Page 109 of A Dish Best Served Hot

“Hey you,” Lola said, giving the little girl a one-armed hug. “I didn’t expect to see you here.” She was a bit shocked that Saint had brought her considering the state of the building.

“Prima Alex was supposed to watch me, but since she told Papi that there was no way she was staying behind he had to bring me too.”

“Well, you know I’m always happy to spend time with you. Just make sure you stay close to us and are careful where you walk.”

Rosie slipped her little hand into Lola’s as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “I know. Papi already told me.” She turned her attention to the group standing at the base of the grand staircase.

Right. Time to get this show on the road.Lola walked over to them. “Hello. Sorry I’m a bit late. A situation arose at the community center and my colleague Yara couldn’t make it.”

“No problem. You’re right on time.”

Lola would’ve immediately recognized Chord Bailón even if she hadn’t already known it was him. He looked so similar to his younger self except now he had facial hair and was buffer than his teenage counterpart. Same dark eyes, same deep dimples, and ridiculously straight white teeth. The main difference was in his aura. Where before he’d had this goofy, fun-loving, and camera ready persona, everything about him now screamed “leave me alone.” Which was exactly why she was glad that both of her hands were occupied, leaving her unable to shake his. Not that he’d held one out to her. Nope. His hands were firmly in the pockets of his tattered jeans.

Lola quickly took in the rest of his very casual outfit. “I don’t know why, but I suddenly feel overdressed,” she blurted like an idiot then winced.Way to make a good first impression.

“You look great,” Alex told her. “Most people dress up when they have a business meeting.” She gave a very brief but significant look in the pop star’s direction.

Saint elbowed her in the side and gave her a “shut it” look.

Lola was sure the man thought he was being inconspicuous, but he was not.

“We can’t all pull off baggy overalls, dusty work boots, and messy buns,” came Chord Bailón’s very dry rejoinder.

“One of the many perks of working for my money,” Alex tossed back without hesitation.

Saint jumped in. “Alex, there’s an ice cream place down the street. Why don’t you take Rosie there and get her a scoop? I don’t really want her wandering around here with us.”

Alex either didn’t catch on to the command or ignored it completely. “I don’t know, Saint. As one of the Cruzes in Cruz and Sons, I think I should be here to discuss the potential renovation.”

“Cruz and Sons, but with all daughters,” Chord Bailón mused aloud as he eyed Alex.

Lola didn’t know how she managed it, being barely tall enough to reach the man’s shoulder, but Alex raised her chin and looked down her nose at him. “Seems my big sister has been a real Chatty Cathy.”

“Alex, I agree with Saint,” Lola cut in. “Rosie shouldn’t be in here with us. We know which areas are safe to walk on, but the main concern is the air quality and the masks I brought are too big for her face.”

“Fine,” Alex said, finally grasping that she’d be more helpful where she couldn’t antagonize the man they were trying to woo. “Come on, Rosie.” She held out her hand to the little girl. “Choosing ice cream over work seems like the perfect way to spend the day.”

Rosie grabbed on to Alex’s hand and they turned to leave.

“Get her a miniscoop,” Saint said.

“Nope,” Alex replied over her shoulder. “You asked me to take her, so now everything else falls under my jurisdiction and we’re about to eat our weight in sundaes. Right, Rosie?”

Of course the newly five-year-old was one hundred percent down with that plan and vigorously nodded.

The doors closed behind them and the three of them let out audible sighs of relief. Lola knew why she and Saint were relieved, but she wondered about Chord Bailón. She didn’t get to muse for long though, because Saint jumped in.

“I’m sorry about that. My cousin is dedicated to her father’s company and can be a bit intense.”

Chord Bailón turned his attention from the door and placed it on her. “You represent the community center, correct?”

Lola couldn’t help the butterflies she felt in her stomach. He had such a strong presence that she doubted there was a human alive who wouldn’t react to it. She gulped. “Yes.”

“You’d like to use the other side of this building for a homeless shelter for teens.”

Lola nodded and then jumped into her pitch. “El Vecindario has served the community for nearly—”

Chord Bailón cut her off. “What about the noise?”

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