I familiarized myself with the controls.
I gave the interior an appreciative once-over before flashing him a sideways grin. "This car is way more flashy. I want it."
Thomas's face fell. "No way. I just got this, barely driven it a few times!"
I maintained eye contact as I started the engine, enjoying the smooth purr beneath my fingertips. "Either you give it to me, or I burn down your hotel today."
Thomas's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. He knew it wasn't an empty threat.
Twenty minutes later, we arrived at Thomas's bar. I stood outside watching one of his employees handle the car transfer paperwork while I called Alexander.
"There's a car being delivered to the house tonight," I said when he answered. "Make sure you sign for it and put it in the garage."
"New purchase?" Alexander's voice carried that hint of amusement I'd grown to love.
I glanced at Thomas, who was sulking nearby, and grinned. "Gift from a friend."
Thomas groaned loudly enough for Alexander to hear. "I should've driven a regular car today."
Inside the bar, a manager approached Thomas immediately. "Boss, we've cleared the VIP section as requested. Where's the guest?"
Thomas gestured toward me. "She's it."
The manager looked at me with poorly concealed surprise. "Just one person?"
I pocketed my phone and started walking deeper into the club. "Lead the way. The others should arrive soon, right?"
Thomas fell into step beside me. "If they don't show, I'll keep you company."
The VIP area was impressive—a large booth surrounded by security, with a table laden with bottles, fruit platters, and appetizers. I settled into the plush seating and waved away Thomas's hovering security.
"Hardly anyone knows I'm in Orlando," I explained, reaching for a bottle of premium vodka. "I don't cause much trouble here, so not many enemies."
An hour later, the booth was surrounded by handsome men, all eager to please. Some brought drinks, others kept the music flowing, but none dared to touch me. Luca arrived eventually, taking in the scene with a resigned shake of his head.
"Boss, take it easy on the alcohol. We have the expo tomorrow." He nudged aside two guys to sit next to me.
I was swaying to the music, vodka in hand. "I got a beautiful car today. I'm celebrating." I turned to Thomas, who was still wearing a pained expression. "Your DJ is fantastic, isn't she?"
Thomas gave Luca an explanation about the car, then turned to me. "Darling, at least leave me the DJ. I need her to help me buy another car for you."
I laughed, my head tilting back. "Relax. I'm not taking your DJ."
Luca and Thomas kept me company until three in the morning. I finally bounced out of the club, the night air cool against my flushed skin. Once in the car with just Luca, my demeanor shifted.
"How did things go with Flynn?" I asked, my voice suddenly all business.
Luca rolled down the window and lit a cigarette. "Something's off about this whole situation. We're going to observe for now, see what Garrett's real agenda is."
"Isn't he just in it for the money?" I frowned, trying to make sense of the situation.
"Obviously he wants money, but there's something else." Luca exhaled smoke through the window, his expression thoughtful. "There's another angle we're missing."
"Be careful then." My instincts agreed with Luca's assessment—something wasn't right.
"Always," he replied simply.
When we reached the hotel, Luca walked me to my room. "Get some rest, Boss. Call me if you need anything—I'm right next door."
"Go get some sleep," I nodded, closing the door behind me.
After a hot shower, I wrapped myself in a fluffy hotel robe and settled on the balcony. The night air felt good against my skin as I gazed at the stars. I'd always loved sitting on balconies after drinking, feeling the breeze blow away the day's stress and worries.
Not that I had any worries. My life was perfect.