Page 22 of What Happens in Paradise

‘No, problem. I assume I’ll have a Jamaican who knows the country inside out to help me, like Hortense or one of the Love Alchemist’s she’s hired?’ I turned my gaze to Hortense, waiting for confirmation.

‘Um… about that.’ Hazel paused. ‘That was the plan, but unfortunately, the key team members, including Hortense, have tested positive for Covid. Thankfully, their symptoms aren’t serious, but we’ve agreed it’s best they stay at home until they’re fully recovered.’

‘Oh no! Sorry to hear that. I hope they’ll feel better soon.’

‘I’m sure they’ll be fine. Nadine tested negative, so she will be around to help along with a couple of other staff, but I’m afraid you’ll need to manage on your own for the first week.’

I tried not to show my shock.

‘I understand, but my knowledge of the country isn’t strong enough to know which activities would be best to add to the guest itinerary.’

‘That’s not a problem. Hortense has provided us with a list of suggestions to get you started. And I’m sure Nadine has some ideas too.’

‘Right, okay.’ I nodded, feeling a little better.

‘We need to make sure that each location or activity delivers a first-class experience that our guests will love, but most importantly, you’ll need to consider how well it rates on theromancescale. Is it something that will bring our couples closer? Will there be opportunities for them to bond and connect with each other?That’swhat we’re looking for. Activities with thatspark.’

‘Got it.’ I scribbled notes down on my pad.

Actually, now that I thought about it, it shouldn’t be too challenging. Many of the activities on the Spanish Love Hotel couples’ activity list were places I’d researched then tried out, so I’d just be doing the same kind of thing but over here. And if Hortense provided a list of suggestions, at least that would reduce a lot of the initial groundwork.

Spending my days exploring lots of cool locations sounded like a dream. I was basically getting paid to be a tourist in a tropical paradise.

Yes, the days would be long and I’d still have to work hard, but right now, I felt like I had the best job in the world.

‘We thought today you two could visit Dunn’s River Falls first because it’s so close,’ Hortense said.

‘That’s the famous waterfall, right?’ Hazel asked.

‘Yes.’ Hortense coughed, then nodded. Poor woman probably wanted to be tucked up in bed rather than on this call.

I was familiar with Dunn’s River Falls but had never been so that should be fun.

Hold on.

My mind drifted back to what Hortense had just said.

I could’ve sworn she’d saidyou two.

‘Is Nadine coming with me?’ My face crumpled. ‘It’s just that you saidyou two.’

‘I did.’ Hortense clarified. ‘My understanding is that there are two of you from the hotel, right? You and…’ Her gaze dropped and she started shuffling through some papers. ‘Yes, you and your co-worker, Alejandro Garcia.’

My stomach dropped.

‘I think there’s been some confusion. Alejandro is a Cuisine Prince, not a Love Alchemist like me.’

‘Hortense is aware of that,’ Hazel interjected. ‘But given the circumstances, we thought it would be a good idea for him to accompany you on the trips.’

‘What?’ I said loudly, before realising I should’ve toned down my shock.

‘Do you have a problem with Alejandro?’ Hazel frowned.

‘No, no, he’s… fine,’ I said thinking that was one of the words Nadine had used to describe him. I hoped they realised that I meantfineas inokay, notfineas inhot. ‘It’s just that, he’s here to work with the Jamaican Cuisine King, so I wouldn’t want to take him away from his restaurant responsibilities to go gallivanting with me. Not that I’d be gallivanting. I’d obviously be working and researchingvery, veryhard.’

Oh God. What was it about just hearing his name that made me so flustered?

‘Dudley, the Jamaican Cuisine King will also be isolating for at least a week. And we feel it’d be beneficial for Alejandro to go on these excursions with you. Although he’ll still be expected to work closely with Dudley to create a menu and firm up the restaurant’s protocol and Cuisine Champions’ training programme, he also needs to experience the culture and life outside the hotel to get inspiration. The days and nights will be long. There will be plenty of time for him to fulfil both his restaurant duties and help you with yours.’

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