Page 80 of The Romance Adventure

“But is it a betrayal to the Driftwood??” Then, with a sinking feeling, I add, “To Royal?”

“I think we ought to analyze your priorities. You’re broke. You need money. Why not do this?”

“But what about being loyal to Royal?” I repeat, though I already know the answer.

The seriousness of the conversation dissolves with us giggling about my rhyme.

When I regain my composure, I say, “But seriously. What do I do?”

“I see the dilemma, but think about what having your name signed in the corner of a mural at the most exclusive resort on this island chain could do for your career.”

“I was doing well in Charleston, getting my name out there.”

“Speaking of, how are you paying your rent? What about all your stuff up there?”

Biting my lip, I say, “About that, um, I think we’re going to need more chocolate for this part of the story.”

When I get back from raiding my sister’s chocolate stash, Nutmeg fills my seat. Bean gathers her cat in her arms. The animal looks over her shoulder with a, Ha ha, she loves me more smirk.

I tell Bean about dating Dax. “He started to miss our Monday doughnut dates and was acting kind of shady.”

“How so?” Concern ripples across my sister’s brow. I should probably keep the near-forgery to myself.

“He repeatedly asked to borrow things. My truck, some of my mail, and my ATM PIN.”

“You didn’t give it to him, did you?”

I bite my lip. “Not that there was much in my account.” I tell her about New Year’s Eve and what I found out about Daxel and his brother Gavin, along with the news report about his death.

“Oh, Isla. Why didn’t you tell me?” She tugs me into a warm sisterly hug. Supremely offended, Nutmeg perches on the arm of the couch.

“Because you’ve got everything figured out down here. You have a solid job, started a business, and⁠—”

“And you were the one who inspired me to open Beans & Books when you told me you were going to start your mural painting business.”

“But I started my mural painting business because you decided to go all in on the shack.”

Slow laughter ripples between us because it’s a chicken-egg situation and I don’t mind. Not a bit, because I answered the call of my dreams and my sister did the same.

Wearing a big smile, she nods, but then it quickly falls. “Wait, what did you say your ex’s brother’s name was?”

“Gavin Norris.”

Bean’s eyes widen. “Mr. Edmonton has been tracking an investment fraud case. One of his associates lost a lot of money to Gavin Norris. A lot of people did. Just today, he told me that Arise Brokerage and Capital took the Norrises to court.”

“Yeah, glad someone wanted to see justice. But I’m not sure what’ll happen now that Gavin is gone.”

Bean shakes her head slowly. “Isla, you don’t get it. Royal is the CEO of Arise.”

“No, that can’t be right.”

Bean types on her phone and then flips the screen in my direction, showing me the distinct image of a man with dark hair, pewter eyes, and killer lips on the company’s website.

I swallow thickly.

“Why didn’t we have a sleepover sooner? Why didn’t you tell me all this the second you got here?”

I’m stunned silent. Had I told her, I wouldn’t have gotten involved with Royal. The second he finds out about my connection with Dax, he’s going to want to become uninvolved with me. A new dilemma replaces the opportunity at Platinum Shores. Do I tell Royal or do I quietly walk away?