Page 9 of Paradise & Vodka

"Yes, is Ashleigh available?"

"This is she," I responded.

"This is Mark from Saddles & Racks. I received your online inquiry about hiring Nick for a destination wedding."

"Yes," I confirmed.

"Do you have a few moments to go over details so I can book that for you?"

"Yes, I do." I took a sip of the cranberry and vodka cocktail I'd made myself to calm my nerves.

"Great. I just have a few questions."

He went through the basics about when and where, and made sure I would be paying for everything. He also told me the price for theboyfriend experience, and set up a date for me to meet Nick.

How had I let Adriane talk me into this?

I was going to Fiji.

In all my time traveling with clients, it would be the first time I would go to a tropical paradise other than Hawaii. I'd never been international, and I was excited.Thisis why I never want to stop escorting.I couldn't wait to tell the guys and rub it in their faces that while most of them were home with screaming kids, I was going to be lying on the beach sipping a cocktail and getting paid to do it.

Strolling into Oak & Ivy, I had a huge grin on my face.

"Oh God," Vinny groaned.

"What?" I questioned, slipping into a seat at the table. The bartender looked over at me, and I nodded that I wanted my usual salty dog, which I preferred with vodka, not gin.

"You're up to something," he replied.

"What makes you say that?"

They guys shared a look, and Gabe answered, "You never have a grin on your face."

"Sure, I do," I argued. I was a happy dude, and I felt as though I was always smiling. My only worry in life was when my friends got mixed up in scary shit like going undercover to take down a pimp or getting shot in a jewelry robbery.

"No." Brad shook his head. "You're the prick in the group."

"Gee, thanks." I rolled my blue eyes.

"It's true," Paul confirmed. "But, I have seen you smile."

"And when was that?" Vinny asked. These fuckers knew that I smiled.

"When it’s about getting laid. Like when I needed him to take my date at a club once. Even saw him dance," Paul clarified.

"So, what gives?" Gabe questioned.

I couldn’t contain my excitement any longer. "Your boy is going to Fiji!"

"For a date?" Galen inquired.

I nodded. "For a full fucking week too."

"Why you?" Galen continued to question.

"Because I can go on a whim, unlike you, fireman." The bartender brought over my drink, and I gave him a nod of thanks.

"When do you leave?" Paul asked.