“Hey, Navy.”
“That’s my Adrian.” Nyako’s eyes lit up as her mouth dropped open.
“Who’s that?” Adrian asked.
“Adrian, it’s me, Nyako,” she explained, walking closer to the phone.
“Hey, boo. Where are you?”
“I’m at the Airbnb you booked me into. Unfortunately, there’s some sort of mix-up, because the code that you gave me is the same one you gave to Navy, and it’s for the same unit.”
“Are you sure? Because I could have sworn that I had you two booked for two separate weeks,” Adrian replied.
“I’m sure,” Nyako and I both declared simultaneously.
“One second. Let me check something.”
Nyako’s gaze lifted from the phone to me, and the concern and frustration in her eyes mirrored mine.
“Where have you been? You left the airport before me,” I remarked, while waiting for Adrian’s return.
“I stopped to check on some business matters before coming past here. That’s how you got here before I did.”
“Hey, guys. I just checked my booking, and I’m not sure how this happened. My apologies, but I did book the two of you for the same unit and the same dates. I think it’s because I didn’t use the regular app, and I used another app that I’ve been trying out instead. I’m so sorry. What can I do to make this up?”
“It’s fine, Adrian. I’m willing to take another one if you have it available, since Navy is already settled in,” Nyako offered.
“Well, that’s going to be a problem, sweetie.”
“Why?”
“I don’t have another unit available for the next week. They’re all booked up. The only thing that I have is a unit in the building beside yours, but that doesn’t come available until the end of the week. So maybe Friday and Saturday?” Adrian suggested.
Nyako’s shoulders slumped, and she groaned. “You’ve got to be kidding me. I cannot stay with my parents. They’re staying with my aunt right now while their home is being renovated.”
Me staying with my family was out of the question. I valued my privacy too much, and my mother was nosy as hell.
“I wish that I had another alternative, but all I can suggest is a hotel. I’ll pay for it and refund your money. I’m so sorry for the mix-up, guys.”
“Don’t worry about it, Adrian. We’ll figure something out,” I stated.
I ended the call and looked at Nyako. “There are two bedrooms here. I know it’s not the ideal arrangement, but we can figure something out. Neither of us wants to stay with our families, and this condo is large enough for both of us for one week without creating issues for each other, I’m sure,” I suggested.
She smiled weakly, and her eyes dropped to my towel. “Yeah, . . . I’m sure,” she replied with a nervous laugh.
9
NYAKO – FATED BREAKFAST
For the most part, Navy and I managed to stay out of each other’s way, but there were only a few hours left in the night anyway. As much fun as we had at the airport, I wasn’t trying to replicate that over an entire week.
Fun was fun, but business was altogether something else. While my sister may have still been on vacation, I wasn’t. It was time for me to focus on the magazine and buying a house. I was determined to start my day off right, so I had gotten up early and showered.
Before I hit the ground running, though, I needed a big breakfast. It was seldom that I allowed myself to indulge in my favorite breakfast foods, but I was going to this morning. I deserved it.
For the last couple of months, all I had eaten were fruit bowls, smoothies, protein shakes, and oatmeal every once in a while. I moved around the kitchen gathering pots and pans to prepare the breakfast that I wanted. I had placed an online order the day before to have groceries delivered this morning. I had cleaned the already clean kitchen, unpacked the groceries, and now I was ready to cook.
“I don’t know, Tangie. I’m vacillating between having just an online platform or adding the paper magazine to the subscription offering for specific individuals.”
