“Thanks, guys. I’m starting to feel a lot better about everything now. Seriously.” Something on the beach catches my eye. “Son of a bitch!”
Fi cocks her head to the side. “Huh, that last bit seems a little uncalled for.”
“What?” I ask. Then I realize what she means. “Sorry, it’s just that there’s Ralph. Again. Power walking the beach. Heading in the same direction as before. Every single day, the same thing.”
I put my glass down on the table and decide. “That’s it, I’m going to follow him.”
“Follow who?” Angie asks.
“Ralph.”
“Ralph,” Angie says. “You mean your ex-boss Ralph? Why the hell would you follow him on his late afternoon power walk?”
“Let’s call it a hunch,” I say, grabbing my purse. “I’ll follow him and figure out what the hell he’s up to because it’s bothering me. Then I’ll come back. And the walk will help me clear my head.”
“You need backup” Fi asks.
“No, I’ve got it. I’ll text you guys soon, okay? Thanks for the drinks.”
“Have fun, Nancy Drew!” Angie calls.
I laugh as I head out at a brisk walk toward the setting sun. Then I turn right and continue at a comfortable distance away from Ralph. Right now, there aren’t a lot of people out, so it’ll be nearly impossible to lose him.
I follow him until he’s in front of the resort. I expect him to turn back toward the kitchen where I used to work, but he doesn’t. He keeps walking.
I’m relieved. Heading back in to work would be a very lame mystery. Curiosity is driving me now, and it’s got the added bonus of taking my mind off of stupid Chase.
Ralph walks for a few more minutes, passing several more hotels before he finally heads away from the beach, and toward a small but elegant looking strip mall.
I watch as he goes to one of the stores, pulls out a large key ring, and lets himself in. Now I’m getting somewhere. As soon as I see the door open and shut, I wait a few seconds and then follow.
The sign on the business says Ooh Lala French Restaurant. I guess he’s starting his own business. Good for him. For some reason, even though he fired me today, I let myself in. I guess I want to talk to someone, anyone, about something other than Chase Covington.
As I open the door, a bell chimes. That brings Ralph running from the back of the restaurant, a shaky kitchen knife in his hand.
I hold up my hands and take a step back. “Whoa, Ralph. It’s just me.”
He looks genuinely confused. But he still lowers the knife. “Kaylee? How did you know I was here?”
“I followed you,” I admit, looking around. The place is nice, cozy. The accents are adorable, all knickknacks from the French countryside and cute patterned tablecloths. “You’ve taken the same walk in the same direction, like, a dozen times this weekend. I was curious, that’s all.”
He lifts the knife again. “Did you come to yell at me for firing you?”
I pull out a chair and sit. “No, I don’t blame you. For the record, I never meant for any of it to happen. I helped a guest at the resort, got my heart broken, and lost my job. I guess I’m just a sucker.”
He lowers the knife. “But an exceptional pastry chef.”
I smile. “Thanks. Hey, good luck with the restaurant. When does it open?”
“Tomorrow,” he says. “As it turns out, today was my last day as well.”
“Tomorrow? There must be a million things to do. Let me help.”
“I couldn’t ask you to do that,” he objects.
“Hey, I need something to take my mind off my troubles.” I answer, leaving no room for him to argue. “Let me just text my friends that I’m okay.”
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Chase
Okay, so it takes a little while for me, Liam, and Ashley to sober up enough to go down and confront Kaylee.
By the time we get down there, the sun has set and there is a refreshing sea breeze that helps me sober up.
How dare she return the money? As much as I hate to admit it, she’s right. The board of directors would not have found in my favor without her. And now, the only reason I can think of for her to give back the money is to make me look bad. Or feel bad.
Before long, I can see the lit torches of the Beaky Tiki. Shit, I haven’t been here since that first night with Kaylee. Everything about this damn place reminds me of her.
The three of us go striding in like we’re ready for a brawl. In reality, there are only a few people here. It’s mostly couples sipping drinks and eating burgers. It was so much more crowded a few days ago.
Even worse, there’s no sign of Kaylee.
“Well, where is she?” Ashley asks.
“I don’t see her,” I answer.
Liam shrugs.
I exchange disappointed looks with Ashley and Liam. Then without a plan B, we head to the bar.
I sit down and realize I’m in the same exact seat looking at the same exact coconut monkeys. Fuck. This is a bad idea. I should get the hell out of here now, while I still can.
That’s when the same waitress from Thursday night appears behind the bar suddenly and gives me the stink eye. I can hardly believe it. I didn’t notice before, but her name tag says Abigail. “Bloody hell,” I say.
Ashley catches the exchange. She’s enjoying my misery too much. “Friend of yours?” she asks.
“I’m afraid your tab’s been closed out permanently,” Abigail says before turning to Ashley.
“If I knew you were with him, I wouldn’t have sold you the last of my chocolates.”
Ashley holds her hands up. “Hey, I can’t help being his sister. Besides, I’m on Kaylee’s side.”
I give Ashley a dirty look. Then I turn back to Abigail. And I consider her words. What kind of bar, or any business for that matter, refuses service
