Chapter 64: Different Directions

Adani's POV

I moved out of the mansion.

Ricardo insisted I take his beach house which was only approximately fifty miles away and I agreed.

"You're still engaged?" Adonna asked as she assisted with carrying a suitcase into the house.

"We are," I answered as I looked at the engagement ring on my finger. It dazzled in the afternoon sun.

"This beach house is beautiful. I can't believe you'll be living here," Adonna spoke again as we unlocked the door and stepped into the room.

The high ceiling held a crystal chandelier directly in the middle. Natural light shined through the ceiling-to-floor windows. The furnitures were unused and luxury and the roaring of the ocean was insanely welcoming.

I slide the glass door opened and stepped into the back yard. The lawn was well-kept and the pool was clean.

"I envy you right now," Adonna said as she found me outside.

"My life isn't going as planned, Adonna. What is there to envy?" I questioned still feeling the effects of being heartbroken.

"Adani, what I'm not understanding is the fact that you both love each other, you're still his fianceé but yet you two are separated." There was confusion on her face.

I sighed and we sat down by the pool.

"I need a break, Adonna."

"From Ricardo, is the dick too much?"

"Not everything is about the sex," I responded and playfully wet her with some water.

"You've lost me. You had or have everything a woman could possibly want, especially in a man, and instead of holding onto him and everything he has to offer you, you're tossing him away."

"You might view it like that but it's not all peaches and cream."

"Sis, what's life without some baggage? Nobody comes with a clean slate. Running away from an issue isn't going to fix it."

"I don't need another therapy class session right now, Adonna. I called you here so you can help me unpack and unwind," I snapped at her.

"I'm not trying to tell you how to live your life and what choices you should be making but I know what it's like to miss out on a good man because you're still reflecting from the last one."

"Wait. Hold on, let's get this clear. I'm not reflecting on Wayan."

"You're not, so then what's the problem?"

"You wouldn't understand."

"I'm your sister. I wouldn't understand because you don't understand it yourself. You're filled with confusion and doubts, and you're scared. It's written all over your face but I'll respect you not being open about it. When you're ready to talk, I'll be there. Okay?"

"Okay."

"Good. Let's see get you settled in."

~

We went back indoors and finished the unpacking before going to the supermarket for food supplies. The house held all the necessities and appliances for a comfortable stay there and what was most commendable about it was the fully powered solar and security system.

"It would feel strange being in the house by myself. I've never actually lived by myself before," I spoke to Adonna as we drove back towards the house from the shopping.

"Really, never?"

"No. After college, Wayan and I moved in immediately together. Biggest mistake of my life."

"Hey, you'll be fine."

"There's a guest bedroom. Care to spend the holidays with me until I'm comfortable enough? I know there's not much to worry about with a security system and gates but I would sleep better knowing someone is there with me. I don't want to be alone on Christmas," I said.

"Sure. No problem."

"Thanks."

~
We got back and prepared a delicious hot meal. Adonna excelled in the kitchen.

"I never knew you were such a great cook," I complimented after looking at the dish.

"I get down," she joked.

"No, seriously. This is incredible."

"Well, I filled in for one of the cooks who came down with an illness at the restaurant. The head chef showed me a lot in a short space for time. He was handsome too so I took in the lessons well."

"Just the lessons, right?" I asked.

"Yes. He's married but I only admired him from afar. I can look."

"Don't touch."

"She's one lucky lady whoever she is."

"Adonna, what about Joshua, the security guard. It really was just a one-night stand between the two of you?"

"Is that so hard to believe?"

"He's a great guy. Respectful and reliable, and you two would make a great couple. He asked about you a few days ago."

"He seems great but I'm not ready for a relationship."

"Why not?"

She sighed deeply. "I don't know," she answered.

"Oh. The way you're all up in my business but being closed-off for your very own," I roasted.

"I've got issues," she said and we laughed.

A knock came to the door. Adonna and I looked at each other before I hopped off the stool and went to the door. I looked at the security camera display screen before opening.

"Hi," he greeted.

"Hi," I answered.

"Can I come in?"

"Sure. It is your house, Ricardo."

"But I gave it to you."

"You can come in," I answered. I opened the door wider to let him in and saw several people coming towards the house carrying Christmas trees and boxes of ornaments.

"I hope you don't mind but I wanted to have the place decorated to give you that Christmas spirit since you'll be here," Ricardo explained.

"Oh wow. Thanks. I appreciate this gesture," I said.

"How are you, Adani?"

"I'm fine. Thanks for asking. Yourself?"

"In pieces but I'll live. Do you like the house?"

"I love it. Thanks for letting me have it."

"Hi, Ricardo. Merry Christmas," Adonna said when she walked into the room.

"Merry Christmas, Adonna. Would you be spending the holiday with your sister?"

"Matter of fact, I am."

"Thanks. It gives me a peace of mind knowing that someone is with her," he responded.

"Anything for my sister," she said before she excused herself.

Ricardo turned back to me. "I'm missing you and I love you. The gates and doors to the mansion would always be open for you," he said.

"Thanks.. but uh...," I stuttered. I looked at the ring on my finger and toyed with it as an attempt to remove it.

"Baby, please don't. Don't break my heart even more. I'm begging you to keep that ring on because it's the only thing giving me hope that you'll come back home," he spoke. Tears welled up in his eyes, daring to fall. I couldn't stand to see him hurting.

"Okay. I'll keep it on," I assured.

"Thank you."

At that second, his phone started ringing and Adonna rushed into the room. "You guys, have you seen the news?" she asked.

"What's happening?" I questioned.

"It's Parriston Industries and Technology," she answered. We followed her to where the Tv was located.

"As of 8:00 am this morning, employees at Parriston Industries and Technology have been protesting outside the main building in Los Angeles.
We spoke to several employees and they stated the reason for this outburst were poor management and they not receiving their annual bonuses. Jim Corry is live at the scene. Jim, what's going on there?" A news anchor host reported.

"Well Jennifer, you can hear the chants from the angry employees. We're going to interview one of the managers right now."

We watched as a manager appeared on the screen to speak.

"Sir, what's your view on the protesting?" Jim asked.

"We want our respect and our voices to be heard! We want our bonuses. Some of us have been looking forward to this all year. We have a family to feed and people depending on us. The CEO and CFO have already been paid and they're vacationing while the other employees are left without what's rightfully ours. We want our bonuses and we want back Mr. Ricardo Parriston!"

Another employee pushed her small figure into the frame. "This never happened under Mr. Ricardo Parriston leadership of this company. He was doing an excellent job and should have never got replaced by that idiot!"

"Sarah, you can't call him an idiot on national TV," someone corrected her.

"Yes I can. He's not Mr. Parriston and never would be. Mr. Parriston made certain all the employees were treated fairly. Our bi-monthly and monthly salaries were always on time! and our annual bonuses were most generous. We want back Mr. Parriston and we want him back now!"

A chant erupted. "We want our bonuses! We want Mr. Parriston!"

We watched the screen as a limo pulled into the parking lot.

"Mrs. Corrine Parriston has just arrived. Can she calm this crowd and restore a peaceful company?" the news announcer asked.

"It's like a war zone up there," Ricardo said as his phone rung for the tenth time.

"What you going to do?" I asked him.

"I'm going to take the company back and you're coming with me."

"Why me?" I questioned.

"Because you're about to rightfully get your shares," he answered.