Songs for this chapter:
"Where The Party At" by Jagged Edge
"This Is How We Do It" by Montell Jordan

Saturday, May 19th, 2018

Ryder's POV

I have to give it to her - Kimberly Forester always dresses to impress. Any man with eyes can see how attractive she is. Nonetheless, she is a Forester. I need to get her out of my mind.

"It's nice to meet you, Rhys."

She rolled her eyes when I didn't speak to her. Petty, right? Guess what? I do not care.

"You guys can order whatever you like. This place is my grandparent's restaurant. Every time I would come to Hawaii for the summer, I would work here during my college years. I miss us hanging out, Kim."

"I do too. We have to spend a girl's day at a spa or something while we are here in Maui. Wait until I tell my parents I saw you here. What do you do in Long Beach?" Ms. Forester asked.

"I finally have what I wanted. I am now an agent to several stars. They are small name stars, for now. But I am working hard to make them humongous. The agency is not that big though."

It was like me and Rhys are not even here.

"Hey, do you have one of your agency's business cards? I can definitely help to advertise your agency," Ms. Bougie replies.

"Um, this is supposed to be a double date, remember? A conversation between the four of us."

"Ryder Ellis, wait your turn. Just wait a darn minute. Stop thinking about yourself."

I know she did not just hush me.

Kim's POV

"That would be great Kim. How about we meet up for lunch? We are at the same resort. Which building are you in?"

"I'm in the main building. There is a restaurant there the lobby receptionist says we absolutely have to try. It was her favorite place. How about 1:00 pm? I can reserve us a table."

"Sounds great. I'm looking forward to it."

"Sorry, gentlemen. How about you guys? What kind of work do you do?" Nicole asked.

Rhys answered, "I am a Software Engineer for a company in Phoenix - Alphacom."

"I have heard of that company. They are excellent," Nicole replies.

Mr. Ellis then answered, "I am the CFO for my parents' company - Ellis & Associates Advertising Agency, LLC. My parents are grooming me to one day take over the company."

All Nicole said was, "Oh. Now I see why you and Kim were dismissive of each other. Listen, how about you both disregard that you are business rivals just for this evening? Let's enjoy ourselves."

"Agreed," he says.

"I agree as well." But, score another client for Forester. Take that, Ryder Ellis!

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We actually did have a great time. But I knew he was going to harass me later about working with Nicole.

"I know where I will be eating dinner the rest of the week. Everything was delicious, Nicole. I should buy a permanent vacation home in Maui. My parents are always telling me to take vacations, even if they are mini trips. I'm a workaholic. I work my butt off to keep Forester at the top. They basically forced me to take these two weeks."

"I'm glad you decided to take the two weeks off. Otherwise, I would be lonely," Rhys says, which causes me to blush. Rhys is sweet, but I just don't see us together in a relationship. He's more like my guy friend. Mr. Ellis rolled his eyes. I could care less.

"Kim, I know you are dedicated to what you do, but your parents are right. I would say go ahead and buy yourself a place here. I'm sure it is not too long of a flight. You could even do a weekend trip. I'll even help you. And, if I have to drive to L.A. to come drag you, I will."

"Okay, that won't be necessary. Fine, I'll do it. How about we go Monday to a real estate office. I don't know where to go though."

"That's what I am here for. I'll come get you around noon."

"Great. Thanks, Nicole. Let's go dancing. Are you guys up for it?"

Mr. Ellis finally opened his mouth. "I'm game."

"Let me just say goodbye to my family. Then, we can go." Nicole went to talk to her family. Then, came back over to us.

"I have VIP access, so we can go right on in. Where are you and Rhys parked?"

Rhys answered, "Right near the entrance. I'm driving a Lexus SUV."

"Okay. Ryder is driving a black Range Rover." Nicole and I grabbed our bags, then we left the restaurant for the club.

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Ryder and Rhys parked next to each other in the club parking lot. All four of us got out and made it into the club.

I grabbed Rhys' hands and pulled him to the dance floor. And, one of my favorite songs came on.

