Page 52 of What Happens in Paradise

‘That’s great!’ She paused. ‘Isn’t it?’

‘Sí.’ I blew out a breath. ‘But it is hard. I have not been completely honest with you. When I told you that we both worked at the hotel, I did not tell you that she is kind of my boss…’

‘What?’ Lola shouted. ‘Hold on. I need to get out of bed to have this conversation otherwise I’ll wake up John.’ I heard the sound of a door closing. ‘I’m really happy that you’re starting to think about dating again, Ale, but someone frommanagement? That’s risky, dude.’

‘Dude?’

‘That’swhat you took from that sentence? The fact that I used the worddude?’

In my defence, it was the first time I had heard her use that word.

‘I know it is risky.’ I sighed, finally commenting on the important part of what she had said.

‘You worked so hard to get that job. And it pays really well. If you lose it, you won’t be able to help Evita and you’re so close to achieving your dream of becoming head chef.’

‘I know, but I cannot stop thinking about her.’

Lola groaned down the phone. She could tell this was bad.

After a few beats, she finally spoke.

‘And does she know that you like her?’

‘Sí. I told her.’

‘Youtoldher?Puta madre!’ She swore. ‘Why did you do that?’

‘You know that I like to speak my mind.’

‘Yes, but there’s a time and a place for that, bruv! What did she say? She could report you to HR!’

‘She said that it is not a good idea. That our boss, Hazel, will not be happy. I think she is worried because two workers just got sacked for fucking.’

‘What?’ she shouted again. ‘You didn’t tell methat! Otherwise I never would’ve suggested you ask Jasmine out! I thought if she worked in a different department, it’d be fine, but now you’ve told me she’s your bossandthat the company sacks people that shag each other, that changeseverything!’

‘They were fucking when they should have been working. And they got caught. We would be careful.’

‘I’m sure they thoughttheywere being careful too! Seriously, Ale! You know I want you to find love again. I want you to be happy. But there are four freaking billion women in the world. Fourbillion! You’re hot, you’re a great person and you cook like an angel. There’s no shortage of single women who’d kill to have a man like you. So there’s no reason to choose the one who could ruin your career and everything you’ve worked for. Just do your job over there and nothing more.Vale?’

‘Vale.’ I blew out a breath.

‘I’mserious! Don’t make me fly to Jamaica and cut your dick off!’

Lola was not joking. The only thing that would stop her would be getting the money for the flight. But she was resourceful, so she would find a way.

‘Tranquila,’ I said.

‘Don’t tell me to calm down! I’m trying to save you from making the biggest mistake of your life!’

‘Understood.’ I nodded down the phone even though she could not see me. ‘And you? How is everything over there?’

‘Same old, same old. Evita might be coming for lunch on Sunday. Maybe we can video call? At an acceptable hour, though. Not when I’m in a deep sleep having sexy dreams about Idris Elba like I was before you decided to wake me up.’

‘Why are you dreaming about Idris Elba? Should you not be dreaming about John, your husband?’

‘John is aware that I dream of Idris and he understands. He said if he wasn’t straight, he’d probably dream about Idris too.’

‘Right…’

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