Unleash The Island

Chapter 23

Leo had bought EJ the bathing suit, a bracelet, and a poster of New York City. He had no regrets. Of course, she felt bad, but she was helpless to the eager guy and his debit card. The worst part was the fact that it was his own money that he was spending on her. Neither of them had regrets for what happened in that dressing room.

He held the bags along with her hand. He had a tight grip on it, especially when there were large crowds or other guys. One of them was checking her out and received a glare. They walked on the sidewalk with Leo towards the edge. EJ did not protest one bit. Things were looking good for him.

They stopped by a café that was outdoors in the midst of the shopping. Leo was in need of something to drink.

"You order first," he told EJ as he rummaged through his wallet for tip money.

"I'll have a small strawberry and banana smoothie," she said, then glanced at Leo.

"And I'll have an iced coffee with creamer," he said. As he paid for their drinks, EJ let out a small giggle, which caught his attention. "What's funny?"

"I forget you're from New York until you say words like coffee," she said in a very exaggerated accent as she fiddled with her bracelet.

The girl gave him back his credit card, along with EJ's smoothie. "This is mine now." He grinned. "Compensation for you being a bully." Eventually, Leo gave her the smoothie and he got his coffee from the barista.

"EJ!" somebody shouted. It was a guy, specifically. They both turned towards the direction from where the voice came from. It was the coworker and friend from the picture. He marched up the stairs with two girls waiting for him on the sidewalk. He noticed Leo standing there and extended his hand out. "Hey, man. I'm Brayden."

Leo placed his coffee in the hand with the bag handles in it and used his free hand to shake Brayden's. "Leo."

"New to the island?"

"He's staying for a bit," EJ stated. Leo kept his eyes on him. "I'll see you Tuesday for work?"

"Yeah, I'll see you then." Brayden waved, said goodbye, then rejoined the two girls.

He would never say it to EJ's face, but he did not like Brayden. Complete shocker, obviously. It was not like he was any competition, in his eyes.

Leo and EJ ventured in search of Gavin and Imani, who were somehow still finding stores to look into. While they were in the stores, Leo and EJ would sit outside. They both enjoyed people watching, so they did just that. They would point out strange outfits, cute dogs, and judge.

An hour later, Gavin and Imani led the way back towards the cars. They were in sight and a couple blocks away. They were all out shopped, out walked, and tired.

That was when a familiar car parked a block before the two cars. It was the G-Wagon. With a black button up on, Wayne stepped out. When he spotted Gavin, a smile appeared on his face. He gave his son a small wave, which Gavin returned. It was slightly odd of him, but he did not mind his dad being in a good mood for once. It did not settle as to why Wayne was so gleeful, or pretending to be, until later. Wayne locked the car behind him and made his way towards the group.

When they met at the crosswalk, Wayne said, "It's so beautiful out. I've been stuck in meetings all day."

"Yeah, it is." Imani was a people pleaser, but also wanted to show respect to her new boyfriend's dad. Plus, it was Wayne Alodia.

Wayne checked the time, even though he already knew it. He glanced up and said, "Why don't I take you guys out to dinner? Lisa called me and said she was busy."