Chapter 3
Brandon's family exploded in anger.
"Rachel, we've treated you with respect. Why are you badmouthing us?"
"Yeah, and you have the nerve to talk about breaking up? If anyone should be calling it quits, it's Brandon. He's a decent guy."
"He not only has to break up with you, but he also needs to go to the hospital. Who knows what kind of stuff you might've passed on to him?"
"Yeah, get tested. If he's sick, you have to pay for everything with your dirty money."
I laughed out loud. "You're worrying over nothing. I'm not as loose as you think.
"Brandon and I have been together for years, but we've never been intimate.
"If he's got something, you should blame his 'best friend.'
"I own a hotel and have no idea what she's talking about. She must be doing this herself.
"Just now, those two were all over each other earlier. They might have been sneaking around for ages."
Emily didn't get angry. Instead, she laughed even harder.
"Come on, guys, don't get it twisted," she said. "There's no way anything's happening between them.
"Brandon totally listens to me. He wouldn't hook up with anyone I haven't approved.
"But Rachel, looks like you're really triggered now, saying stuff like that.
"Just 'cause I know about that stuff doesn't mean I've done it myself. Your lies don't hurt me."
She grabbed my arm. "Don't leave yet. I'm in a bunch of gaming groups, and there are plenty of rich guys in there. I can promote you."
As she spoke, she snapped a photo of me and started typing. [Book a room for one night and get the full VIP experience.]
I tried to snatch her phone, but the Lewises passed it around. No matter what I did, I couldn't get my hands on it.
Emily smirked, "What's the rush? You want to advertise yourself?
"Oh, you haven't told me the name of your hotel yet. Spill it, so I can let everyone know.
"I visit Brandon all the time, and we always stay at hotels.
"Since we're best buddies, we share one room to save money.
"Tell me where you work, and we'll stay there next time.
"That way, you won't have to hustle for guests or sacrifice yourself for business.
"But you gotta promise me a clean room you don't use often. I'm a total clean freak.
"If it weren't for wanting to support your business, I wouldn't even go to your hotel.
"Don't be ungrateful, okay?"
Now that things had reached this point, I stopped bothering with the phone.
I calmly walked over to the table and picked up a glass of wine.
"Ms. Carter, I know you're trying to help.
"My hotel's only been open for a year, and in that time, you've dragged in 99 different guys to boost my business.
"Add Brandon to the list, and that makes a nice round hundred.
"I've never done this before, but as the owner, I'll give you a lifetime VIP pass for free."
The Lewis family, who had been mocking me seconds ago, were stunned.
"What did you say?" one of them blurted out.
I turned to them and said clearly, "You don't get it? Let me make it simple, then.
"I run a hotel. But since I'm young, business hasn't been great.
"Luckily, Emily's been a real go-getter. She's brought in a ton of business for my hotel."
Emily's face went from red to pale. Finally, she lost it.
"Nonsense!" she snapped. "I'm a good girl. I visit Brandon all the time, but I leave the same day. I've never been to your stupid hotel."
I shrugged.
Seeing her lose her cool was surprisingly satisfying.
All the anger Emily and the Lewis family made me feel disappeared instantly.
I even sat down and ate a shrimp Brandon had peeled for me earlier.
I continued, "Emily, I recognized you the second you walked in. But as a hotel owner, I keep my guests' privacy private.
"But I couldn't stay quiet anyway. I had to thank you, my best customer.
"You didn't just bring 99 men. You invited your friends too.
"Thanks to you, my hotel, which was on the verge of shutting down after half a year, managed to survive.
"You said you wanted to bring Brandon over, right? Since you've already tried out every room, pick your favorite. I'll always keep it ready for you."