Never Give Up

MEMORY LANE

"Can't believe that I've been away for two weeks. It was supposed to be just a one-week conference in Australia, but then Mr. Filmore has to arrive causing me to spend another week there." Jude said as he reads his messages. He was riding in a car with Capricorn driving.

"Mr. Filmore the owner of Akane Beach Resort?" Capricorn asked.

"Yes. He said he was just visiting the country when someone informed him that I was there attending a conference."

"What a coincidence."

"Nope, it was not a coincidence. He was trying several months ago to schedule a meeting with me, but I was very busy and also not interested. So, I highly doubt that it was a coincidence."

"Is he still trying to convince you to invest in his resort?"

"Yes. He says that he wanted to expand the place and needed some new investors. Of course, he wanted me to be one of the investors."

"What did you say, sir?"

"At first, I said no, but then he laid out the plan and his vision for the place. Quite frankly, it was good."

"I thought you didn't want to invest because of his son running the place."

"I did and I brought it up. He said that his son is no longer part of Akane Resort." 

"But, how can you be so sure sir?"

"Oh, I told him that it should be included in the contract that his son will not be allowed to take part in our business deal, or else I wouldn't sign the contract."

Capricorn nodded in agreement.

"By the way, thank you for taking care of Mrs. Wright and his grandchildren in Fiore."

"You're welcome, sir. She said that she loved Fiore and would love to visit again."

"I'm glad. And, she said that I should tell you that you are amazing with kids."

"Well, I have a lot of practice with taking care of Miss Lucy."

Jude nodded. 

"Speaking of Lucy, I wonder how she is. I haven't been able to talk to her these past few days. The last time we chat, she said that he dropped her phone so I should not try calling her number."

"I'm pretty sure she's fine, sir. I always call Virgo to check on her. To be honest, I'm more worried about your father-in-law than her."

Jude nodded. "True. He is a hard-headed old man. I just hope that he did not drink too much while I'm away."

"I hardly doubt that sir."

Jude sighed. "You're right. Who am I kidding? No one can stop that old geezer."

They both laughed as they got near the park. 

"Oh, this park holds so many memories. I remember Lucy playing here with her friends. How fast does time fly by, right Capricorn?"

"Indeed, sir."

As they pass a nearby bench, they saw a familiar face walking along the pavement.

"Capricorn, isn't that Gray?"

"I think it is, sir."

"Is he alone?"

"Yes, sir. I don't think Miss Lucy is with him."

"That's odd." Jude said. "Call his attention Capricorn, maybe he needs a ride home."

Capricorn followed by pressing the horn. Gray stopped walking and turn around.