Vacation(Part 3)

As we continued to walk through the village the next day, it seemed like Jasper was a magnet for attention. Villagers stopped in their tracks to shake his hand, complimenting his drinking prowess or engaging him in lively conversation. Meanwhile, I found myself fielding questions from curious locals who seemed to suddenly regard me as a source of knowledge after last night.

At first, I felt a twinge of annoyance at being interrupted and put on the spot. After all, I was just trying to enjoy a leisurely walk through the village after a hefty breakfast. However, as the encounters continued, I couldn't deny the sense of validation that washed over me. It was oddly satisfying to be recognized and treated as someone with valuable insight, even if it was just about trivial matters.

One particular moment stood out amidst the interactions. A group of wide-eyed children gathered around me, their faces filled with wonder and curiosity. They bombarded me with questions about the origin of snow, eager to learn more about the magical substance that blanketed their village in winter.

Despite my initial surprise, I found myself enjoying the role of the knowledgeable guide, explaining the science behind snowfall in simple terms that even the youngest of the group could understand. Their eyes sparkled with fascination as they soaked up every word, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at being able to impart knowledge to eager young minds.

In that moment, any lingering annoyance melted away, replaced by a warm glow of satisfaction. And as we continued our stroll through the village, I couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of confidence and pride in my own abilities.

As we made our way back to the inn, Jasper and I delved into a discussion about the restaurant and its operations in my absence. I could sense his desire to ensure that everything was running smoothly in my absence.

I reassured him, explaining that I had entrusted Travis with the responsibility of overseeing the restaurant while I was away. I had left behind detailed instructions and guidelines for him to follow, along with Lollipop and Mario, who were more than capable of handling any challenges that arose in my absence.

Despite my assurances, I could see a hint of worry lingering in Jasper's eyes. He cared deeply about the success of the restaurant, just as much as I did. But I knew that I had left it in capable hands, and I had full confidence that Travis would ensure everything ran smoothly in my absence.

Jasper's concern shifted from the restaurant to my family, particularly my sister's situation. "And your sister?" Jasper asked.

"In recovery in South Korea, she won't be back for a bit longer," I said.

"And if she comes back earlier?" Jasper asked, his worry evident in his voice.

"She can't move without my dad, and that'll take some time," I assured him, trying to ease his concerns.

"You aren't afraid they'll attack while you're gone?" Jasper prodded, his brow furrowing with worry.

"Let them, I'll get them back," I replied confidently, refusing to let fear dictate our plans.

"You seem confident," Jasper observed, his eyes searching mine for reassurance.

"Because I am. Now stop talking about work. I'm trying to let loose," I sighed, eager to shift the conversation away from the troubles awaiting us at home.

Jasper smiled, his expression softening. "I'm surprised you even know how to relax. You're usually so high strung."

"I don't know how to relax. Relaxing is something you do when you have nothing to protect, or at least, that's what I was taught," I explained, revealing a hint of vulnerability beneath my tough exterior.

Growing up, relaxation was a foreign concept to me. My brother and sister were constantly at each other's throats, and I was always caught in the crossfire. Their idea of fun often involved tormenting me or putting me in precarious situations. Whether it was my brother's pranks or my sister's attempts at "playfully" maiming me, I never had a moment's peace.

Opening up to my parents about my siblings' torment was never an option either. My mom, always quick to dismiss any complaints as trivial, would scold me for even mentioning it. According to her, sibling rivalry was just a part of growing up, and I was expected to tough it out like everyone else.

On the other hand, my dad had a different approach. He believed in confronting issues head-on, forcing me into debates or even physical confrontations with my siblings to resolve conflicts. The pressure was immense, and I always found myself on the losing end. It became clear that I couldn't rely on anyone else to protect me—I had to fend for myself.

In that environment, weakness was unacceptable. I learned very early on that I had to have my own back, to be vigilant and ready to defend myself at all times. It wasn't just about surviving my siblings' antics; it was about navigating a world where vulnerability was seen as a liability.

