“It is awful, isn’t it?” she asks. “Not only did she lose her parents, but she also had to give up her dream of going to university to look after her little brother.”
If she thinks I don’t know where she’s going with this, she’s dead wrong. “Are they doing all right now?”
“Yes, but only because Harrison and Libby gave her this job and gave them a place to stay in staff housing. She works flexible hours, so she’s taking some classes now.”
“That’s wonderful. They seem like such good people.”
“They are,” Nora says. “They’re the salt of the earth. They value people over money. Rare quality these days.” She gives me a pointed look.
“I agree. That’s one of the reasons why we’ve never taken Rojas public. We don’t want shareholder profits to become the only factor that matters when we’re making decisions.”
“Hmph,” is all I get back.
“Nora, is there something you’d like to say to me? I get the feeling you’re upset with me, and I really can’t figure out why.”
“Nope, I’m not upset. I was just relaying a story I find extraordinary. I mean, it’s not like Harrison or Libby hadpromisedto look after Ronnie before her parents died. They just decided it was the right thing to do.”
“Yes, it’s a lovely story, although the thing about stories is you have to be careful that the source is reliable. Not in this case, I’m sure, but in…other situations, where someone might have a lot to lose if the truth came out.”
It’s then that Nora’s sister Kat rushes up to us, panting. “There you are.”
“What’s wrong?”
“You were supposed to let that guy from Guatemala into the practice room twenty minutes ago. I can’t find the key anywhere.”
“It’s in the top drawer of my desk,” Nora tells her, looking slightly panicked.
“Nope, I checked.”
Sighing, Nora stands up. “Okay, let’s go.” Looking down at me, she says, “Excuse me.”
“Of course.”
She starts to walk away, and I find myself calling to her. “Nora.”
When she turns, I say, “A little advice: don’t mistake charm for truth.”
Her head snaps back and she says, “A little advice for you: don’t mistake your millions for good morals.”
With that, she disappears down the path, leaving me without a doubt that whatever Paz told her makes me look like Satan himself.
15
Oh Nothing… Just Putting Out Fires All Day
Nora
Email from Jaquell Morales, Rojas Rum Inc.
To: Nora Cooper
Subject Line: Alcohol Orders
Dear Ms. Cooper,
Mr. Rojas has asked me to reach out to you regarding Paradise Bay’s alcohol needs during the filming of the competition. Please know that I will act immediately when I hear from you so as to ensure a steady flow of product for both the resort and the production team’s needs. Attached is our standard order form. It’s user-friendly and allows you to easily check for errors prior to placing your order.
My direct line and mobile phone numbers are listed below should anything urgent come up. I will be available to you twenty-four hours a day.
