Chapter 121 121. Threat
Tabitha’s POV
“Tabi?”
I snap out of my daze and turn to Andrew. I blink rapidly to collect back my thoughts.
“Oh, uhm, sorry. I was—uh, I think I didn’t catch what you said, sorry.”
He wipes his mouth with a napkin and leans slightly forward. “Are you okay? You looked a bit distracted for a second.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Sorry. What were you saying again?” I glance back toward the window, but the quiet corner where I saw Wilson and my mom is empty now. The crowd and the stalls have swallowed them up, and I feel a little pang of confusion.
Andrew’s voice comes through again, more insistent this time. “I was saying, you might not have to worry about me leaving the island anytime soon. As far as I know, I’ll be staying here for a while.”
Now, that got my attention. “Wait… what?” I turn fully toward him, my mouth falling open.
He leans back, a hint of sheepish amusement on his face. “Yeah. My dad actually planned this summer trip to Kaelara, and I just tagged along thinking it would be a short vacation. I’ve always wanted to vacation here as I’ve told you before.” He lazily sips on his pina colada .
“But it turns out he made a pretty big investment here.”
“Your dad is also here?”
He nods.
“Yeah. My dad came here to sponsor the Tropical Thunder Circuit. They launched a new energy drink called Vultra, so he used the circuit as some sort of market testing. I’m not sure if you noticed it during the event, but it’s one of the sponsor brands.”
“If I’ve noticed it?” I gasp and cover my mouth with my hand. “Dude, I remember that huge tarp everywhere during the circuit. It had like the biggest signage during the event! How can anyone miss that?”
Andrew chuckles. “I guess the marketing team may have outdone themselves.”
“Holy crap… so that was your dad’s company?”
“Technically, it’s under one of Kingsley Enterprise’s food manufacturing subsidiaries. But yeah…” He laughs and nods. “He figured the circuit would be perfect for the launch since it hits the sports crowd hard.”
I remember what Evelyn said when we spotted the gigantic tarp of Vultra during the Tropical Thunder Circuit, she mentioned that a big-shot company owns that product. She wasn’t wrong. Kingsley Enterprises is one of the biggest conglomerates in the country! But I never thought Andrew’s very influential dad would take an interest in Kaelara to sponsor an event and make an investment.
“Wow,” I say in awe. “So what? Is your dad planning on building a factory here or something?”
Andrew shakes his head.
“Not a factory, exactly. After Vultra’s successful sponsorship, he realized that this island has a lot of potential. He decided Kaelara would be a good place to expand the renewable energy side of the business. He’s looking at acquiring land for wind turbines and enough space for solar panel production as well. Something that will also benefit the local businesses here, and even the residential areas who are looking for more sustainable energy.” Andrew sighs as he glances through the window. “The other day, he even brought up the idea of acquiring private land for a villa. A place for us to stay while he oversees the business operations here, instead of living out of hotels.”
“That’s insane! Does this mean you’re moving here too?”
He shrugs and grabs another crab leg, tugging at it playfully. “Maybe. It wasn’t really my plan, but my dad told me he’s already arranging to transfer me to a relatively decent school here—uh—Kaelara University? I think that’s the name printed on the pamphlet he handed me yesterday. Guess I’ll be starting there next school year.”
“No way! I’m going there too! That’s actually a really good school. But… if you’re transferring your studies here, then what about your soccer team back on the mainland?”
“It’s kind of a bummer, if I’m being honest. But I’m graduating this year anyway, and my dad said it’s time I learn the ropes of the business here. He wants me to be involved with the expansion and maybe take over the base of operations here once he goes back to the mainland again..”
“Look at you, Mr. CEO in training!”
He snorts.
“Nah, more like my dad’s new errand boy. But I guess it won’t be terrible since you’re at Kaelara University too. At least I’ll know someone.”
I tilt my head. “And you’re not going to miss playing soccer? You were the vice captain, right?”
Andrew cracks open the crab stick and feasts on the juicy meat inside. He shrugs.
“I’ll miss it a bit, but I mostly just play because I like the sport. I never really thought of going pro, so it didn’t really piss me off as much. I’ll miss my team, for sure. But I know they’ll still do well without me.”
“Well, moving here is going to be quite the adjustment.”
He nods and grins. “Sure, but I have a feeling it’s going to be interesting.”
“Oh my god! Tabi, is that you?” Suddenly, a voice calls from the entrance of the restaurant.
I turn to see Evelyn walking toward us with Elsie, Melanie, and Isabela trailing behind, carrying shopping bags. My chest lifts in pleasant surprise.
“Evelyn! Hey, it’s so good to see you!” I rise from my seat and happily greet her.
Evelyn beams and skips a little closer. “I didn’t think I’d run into you here! You actually made it to the market on a Saturday without Jace breathing down your neck!”
I laugh, shaking my head. Melanie and Isabela smile and greet me warmly while Elsie stays quieter, watching me just behind Isabel.
Evelyn’s eyes drift toward Andrew as he wipes his mouth with a napkin.
“Wait a second…” Evelyn flicks her hand in the air. “Aren’t you the hot orange racer who won the circuit this year? Andy, right?”
Andrew straightens and offers a polite smile. “Andrew. Nice to meet you again. And I believe your name is Evelyn?”