Experiences Inc., Chapter 1
Monday Morning, Third Week in January
“Finally,” Jayla said when Racy answered her phone. “You didn’t read my texts.”
“Easier to call. What’s up?” Racy asked, pulling out of the driveway, done with babysitting for her sister. She had a six-month-old niece who Racy didn’t want to wake, so she’d set her phone to silent.
“There’s a man in your office who says he’s your new partner. Is this news to you?”
“It is, and it can’t be true. Uncle V would have mentioned it,” Racy said.
“I thought so too. According to Rio Vargas—did I say his name before?”
“No.”
“I put it in one of the many texts I sent you, but anyway, according to him, they closed Friday on your uncle V’s pawnshops and the three smaller businesses your uncle was a partner in. Maybe that’s why you didn’t know. He wants to talk to you, said he’d didn’t mind waiting until you arrived. When will that be, you think?”
“In about fifteen, if traffic holds. In the meantime, I’ll try my uncle.”
“Great. I thought about calling security, you know, in case this Mr. Vargas is lying, but what if he’s telling the truth? ”
“No, it’s fine. You’re fine. I’ll let you know what Uncle V says.”
“Okay, see you soon.”
“A new partner and what?” Racy said aloud. The only Rio Vargas she knew was the owner of Vargas Enterprises, and she only knew that because of a recent interview he’d done for a local news station that was highlighting area businesses that had made it big. His claim to fame was growing small companies into larger ones. She should be so lucky to have him for a partner.
This had to be a misunderstanding. He was in the wrong place or something. No way could he be there for her or for her company. She reached for her phone, hit the number to connect to her uncle. It rolled to voicemail. With Siri’s help, she sent him a text.
It would be nice if Vargas were my new partner, she thought, turning back just that quickly to what it would mean for her. Access to all his knowledge and expertise to start, which was just what she needed to grow Experiences Inc. and its new line of engineered products. And all that fine along for the ride too. She’d committed his appearance to memory—tall, dressed in a charcoal gray suit, white shirt, beautiful dark-gray tie flecked with blue. Head full of dark straight hair, medium cut, and really one’s hands could get lost in it, curling at the end near his shirt collar, a contrast to the brown of his skin. No facial hair to speak of, chiseled cheekbones. And did she mention the dude had beautiful brown eyes? She’d recorded the show and had watched it several times since, hence her knowledge of his many attributes. He was something.
Fifteen minutes later—thank you, traffic, for cooperating—she turned her 4Runner into the parking lot of her company, Experiences Inc., stopping beside a navy blue BMW sedan. It must be his, she thought, as Jayla’s hoopty was the only other car in the lot.
She took a breath, then released it slowly to calm herself. Jayla, pacing in front of the door, had enough nerves for them both.
“Is he our partner?” she asked, holding the door open for Racy to enter.
“Don’t know yet. I can’t reach my uncle.”
“Same here. I tried again too,” Jayla said, looking over Racy’s attire. “A day to go casual, huh?” Her hair was in those box braids Racy favored, falling down her back. Gray skirt, gray Henley-style blouse, and boots.
“I had Tiff’s kids this morning. Is it that bad?” she asked, looking down at her outfit for baby spillage.
“What? No, you look good. You always do. Feels like with him, though, one should be at their best. Lipstick?” Jayla added, hers in her hand at the ready.
“Thanks.” Racy swiped the tube across her lips and tried to calm the hell down. “Wish me luck.”
“Good luck,” Jayla said, watching her boss be a boss, marching toward whatever that dude had in store for her and their company. Racy seemed nervous but not worried, so maybe this change in partnership would just be that, and Experiences Inc. and its growth could proceed as planned.
