Chapter 15
Raine
Idrive around the Strip, rubbing my eyes, trying to wake up. I didn’t sleep much after the Poppy moment. Not even doing a hundred laps didn’t help at all.
Taking Tropicana all the way down, I focus on the buildings, looking for the next business to help.
My eyes settle on a small shopping center with a few stores.
In the team’s eyes this will be perfect, not just for the people here, but for the show.
Until I can get a case together to find a way to fire Poppy, this will keep her busy.
Texting Derek, I head to the office to meet with my team. I can send a few out to talk to the owners and start everything rolling. It’s a perfect situation because there’s a new casino going up behind it and this will definitely generate business for these small shops if we completely overhaul it.
Everyone is here when I pull up, including Poppy. When I stride in, everyone stops what they’re doing as I call attention.
“This is the address of our newest venture. Brad. You, Poppy and Olivia will go down and talk to the owners. If I need to speak to them let them know I’ll come by tomorrow. This will be the biggest one yet as the little strip mall will have to be overhauled and redone.”
Poppy raises her hand, “should we take the camera crew with us?” She looks terrible, like she hasn’t slept. Maybe a guilty conscious? Don’t care right now.
I nod, “yes.” I reluctantly let this crew do a show on us, but I absolutely hate it. But maybe it will help these owners know that this is legit and will help them.
When I give the go ahead, Poppy’s eyes do light up a little bit. I have a feeling it’s because this is making her a little bit of a reality TV star, not that she likes helping others.
The team heads out to start the process of flipping these businesses and I head to my office. I sit down in my chair as my office door opens slightly and Poppy walks in.
“Hey, sir,” she says as she steps inside. I pretend to shuffle papers, “what can I help you with? You do have somewhere to be.” I watch her flinch a little bit.
“I want you to know that I’m not cheating on Dasher.”
I snort, “it’s none of my business what you do. But my advice is to tell him about the whatever it is you were doing before someone else does.”
She shakes her head up and down, “I know. You haven’t told him?” I glance up at her to look her in the eyes, “I haven’t spoken to Dasher in at least a week. Your relationship is your business. I just ask to keep it out of your workplace.”
She nods with a shrug and leaves. I know it’s not my place to tell him. But I also would like to see him again. His game was yesterday so they should be on their way back. What’s the harm in calling?
I type out a text message about hanging out and put it back on the table. I’m not sure what he’ll say, and I’m not sure if I should even be doing this.
My phone lights up with his name across my screen. I pick up on the second ring, “hey, how was the game?”
He sounds irritated, “it was good. Are you free tonight? I’d like to ask some advice.”
Advice?
“Sure. Where would you like to meet?”
He is quiet for a moment, “the seafood place you took my parents to. A quiet booth in the back if possible.”
“Of course. See you around six?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there.” He hangs up and I check the time. I have about an hour until I need to be there. Paperwork and then I’ll have Derek drive me down. I hate the Strip at night.