Page 54 of What Happens in Paradise

‘Thank you, you too.’ I took the tray then kicked the door shut.

There were two plates on the tray. One large, one small, both covered with silver cloches. I lifted off the first one and saw slices of jerk chicken and sweet potato mash neatly arranged on a plate, steam rising to show that it had been freshly heated. Then I lifted off the second cloche and saw a slice of pineapple and coconut sponge cake.

My heart squeezed and it was then that I spotted a piece of paper on the tray beside it. I opened it up.

Jasmine,

You did not finish your dinner and tomorrow is an important day. You will need your strength.

The cake is delicious – just as I knew it would be. You are an excellent baker.

Sleep well.

A

Butterflies filled my stomach and my knees turned to jelly. I quickly placed the tray on my bed, then flopped down on the mattress.

I couldn’t believe he’d sent me my leftovers and the cake. I was gutted when I’d left because I’d really wanted to see how it’d turned out. So to hear Alejandro, one of the finest chefs I knew, say that it was delicious, especially given my poor culinary track record, made me feel happier than a child on Christmas morning.

He was right. I was starving. Walking away from his food wasn’t easy.

After shamelessly shovelling down the rest of my dinner, I took a sip of water, then picked up the dessert fork, ready to dive into the cake.

A flash of doubt flew into my mind. Maybe it wasn’t delicious and he was just being kind to make me feel better. But then I remembered, Alejandro was a man who spoke his mind. If it wasn’t good, he probably wouldn’t have sent it to me at all.

I sectioned off a small piece, then slid the fork into my mouth.

Oh. My. God.

It wasdivine.

I couldn’t believe that I, Little Miss Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook had actually baked a cake that was edible. Actually,edibledidn’t even begin to describe how tasty it was. The sponge was light and fluffy and the blend of coconut and pineapple was to die for.

Of course, I couldn’t take all of the credit. This was a team effort. It was Alejandro who’d come up with the recipe, measured out the ingredients, and shown me what to do, so my contribution was minimal, but it still made me feel amazing. Like I’d really achieved something. It was a small win, but I’d take it all the same.

And it was with that feeling of pride that I drifted off to sleep.

* * *

I woke up naturally without my alarm. This would be my fourth full day here, so I was finally getting into a routine. The jet lag had gone and I was feeling much fresher.

Today was my day off, so I’d arranged to see my grandad. Bob was meeting me at reception, so after eating a banana from the fruit bowl I had in my room, I headed down to meet him.

‘Miss Jasmine!’ He smiled.‘Yuh never tell me say yuh bake cake? It nice yuh know!’

‘You tasted the cake?’ I frowned. Then I realised that Alejandro must’ve have given him some.

‘Ya mon!’

‘I did too.’ Nadine appeared beside me. ‘Alejandro brought me a slice earlier andgirl, you got skills! It was delicious!’

It was sweet of them to say such lovely things. I’d thank Alejandro later. Via text would be best.

After our conversation in the kitchen last night, clearly he’d got the message and realised it was better for us to keep our distance. That was obviously why he’d sent someone to deliver the food to my room instead of just bringing it himself.

I was relieved that he’d decided against coming with me to see my grandad today. If I was being completely honest, I was a little disappointed too, but it was for the best. It’d be fine with just Bob and me.

‘I didn’t really do much,’ I said, thinking how kind it was for Alejandro to share the cake with them. ‘I just followed Alejandro’s instructions.’

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