Page 13 of The Billionaire's Heart

“It’s a good plan although, how are you planning on paying for the initial investment?”

“If I can get all four islands, then this deal with Sutherland in New York will be a positive cash flow to Gallo Enterprise’s bottom line.”

Garrett nods, “Sounds like a solid plan. Different from what you usually do, though. Why?”

I shrug. “Just seeing how the island people were living really bothered me. I don’t know why the resort failed, although I suspect there were management issues and the hurricane that came through a few years ago damaging the structure didn’t help. There’s a real opportunity here to make a difference and to make some money.”

Garrett nods, “Sounds like a great opportunity. Have Mrs. Wilcox send the information over to my assistant and I’ll get started on it.”

“Will do.”

“On one condition, though.”

I look at him expectantly.

“I want in.”

That took me by surprise. “Really? Why?”

He shrugs as he drinks his beer. “Diversification, my friend. Diversification.” He looks at me and smiles.

“Okay, then. You’re in, but you need to work your magic because the seller keeps telling me he’s not interested in selling all four islands; only the one with the resort.”

“You leave that to me. Everyone has a price.” He laughs.

He’s not wrong there.

“What are you assholes doing here?” Elijah asks as he slaps the both of us on the back.

“Dude, where have you been lately? I haven’t seen you in weeks.” Garrett asks Elijah as we all shake hands.

Elijah has a beard, which wasn’t there the last time I saw him.

“Working undercover down south.” He scratches his face, and I can hear his whiskers. “I’m just waiting for one more arrest before I can shave this face blanket off.”

“Can you talk about it yet?” I ask, because I’ve always been curious about his cases.

He shakes his head. “No, not yet. Just suffice it to say, just say no to drugs.” He waves down Steph. “Can I get one of those?” He points to our beers.

She nods and brings him a beer.

“Thanks, love.” He drinks almost half the beer. “God, that tastes good. So, what are you two up to these days?”

“Nothing as exciting as you.” Garrett says. “Did you hear Hudson has a real for real date tomorrow?” Garrett can be worse than a teenage girl when it comes to gossip.

“Please tell me it’s not with that skank, Renee. Please.”

“Nope, not according to Kane. Some coffee shop owner.”

“Good. I always hated that chick he was dating. Hope this one isn’t like the last one.” Elijah says distractedly as he watches three women walk in the front door. “Gotta go. I believe I’ll be needed wherever those lovely ladies will be.” He gives us a stupid grin and walks over to them.

“What a dog.”

I nod in agreement with Garrett, but secretly I’m thinking about Mia and wondering what she’s doing right now. Hopefully, not out with someone like Elijah.

What is my problem?

Chapter 7