“How did you decide to become a financial analyst, anyway?”
This was a lie I was used to telling. I had a whole lie about my childhood all set up. I liked to tell people that my parents were both teachers, that they paid for my way through college, and they had a little house in the suburbs. They sent me $100 every month just because they liked to take care of me. Reality, of course, was a whole different story. Somehow, however, I didn’t feel like I should lie to Mark. I didn’t tell him the whole story, of course, but what I did tell him was the truth.
“Honestly, it wasn’t out of some underlying passion for business, or anything like that. I had to get away from some personal stuff, and the best way to do it, I thought, was to get an education and a decent job. I did some research, figure financial analysis was probably the best way to go in terms of time spent studying, job options after graduation, and all that sort of thing, and here I am.”
Mark looked at me, his eyes piercing through me. It was like he could tell there was something I was holding back, something I wasn’t telling him, but he didn’t ask.
“That’s a sign of a strong person, to be able to overcome barriers like that and be successful.”
I shrugged. “I dunno, anyone would have done it.”
“No, don’t sell yourself short. I imagine there are a lot of people in the same situation as you who don’t dare leave their comfort zone the way you did.”
I suddenly started to feel embarrassed. I muttered thanks just as the waitress brought us our food. Thankful for the interruption, I started eating, and Mark did as well, leaving the conversation about my past unfinished. I was glad. I didn’t tell people, especially not men, about my past. I’d learned that lesson.
As the night went on, we moved to lighter subjects. Same as in Hawaii, I found that Mark was charming and funny, he had great stories to tell, and when it was finally time to leave I felt that same sinking feeling as I had the night in Hawaii. I didn’t know if, or when I would see Mark again. After all, as he had said last time, he travelled a lot for work, but was based in California. It wasn’t exactly a commutable distance for a relationship, and I knew all too well how well most long distance relationships ended.
Holy shit, are you thinking about a relationship now? Seriously? This is exactly the sort of thing you avoid. Remember what happened the last time you had a boyfriend? The last time you trusted him? It all blew up in your face. You’re absolutely not dating this man, as nice as he might seem.
“So all this talk, and I still don’t actually know what it is you do.”
“I run a couple of my dad’s companies.”
“Well yeah, but what are those companies?”
Mark shifted in his seat, almost uncomfortably. He hesitated before answering. “For the most part, the Hibiscus chain of resorts.”
I could practically feel my jaw dropping on the floor.
“Hold on... you’re telling me your dad owns the Hibiscus resorts? Like, all of them?”
“Yeah. I don’t like to tell people before I get to know them a bit, sorry I didn’t tell you earlier, but you know, privacy and all that.”
“I think you understand that privacy is important to me,” I replied wryly.
“Shit. So you must be, a millionaire, at least.” I could practically feel myself cringing as I spoke. I wanted to just act casual about things, but how do you act casually when you find out the guy you’re on a date with is heir to half the luxury resorts in the country?
“At least. Truth be told my wealth is probably in the billions. My parents created a trust fund for my sister and myself when we were young. I’m not going to lie, we’re very well off.”
“Why weren’t you in the penthouse then, of the resort in Hawaii?”
“I never book under my own name. I like to be treated like anyone else would be treated. I generally try to book a middle-of-the-road room and the staff never know who I am. Well, except for one exceptionally bright housekeeper one day who had researched the company to get her job. She got a promotion to management that same day.”
“Wow. Shit. I can’t believe it. I don’t even know what to say. Like, how do I talk to a billionaire?”
“The same way you were talking to me before was working pretty well for me.”
I realized how silly I must have sounded and blushed.
“Sorry. I’m being rude.”
“No, not at all. I’m sure everyone who finds out has the same reaction, just most people don’t say it out loud. I appreciate your honesty.”
“Serious? Are you serious? You’re not just pulling my leg?” Something in me just couldn’t believe this was happening, couldn’t believe it was real. Surely a man this funny, this charming, this sexy couldn’t also be rich. Like, that’s just winning the life lottery. No, more than that, the lottery doesn’t usually pay out billions.