This is the last sample chapter I’ll post… If you like it… You can buy the book on Amazon. Special reduced price right now. https://www.amazon.com/-/es/MJ-Williamz-ebook/dp/B0H7751HPD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NCV9FXDYLLC8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HR_SPWqsjNeggkvK9PL3Rw.WY54-dgE74Z6lmgD7Et3yolVLoDlLY303V7MEEMGPqQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=turning+the+tables+mj+wil&qid=1786824828&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks%2C175&sr=1-1

Friday morning, Jessica woke up tired and cranky. And a little hungover. She was used to being cranky, but the hangover definitely didn’t help her mood. She stepped out of her casita into the restaurant area and made coffee. She then sat and pondered what the day might hold. More than likely, no one would come in. That was the norm and she was tired of it. And frustrated. She couldn’t let the business fail. She had no idea where Natalie was at this point in time, but she knew she’d find out, somehow, if Jessica had to sell the place.

“Good morning, boss.” Tammy let herself in. “How you feeling this morning?”

“Lousy. Thanks for asking.”

Tammy laughed.

“You’re always such a ray of sunshine.”

“I know.”

“Where’s Santiago?” Tammy said.

“I don’t know. He should be here any minute. Although I don’t know how I’m going to continue to pay him to cook and tend bar. Tammy, we’ve got to come up with a way to make this place pick up.”

“I think I have some good news in that department.”

“Do tell.”

“I met a group of women last night after you came back up the hill. There were ten of them and they were looking for a pool. I told them about Guerreras. They said they’d come up today.”

“That would be amazing,” said Jessica. “But will they show?”

“They will. How about you throw a little positive energy out there?”

“I’m out of positive energy.”

“Suit yourself. I’m off to work on the books. It sounds like Santiago just pulled up. I’ll let you two figure out how to handle our guests today.”

“Buenos días,” Santiago said.

“Hola. Cómo estás?”

“Bien.”

“Good. Tammy tells me we should have about ten people here today. You will be in full performance mode. Let me know when you need help.”

Santiago nodded and smiled. Jessica knew he understood English, but sometimes wondered just how much of what she said was understood completely. Santiago disappeared into the employees’ room to put away his backpack. Jessica poured another cup of coffee. She tried to be cautiously optimistic for the day. It wasn’t easy.

At twelve, Jessica poured herself a glass of red wine. It was early. She didn’t care. Another day with no business. She couldn’t face it sober.

She was on her second glass of wine when she heard people out front. She got up and looked out. There was a large group of women there.

“Can I help you?” she said.

“Is this Guerreras?”

“It is.”

“We heard about this last night and came up to check it out. You have a pool, right?”

“We sure do.” Jessica smiled a genuine smile for the first time in a week. “Please, come in.”

She held the door open as twenty women paraded past her.

“Santiago is in the kitchen and behind the bar. I’ll get you some menus.”

“Oh, my God,” one woman said. “This place is amazing.”

“Thank you.”

Jessica tried to look at the place through the newcomers’ eyes. The covered restaurant area was charming enough with glass tables and woven chairs. The bar off to the right was built with red rocks from the river. It was inviting with its six barstools. 

Then there was the pool area. Expansive with lounge chairs surrounding the twenty-five-meter heated pool. The gazebo in the corner of the area gave it a nice touch. Yes, it was an amazing space. Thank God she was able to share it today.

“Well, you all get settled in and when you’re ready, I’ll give you a tour of the rest of the place.”

“That would be great. Thank you. My name’s Sandy, by the way.”

“Jessica. Pleasure to meet you. And welcome to Guerreras.”

“Is this your place?”

“It is.”

“Damn, you’re lucky.”

“Don’t I know it.”

Sandy disappeared down the steps to join her friends at the pool. They found the towels by themselves, and Jessica watched as Sandy talked to the group. They all got up and followed Sandy back up the stairs.

“This is Jessica.” Sandy told the group. “She owns the place. She’s going to show us around now.”

The group erupted together, “Hi Jessica.”

“Hi. I’m so glad you came up today. I know you’ll have fun in the pool, but let’s see what else you might enjoy.”

She slid open the gate leading to the back area, a sandy courtyard bordered with native plants and many giant statues.

“Oh wow,” said Sandy.

“You have a volleyball court here?” a woman said.

“Yes, we do. The volleyball is kept in the office, but you’re welcome to get it and play.”

“What are these buildings?” someone else said.

“They’re casitas. We have six of them. This is our hotel.”

“We can stay here?”

Jessica laughed.

“Of course. Just something to consider.”

“Damn, nice place you’ve got here,” said Sandy.

“Thank you.”

“We’re going to hang out down by the pool for a while. Then, I’d love to talk shop with you,” Sandy said.

“Shop?”

“Sure. I’ve got a business proposition for you.”

“Interesting.”

Tammy came out of the office a little later.

“Nice group,” she said.

“Very. And one of them says she has a business proposition for me.”

“What sort?”

“No clue.”

“Curiouser and curiouser.”

“Indeed,” said Jessica.

As if she overheard, Sandy walked up the steps at that moment. She hugged Tammy.

“Thanks for telling us about this place.”

“Thanks for coming up.”

“I’m so glad we did. Jessica? Do you have a minute?”

“I do. And Tammy will join us since she seems to be the brains of this place.”

Sandy laughed.

“I believe you’re both the brains.” She sat down. “So, I’m in a band. We have a good following in town. We’d love to set up in the gazebo area and play up here.”

