Chapter 49

Louis's Pov.

Meeting up with Jake at the Colton Hotel's restaurant, I felt a mix of anxiety and anticipation. Jake and I were seated in the opulent dining room of the hotel. The low hum of conversation provided a soft backdrop as we settled in.

As we sat down, I started with an apology. "I'm sorry I missed our meeting two days ago. That's not how I do things, but circumstances were beyond my control," I said, feeling a pang of guilt.

Jake smiled understandingly. "Don't worry about it, Louis. I know why you were absent—your father-in-law just died. So, how are you and your wife holding up?"

I took a breath, grateful for his empathy. "I'm doing just fine, but she’s still understandably devastated."

"Like I said, I understand. But enough about that. Let's talk business." Jake then presented a bottle of Pearson’s finest wine. "I’d love you to taste one of our best wines and tell me what you think."

He poured a generous amount into two glasses, the rich aroma filling the air. I took a sip, and a symphony of flavors exploded on my palate. It was a revelation.

As I kept sipping, the wine's richness and high-quality grapes left a lasting impression.

"Jake, this is exquisitely wonderful,” I exclaimed, my eyes widening. “I haven’t had something like this before."

Jake beamed. "I told you we have the best wines in the world. The best grapes, carefully cultivated and aged to perfection."

Pouring myself another glass, I felt a sense of satisfaction. We continued to savor the wine, the conversation flowing effortlessly.

When the glasses were empty, I turned to Jake."Now that I’ve tasted it, I’d like to buy it. Let’s talk numbers. I want at least 20 cases in each of my hotels to start. What do you say?"

Jake looked at me, a slight challenge in his eyes. "Why only 20 cases? Don’t you like the wine?"

"I do, but I want to start small," I explained. "Make the guests in my hotels thirsty for it, then give them more, just enough to make them thirsty again."

Jake chuckled. "You’re very smart. Okay, Louis, let’s do it your way. I’ll arrange for the delivery. Just send me the details and I’ll send you an invoice."

"It’s a deal. Let’s drink to that," I said, refilling our glasses.

As we toasted, Jake warned, "You might want to pace yourself, Louis. This wine hits hard.”

Then, he dropped the bomb. "There's something I've been wondering since we met in the elevator."

My heart skipped a beat. "What is it?" I managed to ask, my voice steady.

"Is there something going on between you and my sister?"

I choked on my wine, the question hitting me like a ton of bricks. "Of course not," I stammered, my voice cracking. "We're just friends.”

"Really? It didn’t feel that way to me. It felt like how it must feel when I’m talking to that receptionist over there," Jake said, nodding toward the busty lady at the front desk. "Or the ladies I’ve been with in Napa."

I felt my face flushing, but I maintained my composure. "Donna and I are just friends. We might be closer because she’s friends with my mother, and her boyfriend Charlie is my friend. That’s all."

Jake scrutinized me for a moment before saying, "Okay. I’m going to believe you."

Just as I was about to take another sip of wine, Donna appeared, her uniform adding a touch of professionalism to her natural beauty. "Can I get you anything else, gentlemen? While you discuss business," she asked, her voice sweet and polite.

Jake's eyes flicked to mine, hoping to catch a hint of something more. "Sis, we’re done discussing business. We’re now celebrating."

Donna smiled. "Wow! That’s good news, brother. You closed another deal."

"Were you ever doubting it?" Jake teased.

"Well, no. I guess Mom will be happy."

"Your brother is a good salesman, and the wine is quite wonderful," I added, watching her reaction closely.

Donna smiled, almost blushing. Jake’s eyes never left me. "Sis, Mom said you should invite your boyfriend over for dinner tonight."

Donna and I exchanged a brief, intense glance. She stammered, "Yeah, I’ll invite him for dinner."

As she turned to leave, I felt a surge of something I couldn't quite define. Jake's knowing smirk confirmed my worst fears. He knew.

"Just friends, huh?" Jake said, sounding vindicated.

***************

Donna's Pov.

My heart pounded as I slipped away from the restaurant to the kitchen, the weight of Jake's words pressing down on me. Why had he said that in front of Louis? Did he suspect something between us? I hope not. The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

Minutes passed, and the kitchen remained eerily quiet. No orders, no clatter of dishes, just an oppressive silence. I decided to step outside for some fresh air and to call Charlie.

"Hey, sweetheart," I said, trying to inject warmth into my voice.

"Hey, beautiful," he replied. "What's up?"

"My mom wants you to come over for dinner at the hotel," I blurted out.

"Wow, really?" His excitement was palpable.

"Yeah, Charlie," I replied, trying to hide my growing unease. "Are you coming?"

"Yes, of course. What do I wear?" His anxiety was palpable.

"Just wear something casual and nice, and be your normal sweet self," I reassured him.

He laughed, easing some of my own

"Got it," he said. "Can't wait to see you."

As we hung up, I let out a sigh, I felt a pang of guilt. I loved Charlie, but something was shifting within me. I needed to figure out my feelings.

Turning to leave, my gaze fell on a corner of the hotel where the garden met the building. Something caught my eye, and I moved closer to investigate. My breath caught in my throat as I saw Lorena and Delphine locked in a passionate embrace. Our eyes met, and Lorena pulled away, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Jake's words about Lorena and Delphine replayed in my mind, now confirmed. Yesterday, I asked Lorena about her relationship with Delphine, and she lied straight to my face. I thought we were best friends, that she told me everything. As I walked back into the hotel, Lorena came running towards me.