Rhys surprisingly had some moves. I actually met Jagged Edge once before. Forester did some advertising for a concert they had in Los Angeles. They were pretty cool. We even got a few free tickets and backstage passes for the concert.

Then, an old-school 90s classic came on.

After two songs, my feet were telling me to sit. Nicole and Mr. Ellis were dancing near us. I had to yell because it was so loud.

"NICOLE, I'M GOING TO SIT DOWN!!"

Rhys and I followed Nicole upstairs to the VIP area.

"This is my family's booth. Have seat and relax."

"Thanks, Nicole."

"You're welcome. I'm going back to dance."

I immediately kicked off my shoes. "Good night, my feet are killing me."

Rhys patted for me to prop my feet in his lap. He massaged my feet.

"Thank you. That feels great."

"You're welcome."

Ryder's POV

"I'm going to join the others upstairs."

"Okay. It's the third booth on the right as soon as you go up the stairs."

"Thanks."

I followed Nicole's directions and went upstairs. Nope, she is not the one for me either. Don't get me wrong. Nicole is very beautiful. I just don't feel anything for her. I believe Nicole and Rhys are attracted to each other because of the way they have looked at each other.

I heard strange noises as I approached the booth. Are they seriously doing what I think they are doing?!

"What are you.........?!"

"You're massaging her feet?" I gave him the most confusing look a man could give.

"Duh. What else would he be doing? Don't tell me you thought we were having sex. Eww. Not now or ever. No offense Rhys, but absolutely not. I made that mistake before. It won't happen again."

"Excuse me, Ms. High and Mighty."

Dude then started chuckling. "May I ask you what is so funny?"

"You two hilarious. I know I am not the only one who sees it, but you both are blinded by the fact that you are business rivals."

"Rhys, what are you talking about?" Ms. Forester asked.

"You both are attracted to each other. When the guy group came into the restaurant the other day, Ryder you were excited about meeting Kimberly before finding out that she was a Forester."

"Rhys, there is no way whatsoever I am attracted to him."

"This is the third time someone has said something insane like that."

"What the heck you mean the third time?!"

"One of my friends and one of your friends made the same assumption. It couldn't be farther from the truth. I am not, nor will I ever, be romantically involved with you."

"The same goes for me. You are the scum of the Earth. Rhys answer me this. Are you attracted to Nicole? I noticed the way you two were eyeing each other. I'm not offended if you say yes because I see you and me only as friends."

"Guilty as charged. But I do not want to interfere with anything."

"Listen, Rhys, trust me. You would not be interfering. Nicole is beautiful, so go for it. She is still on the dance floor."

"But what about you, Kimberly, getting back to your resort?" He asked.

"Don't worry about me. My dad has provided limo service for me and my friends. I'll call for a ride. I appreciate your concern. I'll send you a text. Let me know how it works for you and Nicole."

"I promise. Get back to the resort safely."

I can't believe I am going to do this. "Don't worry about it, Rhys. I'll take her back to the resort."

"Thank you." Rhys left the room to go dance with Nicole.

"Ryder Ellis, I am not getting into a car with you!"

"Kimberly Forester, I will drag you out of here and put you in that Range Rover!"

"Why do you care about my safety?!"

"Why are you even debating this?! And, why do you always yell?! What are you, deaf or something?!"

I just inserted my foot into my mouth. She fought back tears. "Yes, I am deaf, in my left ear. I can't hear a thing. Why do you think my friends talk to me on the right? Just leave me alone!"

She brushed passed me, but I followed. "Wait!!" She ran outside, again I followed.

"I'm sorry. I really am. I didn't know. Please, just this one time let's put our differences aside."

"I don't publicize that I'm deaf in one ear. Again, why do you care so much about my safety? We're rivals, remember?"

"Because I have a d........"

"You have a what?"

"I have two sisters and my mom. Look, you may think I am a jerk, but I pictured how your parents would feel if something happened to you. Just this time, let me give you a ride back to the resort."

"Fine."

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Needless to say, the drive back to the resort was quiet. This feels totally weird and wrong. But, what kind of man would I be to leave her there waiting for a limo? I wouldn't want anything to happen to Ryley, so I won't let anything happen to Kimberly Forester.

