"Godfather, if you ever need anything, just call. I guarantee I'll be there at a moment's notice," Artair exclaimed with excitement, thumping his chest as he saw James out the door.
"As a matter of fact, there is something," James thought for a moment and said, "I'd like you to find a wedding planning or event company to help decorate that villa romantically. I want to surprise her, you know?"
"I know, I know! Creating a romantic atmosphere is my specialty. Back in college, I helped all three of my roommates win over their girlfriends," Artair boasted.
"Oh? So do you have a girlfriend?" James asked, curious.
Artair's smile faltered, becoming a bit forced. "Let's not talk about that," he replied awkwardly.
Due to his appearance and poor family background, Artair found it hundreds of times harder to pursue girls compared to others. After graduating, he became busy with work, constantly thinking about how to sell houses. He worked overtime to find listings, hone his sales skills, create videos for various platforms to attract clients, and sometimes was so busy he couldn't even find time to eat, let alone date girls. He planned to save enough for a down payment on a house before considering settling down, believing that having a place of his own would give him the confidence to talk to women. However, at his current salary, it would take at least three to four more years of hard work to afford a down payment on a house, as he received no financial help from his parents.
Seeing Artair's awkward expression, James didn't press further. As adults, who has it easy? Not having a girlfriend is perfectly normal. He gave some instructions, assuring that money wasn't an issue as long as the results were good, and then got back in the car, heading to Amanda's neighborhood.
Amanda, who had been busy the previous night, only woke up around noon. After picking up Timmy from her parents, she planned to take her out, but Timmy was insisting that her uncle take her instead. So Amanda texted James, asking if he could spend time with Timmy. After getting a positive response, she stood at the neighborhood entrance, waiting for James with Timmy.
Mother and daughter wore matching white printed T-shirts and shorts, looking vibrant and eye-catching together. Passersby couldn't help but think, seeing them, how lucky Amanda's husband must be to have such a beautiful wife and an equally beautiful little daughter. If they had such a lovely family, they'd work three jobs if necessary to support them.
Under the frequent glances from onlookers, Amanda quietly reminded Timmy not to eat anything suspicious, wander off, or speak to strangers. But before she could finish, a domestic SUV rolled in from the distance.
"Uncle~~~" Timmy, with her smart little eyes, recognized Jay Johnson's car and immediately let go of her mother's hand, running over and shouting.
Amanda shook her head, a helpless smile on her face. James spotted Timmy running over from afar and quickly got out to meet her, crouching down to welcome the little princess.
"Did Timmy miss me?"
"I did." Timmy leaped into James's arms, holding up her little fingers, her baby voice saying, "I missed you last night before bed, when I woke up this morning, and just a moment ago."
"Hahaha," James laughed, his heart melting at Timmy's serious demeanor. He picked her up and playfully rubbed his scruffy chin against her, making her giggle before saying dotingly, "Timmy's such a good girl. How about Uncle takes you to the beach to catch crabs today?"
"Yay!" Timmy wriggled in James's arms excitedly, her little feet kicking out.
Seeing the two of them so happy, Amanda couldn't help but smile too. She came over and said, "Timmy, don't move around too much, be careful."
Timmy, unfazed by her mother's caution, beamed, "I won't fall. Uncle won't let me."
James chuckled, promising, "Don't worry, sis. I've got her."
Amanda sighed, "Up to you. Just don't come crying to me if you fall."
"Giggle," Timmy flaunted her safety, moving her arms and legs confidently in James's hold.
After their little playful stint, the three of them settled into the back seat of Jay Johnson's car.
"Did Timmy greet everyone?" Amanda reminded her daughter.
"Hello, Uncle Jay," Timmy called out sweetly, making Jay Johnson's stern expression soften.
"Hello, Timmy," the macho man's voice chimed with a lightness that made James get goosebumps.
As the car began to move, Timmy's playful side came out. She popped up, draping over both front seatbacks, asking Uncle Jay how much longer until they arrived. After getting an answer, she'd hop over to the left window to look out, then switch to the right, unable to stay still.
Meanwhile, Amanda was discussing the bar arrangements with James, asking whether the bar needed a name change or a renovation, and whether Leo's crew should be phased out. James, having no experience in bar operation, much less decision-making that could affect its revenue, couldn't pretend to know better and skirted around the subject.
Seeing that James was letting her take the reins on everything, Amanda was amused and figured he was living up to his promise when he gifted her the bar: to only partake in the perks of the bar but not get involved in its management. Amanda felt trusted and valued, which was quite gratifying. She changed the subject, asking, "Brother, are we really going to the beach later?"
"Yep, I promised Timmy yesterday."
"But heading to the beach so suddenly, we haven't brought Timmy's swimsuit or sunscreen..."
"Those things can be bought there; what's to fear with money?"
Amanda suddenly remembered her younger days, dreaming of wearing a white dress and wandering the seaside. Watching the lavish James, she unknowingly blushed a little.
"...Alright, we'll go with your plan."
New York City, being a coastal city with its unique seaside views, delicious seafood, and comfortable climate, attracts countless tourists for vacations. The beach wasn't far; the nearest seaside was just over an hour's drive away, after maneuvering around a few hills.
Upon arrival, the street brimmed with shops selling beach toys: various water guns, plastic shovels and buckets, swimming rings, slippers, swimsuits, and sun hats. They casually picked a store, went on a shopping spree for necessities and non-essentials alike, and loaded everything onto Jay Johnson. Then they popped into a nearby clothing store to buy some beach outfits.
With everything set, James, with a bouncing Timmy, walked along the path leading down to the beach. Amanda, on the side, pulled out her phone, secretly taking pictures of them. Jay Johnson, behind, carried bag after bag in both hands, with two water guns slung over his shoulders, taking careful steps to avoid dropping anything.
Reaching the beach, there was a facility with showers for changing clothesâten dollars per person for the public bath, or a private shower room for a hundred. To save some money, James only rented one private shower. With only one showerhead, he planned to share it with Amanda. But Amanda and Timmy banded together and shooed him out, leaving James to use the public bath.
After a quick rinse, he changed into a floral shirt and board shorts, ignoring the curious glances from others, and waited outside Amanda's room.
Soon, the door opened, revealing Amanda clad in the newly-bought white spaghetti strap dress. The dress flowed down to nearly her knees, showing off her smooth, shapely legs. The bodice left little to the imagination, baring her smooth, pale back save for where her chestnut hair cascaded. The sexy off-the-shoulder style played peek-a-boo with her enticing collarbones, the soft fabric clinging to highlight her delicate figure.
It was indeed a goddess-like ensemble for the seaside.
James couldn't help but stare, utterly captivated.