Chapter 5 He's Lovely

Anna's POV

My tongue became more relaxed after completing the wine glass, and I began to truly take pleasure in myself. Jason's sense of humor and laid-back demeanor were also a comfort to me. He was wealthy enough to purchase an island, but from what I could see, he wasn't a snob. He even said at one time that he had been thinking about doing precisely that.

Ridley said, "That sounds so exciting." Would you just reside there, or would it be more of a vacation destination?

"A getaway," he said. "On my behalf. my household. my closest companions.

As she lifted her martini glass, Ridley chuckled. "Let's cultivate enduring, close friendships."

Jason grinned and held his drink high. "In particular with two top chefs. I'm not much of a chef, as I've already indicated, and I always need assistance with that, particularly if I do wind up buying some offshore property. I'd rather not have to keep pizza and potpies in my freezer. I already do it a lot.

I remarked, thinking aloud, "You surely don't seem the kind to indulge in too many frozen dinners.

In response, he said, "Maybe not frozen, but when the Chipotle staff sees me go through the door, they have my order done before I make it to the counter. I eat out much too often.

Why don't you have a personal chef prepare your meals, you busy man? enquired Ridley.

"I have a full-time babysitter for my kid, Jake, and a maid who visits once or twice every week. Thank god she can cook since she usually provides for his food. For me, I often eat on the go," he said.

Do you have a photo of your kid, speaking of whom? I queried.

Jason retrieved his money by reaching inside his back pocket. My heart warmed as he displayed a photo of his baby to us. He resembled Jason in terms of age and softness, and he had more dimples.

I handed Ridley the picture and gushed, "He's lovely.

Looking at it, Ridley said, "He is. She returned it to him. "He reminds me so much of you."

"That's what everyone says," I said. Before restoring the picture in his wallet, he sent a tender glance it's way.

Ridley questioned, "Why don't you hire someone to cook for you and Jake full-time?" "Or, at a minimum, have someone prepare your meals in advance?"

She is correct. They might be microwaved to rewarm them. That has to be a lot better than fast food, Michael added.

I've been thinking about it, particularly since Jake moved in with me and I'm retired, he said.

Talking about retiring, Ridley said. What's the status of it for you?

Michael glared at her sternly.

Jason gave a shrug. To be honest, I haven't had time to truly think about it since I have been so busy with my personal life.

"You have, I'm certain. Anyway, let's go back to what we were discussing," Michael muttered, glaring at Ridley. When you're ready to make a purchase, please let me know since I know a really nice agent that specialized in island property. I'll get you his phone number. He is highly discrete and has outstanding recommendations.

Jason said, "Thanks.

With a wistful expression on her face, Ridley added, "I'd love to buy an island someday." "Perhaps even start a resort of some sort." She gave me a glance. "With our very own restaurant."

She'd already brought it up. But I was aware that it was well above our ability. We wouldn't be able to pay our debts on time without millions of dollars.

The thought of being at the mercy of an island frightens me a little, but it sounds great, remarked Michael. What if a storm or another kind of natural catastrophe strikes?

She said, "We'd have a helicopter to take us off the island.

Let's simply keep a weatherman on speed dial, I say. That way, we'll be informed in advance when disaster is imminent," I added with a sardonic grin.

Jason showed a smile. It "sounds like you both have it all figured out."

She looked down at her drink and said, "I don't know about that. "However, I believe that everyone needs something to aim towards. Additionally, it makes sense to aim for the stars.

"I respect you for having high dreams. I wouldn't have ever played professional baseball if it weren't for dreams. My grandpa really wanted me to attend Harvard so that I could eventually take over his shipping company. He was disappointed to learn that I didn't want to operate a company. Only his.

Ridley said, "I think Dad got over it when you became a successful player.

It's difficult to say. Like his grandson, he was a stubborn guy, Jason said, his mouth quivering.

Stubborn?" Michael pretended not to believe it. You say, "What the hell?"

Jason grinned.

As he turned to face me and Ridley, Michael continued, "Let me tell you something. "This man epitomizes the word stub obstinate. Or maybe the 'orn' is to blame. I'm not sure, but once he gets going on anything, everything stops except the sobbing.

Jason groaned. Simply said, "You just won't let that go, will you?"

"Let what go?" Ridley questioned.

Jason answered, "Oh, he's talking about this automobile I got at an auction last year.

Michael remarked, "He didn't even really want the stupid thing, but got into a bidding war, just so this young punk wouldn't get his hands on it.

Ridley questioned, "What do you mean?"

Michael questioned, "Have you ever heard of 'The Junkyard Jackass'?"

Ridley exhaled. No, I am unable to claim that I have.

The opposing bidder was him. He reportedly has a YouTube channel. According to what he informed everyone at the auction, it's really well-liked," stated Jason sarcastically. In any case, this guy films himself trashing pricey items simply for kicks.

"Seriously?" I asked with a scowl. "Why?"

"For-profit on the ads associated with his channel, and I'm sure he gets off on it, too," Jason remarked. Anyhow, we heard him say that his next aim would be this 1957 Porsche Speedster. Evidently, he has been desiring one for a while, especially because his grandfather adores them.

I snorted, "They must be very close."

He laughed. "No bull. Discuss dysfunctionality. Anyway, knowing what he planned to do with the automobile, I just couldn't let him have it.

Ridley speculated that Junkyard would be upset.

"That's being polite. Right there at the auction, he threatened Jason and had a juvenile tantrum, recalled Michael. said that he would destroy him on social media.

Smiling, I gave a headshake. "You had to be shaking in your boots."

Jason grinned. "Considering what a little douchebag he is, I'm thinking that if I actually used social media, I would have gained some new followers."

"You don't have a Facebook or Twitter account?" enquired Ridley.

"No. I can see why some individuals might do that. Simply said, I'm not into it.

"We use it for our business," I affirmed. Other than that, I make an effort to limit my use of social media and the internet.

Jason stated, "It's useful in a lot of ways, but it also poisons our youth." "Kids don't play outdoors as much as they formerly did. It's unfortunate.

"I agree," I said. "And if they're outside, their faces are glued to their cellphones."

"Yeah," he said. "It's pretty absurd,"

And individuals like Junkyard are profiting greatly from it. What happened after he threatened you at the auction, by the way? enquired Ridley.

Security personnel led him and his group out, according to Michael. It was a big scene.

I said, taking another drink of wine, "I can only imagine." At least you won't have to see that little crap ever again, I suppose.

Jason added, "I really hope not, but if I do, I'll make sure to tell him how much I adore my Speedster and thank him for bringing the vehicle to my notice.

All of us laughed.