9. Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Vicente Godoy
F or some reason, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Camila and her daughter. It has never crossed my mind to become a father. I’m definitely married to my job, but having a sick kid must be nerve-wracking.
Why am I wasting my time thinking about Camila? I should be thinking about finding a wife to satisfy my father’s expectations.
A knock on the door brings me back to reality.
“Come on in,” I call out.
Juan Carlos's face peeks through the narrow gap. “Hey, Mr. Godoy. Do you have a minute?”
I nod, and he steps inside my office. “I've been talking with some of the employees, and we think we owe you an apology.”
I raise my eyebrows but don’t say anything as he shifts back and forth on his feet.
“We truly enjoyed having you down at the employee hall for breakfast the other day. It's not something Mr. Gonzalo would do, but he bonded with us in other ways.”
Taking a deep breath, he pauses, and I’m deeply curious to know where he’s going with this.
“Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that you were trying to make a connection with us, and we really didn’t know how to react without the situation becoming awkward and uncomfortable.” He chuckles nervously, and I nod, smirking.
“We would like to make it up to you and would be honored if you decide to join us tonight at the bar downtown.”
That definitely catches me off guard. I don’t think I’ve been to downtown Alamo Peaks in almost seventeen years. But if I say no, the little progress I’ve made with the employees will vanish.
“I’d love to. What time should I meet you all?” I finally say.
Juan Carlos puts his hands together, as if in prayer, then he releases a deep breath. “We’ll be there around ten. Is that okay with you?”
I nod and get up from my chair. As I approach, I extend my hand, and he shakes it vigorously.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Godoy. It’s just that you’re a big deal, and I’m excited we’ll be able to spend more time with you before you have to head back to London.”
Interesting .
Do they think I’m not coming back to oversee the vineyard? I guess I have lots of questions to ask tonight.
“I appreciate that, Juan Carlos. I’m looking forward to it as well.”
He walks back a couple steps, flashing a smile before disappearing down the hall.
I’m in the bar’s parking lot at ten on the dot. There are a few cars, but it doesn’t look too crowded. Miguel’s, reads the neon sign, blinking like a beacon to the only bar in town. I used to sneak in when I was in high school. Even though everyone knew my age, I was still able to grab a beer or two. No one in this town dares to say no to a Godoy—or to ridiculously good tips.
Once inside the bar, it’s not hard to spot the Hacienda Carmen crew—they have taken up several tables at the back. Next to them is a pool table where a couple of familiar faces are playing.
“Mr. Godoy, over here.” Juan Carlos is the first to spot me, waving me over.
I smile as I make my way to the crew.
“Hello, everyone. Thank you so much for inviting me.”
I hear hellos and welcomes being murmured as I take the only empty seat between Juan Carlos and Sara.
Or is it Alicia?
I’ll have to ask. Whichever she is, she looks stunning. The top of her burgundy red dress does a great job showcasing her assets. Her hair is up in a ponytail and her makeup is impeccable.
“I’m sorry, who are you?” I ask with a chuckle as a blush creeps up the twin’s neck.
“Oh, that’s funny. I don’t think anyone has ever asked which one I am,” she says, taking a sip of what looks like water. “I’m Alicia, Mr. Godoy.”
I smile at her as Juan Carlos pours me a glass of beer from the pitcher on the table. I give him an appreciative smile as I turn back to her.
“I don’t understand why no one ever confuses you with your sister. Aren’t you identical twins?”
She smiles, her shoulders come down from her ears—she’s feeling more relaxed around me. That's a good sign .
“I’m the shy twin. The wallflower,” she says in a small voice, not making eye contact. If we weren’t this close I would have missed it.
I know if I want to flirt with her, I need to make the first move. But I’m her boss, and it’d look bad.
“Oh, you made it. So glad you’re here,” a feminine voice says behind me.
When I turn around, I see Sara. And now what Alicia said makes perfect sense. Sara is wearing a red corset, skinny dark wash jeans, and her makeup is deep and vibrant. She looks like a model—a wet dream model.
Juan Carlos clears his throat, pulling me out of my stupor. Fuck, I can’t ogle my employee’s wife if I want to make things work around here.
“Hi, yes. I made it,” I say, taking a big gulp of my beer.
Why am I being so awkward? I look like an amateur. I’m used to dining and hanging out with royalty, other billionaires, and politicians. Why am I acting like an idiot in my hometown?
Get a grip, Godoy.
Juan Carlos places his arm around Sara’s shoulders, but she seems uncomfortable. Aren’t they married? Maybe they’re having issues.
This is another instance where I’m sure Father would know what to say or do.
But thanks to my lack of relationship skills, I have no clue how to handle this.
“So, this is what you all do on the weekends?” I ask no one in particular, as I try to break the ice.
“Not really. We all enjoy coming to the bar except during tourist season. It can be too crowded, so we take turns hosting smaller groups,” Juan Carlos explains.
“Everyone came out tonight because you were joining us, but it’s not usually this packed,” Alicia says from the other side.