Now I really want to know what happened between my parents and Kimberly's parents. But, how do I ask them about it?

As soon as I parked the Range Rover, Kimberly jumped out and ran inside the building. We just need to stay away from each other. Tomorrow morning, I need to call my baby girl to hear her sweet, little voice.

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Sunday, May 20th, 2018

After talking with Ryley, I made my way down to the restaurant for breakfast with the guys. Feels like I haven't seen them in a long time.

When I saw where they were sitting, I noticed Kimberly's friends were with them. Oh, great.

"How was your double date last night, Ryder?" Koby asked.

"I'll just say it ended way different than I thought. The other couple was Kimberly and Rhys. Turns out Kimberly and Nicole were friends in college."

"Ryder, does Nicole look Hawaiian?" I think that is Marta who asked.

"Yes, she is. As a matter of fact, ladies you all have a lunch date at this restaurant. That wasn't the bad part. Nicole and Rhys hit it off, and I believe they will be dating soon. I'm not mad at all because I didn't think we were a fit anyway. I offered Kimberly a ride back to the resort, which led to an argument."

"During our argument, I was so irritated that I asked her was she deaf. To my horror, I regretted saying that because she told me she is deaf in her left ear. I swear that I didn't know. At your lunch later today, can you tell her again that I am sorry? It's best that we do not be seen near each other."

"Kim is really sensitive about that. It's not for us to tell you what happened. Just know that it was a very traumatic experience for her. We always tell her to get a hearing aid, but she says she doesn't want one because it will make her feel old. That's where she is stubborn. They have many new hearing aids that are discreet. We'll let her know it was not intentional."

"Thank you. You're Roshawna, is that correct?"

"You got it."

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Kim's POV

After what happened last night, I stayed in my room. I realize that I can't be mad at him for not knowing that I was deaf. Every time we are near each other, it is hostile. I just need to stay away from him.

The ladies texted they are already downstairs, so I made my way to the restaurant.

I saw them seated at a table. I told the hostess that I am a part of the Forester reservation. She then showed me to the table.

"Hi, everyone. I am so hungry. Have you all ordered yet?"

"No, we haven't. We were waiting for you." Roshawna waved our waitress over. She took our drink and entree orders at the same time.

"Kim, Ryder wanted to sincerely apologize about what he said. He had no idea. And, believes that the two of you do not need to be near each other."

"Well, apology accepted. I also realize that he couldn't have known, so I am not mad at him for that. I think it is best we do stay away from each other. All we do is argue, and you all know I don't like to lose arguments."

"Now that we do know," Livia chuckles out.

"So, Nicole how did last night go with Rhys?"

"Last night went great. We are spending the rest of our time in Maui together, and are working on how to make a long-distance relationship work. I really like him."

"I'm happy for you guys. Ladies, Nicole is going to help me look for a vacation home in Maui. I want your input too."

"Speaking of, I talked to my mom this morning. She said to tell you all hi and to come visit us in Long Beach. She gave me the name of a highly, sought after agent who gets the best home value for his clients. I made an appointment for you for tomorrow at noon."

"That's great. I already have an idea of what I would like. I told my parents, and they literally jumped for joy during our phone call. Since I told them I didn't want anything for graduating from college, this will be a belated present. They said there is no budget and get what I want."

"You already know we are claiming our rooms, right?" Marta says.

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

"After lunch, I'm taking you all on a tour of Maui. I'll text Rhys if he is okay with changing plans."

"Girl, you don't have to change plans. Bring him with us."

"Okay."

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6:00 pm

"Thank you, Rhys, for letting us steal some of your 'Nicole' time. You guys are too cute together. And, thank you for the ride."

"You're welcome, Kim. Enjoy your Luau for tonight. And, good luck house hunting."

"Thank you." As Rhys and Nicole pulled off, we walked back to the resort to shower and change our outfits for our Luau. But........

I screamed in pain as I fell to the ground. "My ankle!! Somebody broke my ankle!!!"

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