So, the idea of relaxation became foreign to me, replaced instead by a perpetual state of vigilance. Even now, as I try to unwind with Jasper by my side, the echoes of those tumultuous childhood days linger in the back of my mind, reminding me to always stay alert just in case.

"Aren't you just comfortable being paranoid?" Jasper asked, a hint of amusement in his tone.

"Paranoia is only born from necessity," I pointed out, feeling a surge of defensiveness.

"Right, I forgot you're Socrates," he teased.

I let out a frustrated sigh. "Fuck, I just know the paranoia is necessary for me to survive where I want to."

"As long as it's worth it," Jasper said, his voice soft with concern.

"Taking back what's mine was never going to be easy, but it doesn't mean I should give it up. I'm willing to die over this," I insisted, my determination ringing clear.

"Over your pride?" Jasper asked, probing gently.

"Over my respect," I corrected, emphasizing each word. "Don't worry, I have plans. For now let's just relax."

"Will you ever tell me your plans?" Jasper inquired, his curiosity evident.

"I don't even tell Travis my plans. They're spontaneous so I won't get caught up," I explained, trying to lighten the mood.

"That's insane," Jasper remarked, his eyebrows furrowing in concern.

"Which is why it's working so well," I replied with a wry smile, relishing in my small victory as Jasper shut up.

We arrived back at the inn, the room enveloping us in its familiar warmth and comfort after a day spent amidst the bustling energy of the festival. As we stepped inside, I couldn't help but notice the soft glow of my phone illuminating the bed, indicating an incoming call. Jasper shot me a reproachful glance, a silent reminder of his earlier admonition about the importance of keeping my phone with me at all times.

Curiosity and a sense of obligation compelled me to reach for the phone and answer Travis's call. As the familiar voice of my friend emanated from the device, I couldn't help but wonder what news or request awaited me on the other end of the line.

As Travis's face materialized on the screen, a wave of concern washed over me, fueled by the sight of his usually composed demeanor now contorted in panic. His carefully applied makeup did little to conceal the worry etched across his features, and I braced myself for the impending news, already anticipating the worst.

Before Travis could utter a word, my mind raced through a litany of potential disasters that could have befallen the restaurant in my absence. From unruly kitchen staff failing to adhere to protocol to technical glitches wreaking havoc on our meticulously crafted operations, the possibilities seemed endless. Would it be a food safety issue, an equipment malfunction, or perhaps a staffing crisis? The uncertainty gnawed at my insides, each imagined scenario more dire than the last.

"Hey Travis."

Travis's panicked voice crackled through the phone, his urgency palpable even through the screen. My heart lurched at the thought of a potential crisis unfolding in my absence, but his next words brought a surge of relief washing over me. ""A deal came in!"" Travis exclaimed, his voice tinged with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. ""I've been trying to reach you for twenty minutes!""

I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding, my tension dissipating at the realization that this might not be as dire as I'd feared. "Didn't I already give you prior authorization to approve deals while I'm gone?" I reminded him, grateful for the foresight that had prompted me to delegate such responsibilities before leaving.

Travis hesitated, his tone shifting slightly as he delivered the next piece of news. ""Well, this is a different case,"" he admitted, a hint of apprehension coloring his words.

My curiosity piqued, I leaned in closer to the screen, eager to learn more about the mysterious deal that had prompted Travis's frantic call. "What huge deal is it?" I pressed, my mind racing with possibilities.

""It's the Todd Corporation,"" Travis revealed, his voice tinged with a sense of foreboding. ""They offered us a huge sum for our farmed ingredients in the back of the house.""

The name sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt a knot form in the pit of my stomach. "The Todd Corporation?" I echoed, my jaw tightening reflexively as a surge of anger coursed through me.

Travis hurriedly continued, sensing my growing unease. ""Yes, they sent a pushy representative, and it's a good thing you aren't here to deal with it,"" he added, his tone laden with concern.

My mind whirled with implications, the mere mention of my sister's involvement casting a shadow over the situation. "Who is it?" I demanded, my voice edged with frustration.

Travis hesitated for a moment before delivering the final blow. ""Your sister, Emily,"" he confessed, his words hanging heavily in the air.