I wish I could feel more than a physical attraction for Alicia. If I must get married, I need to connect with my future wife on a deeper level. Even if I consider an arranged marriage, it needs to be enjoyable at minimum—and not only in bed.
But then there’s Camila. Watching the grainy feed from my office, I can’t help but notice she is every bit the bombshell. Every single woman I’ve hooked up with looks like the twins—thin, tall, great boobs. But Camila is different. Her body is mature. Maybe because she’s a mother? She has curves for days. And that arse? My dick decides to twitch at the thought.
Fuck me .
But it’s not just that—Camila intrigues me. She seems like a strong woman, stubborn enough not to surrender to my arsehole ways. Still, thinking about her is preposterous. For starters, she’s in London. I’ve never even met her in person. And she has a daughter. She already has enough on her plate without throwing an arranged marriage into the mix.
“So, you came out because I was coming?” I say, trying to get back to the here and now, but as soon as the words leave my lips, I regret them.
“I’m sorry. That came out wrong. I just thought this wasn’t your scene since you mentioned you’re the shy twin.”
Alicia’s face grows impossibly red. “You caught me,” she says with a small smile. “This is definitely not my scene. But I thought it’d be interesting to chat with one of the richest people in the country.”
“Color me intrigued. What would you like to talk about?”
Her eyes sparkle, like this conversation is about to make her night. “I have a degree in horticulture, and as I mentioned during breakfast, I’m in charge of all the gardens on the farm.”
I nod, letting her know she has my undivided attention, and she continues.
“I’m no business major, but I was thinking we could do something with the blooms instead of just letting them wilt. I understand the vision of Hacienda Carmen is to create an excellent wine, but what if we offer fresh flowers? Customers could cut them for their own bouquets to go along with their wine? We could even offer the flowers to restaurants and hotels in Santiago.”
“That sounds oddly specific for someone who’s not a business major,” I say with a smile. I’m glad this time she smiles back, no shyness in her gaze.
“Well, yeah, but I just think it’s such a waste of time and effort growing all those beautiful flowers if no one gets to enjoy them.”
“What do you mean no one is enjoying them? My mother loves her gardens.”
“Oh yes, please don’t get me wrong. She loves the gardens around the house, but the vinery gardens have grown exponentially. Do you remember the hills that face toward Karina and Luca’s property?”
I nod, a knowing smile tugging at my lips.
I spent many nights in those hills with my high school girlfriend. Since they’re the farthest from the house, we used to sneak there with a bottle of wine and a blanket and make out until our lips were raw.
“In order to avoid any type of cross contamination with their vines, Mr. Gonzalo decided not to grow vines there anymore,” she explains. “He instructed me to grow flowers there instead. I have cultivated several different varieties.”
I lean back slightly, letting it sink in. Vines and flower s.
It’s an interesting concept.
“I had no idea we had that. I’d like to go see it on Monday.”
She nods, a pleased smile on her face.
“That’s good thinking, Alicia. I’m glad you brought it up. I’ll make sure we find a way to put those flowers to good use so they don’t go to waste anymore.”
She beams at my praise, but immediately clams up. It’s like she came only to talk about business with me.
I continue to drink my beer and end up being called to the pool table for a round. Juan Carlos joins, and we form a team against Fernando and Sebastian, two of the guys in charge of packaging.
“So, Mr. Godoy, I saw you very cozy with Alicia,” Juan Carlos says as he makes the first shot.
“No, not cozy. She was actually pitching a new business idea for the vineyard.”
His eyes go wide.
“Yeah, it’s a good idea,” I continue. “I’m definitely going to look into it.”
He seems surprised, but I’m actually excited to bring these offerings here at the hacienda.
“I’m sure you must be a protective brother-in-law,” I add.
Juan Carlos starts coughing, it seems like he’s choking.
“Are you okay there?” I ask as I pat him on his back.
He clears his throat and takes a gulp of his beer. “Yes, yes. Sorry. It’s just that I don’t know where that came from.”
“There’s nothing wrong with being protective of your family. But I assure you, my interest in Alicia is purely professional..”
He nods as he takes a gulp of his beer. “Well, I guess you’re right. I don’t want my sister-in-law to be taken advantage of. Not by you, of course. I know that’s not what you’re after,” he hurries to add.
I pat him on the back. “I know this is none of my business, but it seems like you and your wife are a little off today.”
He blushes as he glances toward the twins, who are chatting animatedly. “You could say we’re going through a rough patch,” he says before making his shot.
“I really don’t have any advice for you. I haven’t been in a relationship in years, but if you love her, make sure to work things out.”
He gives me a pained smile. Maybe he’s tried to work things out, and she hasn’t.
What would my father do? Maybe that’s the type of advice I should offer: Do what Gonzalo Godoy would do.
I mull this over as I rub chalk on my cue stick. I manage a good strike, and we end up winning the round.
“A round of beer on me,” I shout, feeling happy about getting to know all these people who make my family’s hacienda the amazing place it is.
Now that I finally seem to have found my footing here, I can’t help but wonder—what would it be like if Camila were here, having a drink with me?
Something tells me I wouldn’t hold back from flirting with her the way I did with Alicia.