“That would be great,” Tammy said.

“Wait,” said Jessica. “How much do you charge?”

“Fair question. We normally charge three thousand to play for two hours. Can you afford that? We can knock it down to two thousand if we need to. The thing is, we want to make this a regular occurrence. Pool party with live music.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Jessica said. “And you say you already have a following? How many people can you bring up here?”

“Well, it’s kind of far, but if we start advertising now for say next month? I can get at least thirty people up here. Do you have shuttles or anything?”

“We have access to vans.”

“Cool. Let’s do this.” She pulled up her calendar on her phone. “What are you doing November 22?”

“I don’t know…” Jessica said.

“I do. We’re doing this,” said Tammy. “What’s the name of your group?”

“The Femme Fatales. We’ll cover advertising and everything. If you could post on social media, I’d really appreciate that.”

“That I can do,” said Jessica. “And since you’re covering advertising, I’ll do my damnedest to pay you the three thousand.”

“Appreciate that. You’ve got a hidden gem here,” Sandy said. “I’m making it my personal mission to get the word out and get people up here.”

“Thank you so much.”

“Tammy told us last night it’s been a rough low season so far.”

Jessica glared at Tammy who didn’t shrink.

“What?” said Tammy. “It’s true. But if we can get live music up here, this place will take off.”

“Exactly,” Sandy said.

“We’ll see,” said Jessica.

* * *

Cash was completely disoriented when she awoke Friday morning. It took her a minute to figure out she was in Candy’s condo. The events of the previous night slowly paraded through her memory. She had had so much fun dancing with Trish, who had seemed genuinely disappointed that Cash was only visiting for a week.

But what kept resurfacing over and over was the overall talent of the DJs they’d seen. They were good. There was no denying that. But they weren’t great. And Cash knew she was great. If she were on the Puerto Vallarta scene, she’d definitely raise the bar. Instead, she was stuck in Portland playing to almost empty warehouses. So frustrating.

She smelled coffee so pulled on some shorts and a T-shirt and went out to find Candy sitting on her balcony overlooking the city.

“Well, good morning, sunshine,” Candy said. “About time you got up.”

“I needed my sleep. I’m going to find coffee now. I’ll be right back.”

With coffee in her system, Cash started to get antsy.

“What are we doing today?” she said.

“I thought we’d start with food when you’re ready.”

“I’m always ready for food.”

“I know. But when you’re decent. Then I thought we’d cruise the Malecón. Check out the statues, the shops, the people.”

“Sounds good. And what about tonight?”

“We’ll hit a club on the Malecón called Animals. They always have DJs there and it’s a fun place to party.”

“Right on. Now you’re speaking my language.”

“I know.” Candy laughed.

“I want carnitas. Can we get some today? Maybe for dinner?”

“Carnitas aren’t served for dinner here. They’re served until one or two, so if you want them, we’d better get a move on.”

“That’s not right.”

“It is what it is. Now, go take a shower so we can get out of here.”

With Cash all ready, they set out in search of carnitas. They found a corner stand and Candy announced they were at their destination.

“I don’t know. Is it safe?”

“Shit, Cash. Don’t be racist.”

“I’m not.”

“Stands like this are located throughout the city and they’re all delicious and safe. Now order.”

They took their carnitas to a bench on the Malecón.

“Oh, my God. These are the best carnitas I’ve ever had,” said Cash.

“Told you.”

“So now what? We grab a beer and cruise the Malecón?”

“Sounds good to me. Come on. Let’s find beer.”

They spent the next four hours wandering along the boardwalk. They drank beers, admired statues and watched people.

“Somehow I thought this place would be more crowded,” Cash said.

“It’s low season. You should be here in another few months. Wall to wall people.”

“Maybe I’ll come back.”

“I think you should.”

“I’ll try. I think I’m going to make it my mission to come back and play somewhere.”

“Yeah? So you’re not retiring?” said Candy.

“Hell, I don’t know.”

“I hope you don’t. I don’t know, Cash. Maybe the scene is better here. Perhaps you should contemplate relocation.”

“Yeah, right. How would I do that?”

“You pack. You move,” Candy said. “Simple.”

“I have a life in Portland.”

“Do you though?”

“Yes. I have my job. My friends.”

“Your music?”

“Whatever,” said Cash.

“Just sayin’…”

“What time is it? I’m hungry again.”

“It’s after six. Wow. Where did the day go?”

“It’s been an incredible day. I love the Malecón. This place is amazing. I’m all about that boy on the seahorse statue. I might even get a tattoo of it.”

“You belong here,” Candy said.

“Don’t start. What’s for dinner?”

“That’s up to you.”

“I know. Let’s have dinner at that place we passed.”

“Could you be a little more specific?” Candy laughed.

“Oh yeah. Monkey something maybe?”

“The Sea Monkey. Excellent idea. We can sit on the beach, have dinner, and watch the sunset. You’re a genius.”

“That I am.”

The sunset did not disappoint. Mother Nature painted the skies with pinks and oranges like Cash had never seen before. She watched the pirate ship making its way out in the orange glow. It was awe inspiring.

“So, that was cool,” Cash said.

“Right? Glad we did that. Okay, let’s go shower and change and get ready for tonight.”

“Where are we going again?”

“We’ll be back on the Malecón. There’s a row of clubs so we can check them all out.”

“Excellent. Let’s do this.”