“Ha-ha,” I deadpan.
“What are you getting ready for? Oh, wait… is that the combined bachelor and bachelorette party for your cousin Knox and his fiancée?”
A thrill of excitement courses through me. “It sure is for Knox and his partner, Zara.”
“Isn’t he in a motorcycle club?”
I do a little dance on my stool. “Uh-huh! They call themselves the War Brothers MC, and they’re all going to be at the party tonight. I’m keen to get laid by a man in leather.”
“Damn it, Sophie!” my brother pipes up again, but I ignore him.
“You lucky bitch! Have you seen what they look like?” asks Piper.
“I got a peek a couple of times, and they are fine as hell.”
She lets out a gush of air. “I’m so jealous. Have fun. But before you go, when are you coming back to New York? Do you know how much longer you’ll be staying in Crown Village?”
I’ve been back and forth between Crown Village and New York since Zara’s sister Misty’s vigil. Misty disappeared for ten years, so Zara’s family held a vigil to remind the community of Misty vanishing. When the truth about Misty’s disappearance was unveiled, the facts of the case affected Zara’s and Knox’s families and had knock-on effects on everyone, including my family. “I don’t know how long I’ll be here,” I reply. I grew up with Zara and Knox, so I’ve been trying to show my support to everyone in Crown Village where I can.
“I’ll have to get you to visit,” I tell her. “You’ll love it here.” I’ve been staying at our family’s five-star luxury resort, which includes multiple swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas and a gym, bar, restaurant, and beauty spa. My father’s and Alec’s offices, from which they manage our Crown businesses, are also there. I’ve had no recent modeling shows, and since I returned to Crown Village, I’ve been working from my laptop and phone, managing my club business with the manager I’ve employed.
“I’d love to visit,” Piper mumbles.
“I miss your face!” I say. “Bye! Love you.”
“Love you too,” she replies.
Lawson and I are at the bar at our resort, which is quite busy considering it’s not even noon yet.
“You know you don’t have to keep coming back here,” Lawson says.
“I know,” but I’ve been trying to be present during this difficult time. “Have you helped with Zara’s charity?” I ask Lawson. Zara created a charity to help women and children in the community to honor her sister, Misty.
“I’ve offered to help, but it seems they have more than enough people. I think I’m going to donate money. What about you?”
I give him a sharp nod. “Good idea. I’ll do the same.”
I get up to leave. As I walk behind Lawson, I place my hand on his shoulder and squeeze. “See you tonight. What time do we have to be ready by?” I ask.
“Alec arranged for the plane to depart at six, arriving in Vegas at seven.”
The barman pours another drink for Lawson. When I see the Crown Whiskey label, I smile. Lawson runs our Crown Village whiskey distillery. He has projected the business and receives orders from around the world.
I peer down at the time on my phone. “I’d better get going. I’m meeting Dad for lunch.”
After exiting the bar, I make my way to the Crown restaurant. Luxury and wealth drip off every inch of this building. The restaurant offers fine dining in an intimate setting, with striking lighting and large windows. It’s famous for its fresh produce, innovative menu, and views of the beach. No sneakers, jeans, or sweatshirts allowed.
The woman behind the podium grins broadly at me. “Sophie, your table is reserved by the window.”
The waiter next to her puts an arm out. “This way.”
“I can make my way over, thank you. Can I please have a glass of sparkling water?”
The waiter bobs his head. “I’ll get that for you right away, ma’am.”
The staff are professional. Dad ensures he hires the best. I guess it’s where I learned that hiring great staff is one component of building a successful business.
I give the waiter a small smile, walk over to the two-seater by the window, and take a seat in the plush chairs. The waiter swiftly returns with a bottle of sparkling water and pours it into the glass for me.
