Chapter 37: We Jammin'

Ricardo's POV

"Ricardo, I'm pleased to inform you that we have a surplus that would double the christmas bonus this year," Penelope said as she walked into my office. She sat down across from me and handed me a folder.

I went over the information and a smile appeared on my face. The numbers were fantastic this year.

"I'm impressed," I said.

"And I have more exciting news," she responded with a wide smile.

"What's up?"

She stood up and stalked behind me then laid her hands on my shoulders and started working her fingers in motion to a smoothing massage.

"If you say spa day, I'm not going," I informed. She laughed.

"A vacation," she answered.

"A vacation?"

"Yes. I was told you haven't had one since the year started. You've been working non-stop so I took the liberty in booking a vacation to Jamaica."

"That sounds great and all, Pene, but ah. I can't go to Jamaica right now. There is too much to do around here."

"Ricardo, there are people here who are capable to run the company for a week. And I believe we need this break."

"I don't know."

Penelope sighed and flopped into the chair. She looked to the ceiling, calculating her next move.

"Okay, how about we turn it into something bigger. We should invite Derick and his fianceé. Sort of like a couples retreat."

"Mmmh."

She stood up and made her way to the door. "I'll also be inviting Adani," she said right before she slipped out.

My eyes popped. She couldn't be serious. She hated Adani. Why would she invite her to come along with us?

~
After Penelope and I arrived at the mansion, she made a beeline looking for Adani. I followed behind.

"There you are," she said once she found her in one of the guest rooms. Adani looked startled and so was I. I was still wrapping my head around the whole ordeal of having Adani join in on the trip.

"Is something the matter?" she asked.

"Ricardo and I are having a one week getaway to a tropical island and I'm inviting you to come along with us."

She looked surprise just as I was.

"Thanks but I don't think so."

"Damn it! Why is everyone refusing a vacation that's free to them, what would it take for you to tag along?" Penelope asked her, "Adonna can also join if you need her company."

"Okay."

"Wonderful. I'll go make the arrangements. We'll be leaving on Saturday."

~

Saturday came with haste. We were boarded and seatbelted in my private aircraft on the tarmac until takeoff to Jamaica.

~

A taxi met us upon our arrival at the airport and drove us to the hotel. We were given three luxury beach cabins right there by the water where we unpacked and got settle.

"Thank you, Pene, this is great," I complimented. I put a pair of sunshades on and stepped out on the sand underneath a coconut tree.

One of the locals spotted me and came over with a bottled coconut water.

"Hey mon, welcome to Jamaica. I'm Jahmel," he greeted with a solid Jamaican accent.

"Hi, Jahmel. I'm Ricardo." We shook hands.

"I work for the hotel. I'm a tour guide."

"Tour guide?" Penelope asked as she appeared behind me.

"That's right, ma'am."

"Oh, please don't call me ma'am. I'm not my mother. I'm Penelope."

"Hello, Penelope," Jahmel greeted her and gave her the bottle of coconut water. She smiled extra brightly, pulled the cap off and took a sip.

"I was just speaking to front desk to organize an island tour for our group. We want to go to the places most tourist knows nothing about," Penelope told him.

"Sure. I know just the places. When do you want to have the tour?"

"Tomorrow."

"Okay. See you then. Have a great day."

~

We slept in for the remainder of the afternoon until it was evening. I woke before Penelope, had a shower and changed into a tee and jeans.

I met with Derick and his fianceé Eloise at the hotel's outdoor restaurant.

"Where's Penelope?" Eloise asked me as I sat down. Tunes of reggae and a live band blasted at the front of the stage.

"She's still sleeping," I answered, "Left her a note on where to find us."

"It's great she invited us along. I can't wait for the wedding," Eloise said again.

"I'm here," Penelope's voice came. I pulled a chair out for her right before Adani and Adonna showed up and joined us as well.

"Let's order," Derick said.

The food was incredible. The jerk chicken, rice and red beans, stewed oxtail, steamed vegetables and salads filled our stomachs until we couldn't have any more.

After digestion, we went out to the dancing area and swayed to the music of the band.

~

The next morning, we met with Jahmel. We boarded the tour bus with excitement as he stepped on the gas and drove us onwards.

"I'm taking you guys to the country side," Jahmel said.

"We're in your hands, Jahmel," I said back.

"Cool mon. Enjoy the view."

Jahmel took us to what he called nah tell nobody Blue Lagoon. It was a devine stream of rushing water what appears to illuminate blue lights in it.

We walked down a narrow path to a basin.

"You can go in for a dip," Jahmel said to us.

"Don't mind if I do. It's hot," Penelope said and started stripping to her bikini. She took a dive into the water, "It feels magical. You all need to get in here," she added and splashed us.

"I'm coming."

"Yeah. Me too."

We got in but Adani remained on the bank looking at us.

"Adani. Get in," Adonna called out to her.

"I didn't wear a swimsuit," she answered.

"I have one. It should fit you because it's ninety percent elastic," Penelope said and climbed out of the water and headed to her backpack. She handed the suit the Adani and showed her where she can change behind some cut bamboo trees.

"Guys," Jahmel called and showed up with a bamboo raft. Derick and I assisted with putting it into the water.

"Let's take some pictures!" Adonna said and climbed onto it. Adani and Penelope came into the water and got on as well.

~

Derick and I sat on a stone and looked at the ladies getting along.

"Hey, what's bugging you?" he asked me as he paid attention to my face.

"Man, this whole trip."

"Why, what's wrong?"

"Penelope and the maids aren't the best of friends. A few days ago, I literally had to stop her from attacking Adani."

"Ladies would be ladies. You know Penelope can be extra."

"But it was her idea to have her come with us."

"Maybe she thought you wouldn't have gone otherwise."

"Why would she think that?"

"It's rumored since after your birthday party that you have a thing for your maid."

"Hmm."

"Do you, bro, because that can become messy."

"To be honest, I like Adani. I think I'm falling for her."

"But you're engaged. You have to sort this out before it reaches a point where you can't."