The Enigma Rising

Simone quickly leaned over to Carlos and whispered a little too loudly, “Tester, mi amor! Not taster!”

Before the conversation could go further Petra said in her very charming voice and with an impish grin, “I am adaptable and definitely drawn to him, though not a taster like he is.”

The brief second of silence was washed away by a torrent of laughter.

Carlos grinned and asked, “I am curious, Jacob. Do you do independent contract work? I actually have need of such a skillset in my new capacity.”

Jacob blinked and had to refocus his thoughts on the directional conversation change. This Carlos had a quick mind and worked at multi-levels, which Jacob appreciated. With it now directed back to him, he responded.

“Well, I have done independent contract work in the past. I usually get an ok from my company before I do so, in order to avoid any conflict of interest issues.”

Carlos offered, “Forgive me, but in my evolving role as a financial consultant I have been put on the board of directors at a banking institution. I am compelled to provide the best and most comprehensive security for my clients’ money. People don’t think about things like that once their money is in the bank. They simply presume it secure. In my new role I am forced to consider the bank’s security as well as the client’s money. With the experience you have outlined, it does appear clear that this is an important aspect to consider. I see value in engaging your services to evaluate my bank’s security. So how can we make this happen?”

Simone was a little let down at Carlos’s change in direction away from a fun casual dinner with new friends. She was very proud of Carlos, but did want him to relax. And she wanted to make certain that Petra wouldn’t be offended by the business detour.

Simone sweetly suggested with a gentle smile and big eyes, “Honey, can we talk business some other time? I mean we’ve just met these nice folks that are here on holiday. I’m sure the last thing on their minds is going back to work. Please?”

Carlos smiled softly at Simone and her gentle request.

Looking at the new acquaintances, he expressed regret, “My apologies, Petra and Jacob, but Simone is right. I didn’t mean to be boorish or rude in my conversational topics.”

Glad Carlos wasn’t offended, Simone added with a grin, “You are just like your brother sometimes, delightfully risqué and naughty. By the way, wasn’t he coming here tonight as well? Where is he?”

Petra asked, “Are we given to understand that there may be another person with the same je ne sais quoi as your Carlos?”

Simone laughed, “Juan is such the ladies’ man, which is likely why he isn’t here. You can’t help but love Juan, but my heart belongs to this man. Carlos is my prince and the only one for me.”

Carlos smiled at the thought of his brother and presented, “The difference between us is I was looking for Miss Right, and Juan is always looking for Miss Right Now.”