Page 6 of What Happens in Paradise

‘Rubbish!’ Lola spat in her best British accent. Despite being Spanish like me, she had spent the last fifteen years living in London and had been married to an Englishman for eleven years. When she used words likerubbish, it showed. ‘You’re gorgeous! There’s not a woman on this earth who wouldn’t want to date you.’

‘You are biased. Youhaveto say that.’ I smiled down the phone.

‘No! If you looked like the back end of a bus, I would tell you!’

‘Qué?’ I frowned, not understanding. ‘What is wrong with the back of a bus?’

‘It’s just something they say here!’ She laughed.

‘Vale.’ I nodded.

‘If you had a face like a monkey’s arse, I would tell you. But you are beautiful and funny and kind and smart and a fantastic chef. Any woman would be lucky to have you.’

‘That is a lot of compliments in one sentence. What do you want? You need me to send some more Spanish ham?’

‘I don’t want anything. Just your happiness! Although, I wouldn’t say no to morejamónif you’re offering!’

‘We will see,’ I teased. ‘Anyway, it is better that she is not interested.’

‘Why?’

‘We work together.’

‘Yeah. That isn’t ideal. You shouldn’t shit where you eat.’

I had only told Lola that we were co-workers. If she knew Jasmine was one of my bosses, she definitely would not be so enthusiastic about us dating. For a moment, I thought about telling her, then decided it was irrelevant because now it was clear that nothing would ever happen anyway.

‘Exactly.’

‘But this is the first woman you have shown an interest in since…’ Lola paused. She knew it was difficult for me to talk about.

‘I know. Which is another reason why it is not a good idea. It is still too soon.’

‘I think it is time, Ale. Try asking Jasmine out again. It’s just one date. What do you have to lose?’

‘No,’ I said firmly as I watched the waves ripple against the shore. ‘I have a great job here. Marco has become complacent. If I continue to work hard, there will be a chance for me. Being a head chef has been my dream for so long, I must stay focused. Now is not a good time.’

‘That’s what you’ve been saying for years! You know as well as I do that tomorrow is not promised. Live your lifenow. Don’t wait. I’m sure there’s a way you can get promotedandfind love. I want you to be happy again, brother.’

‘Iamhappy. I am doing good work. People like my food.’

‘Of course they do! You’re awesome!’

Lola had always been my biggest supporter. We had lost both our parents by the time I was nineteen, so Lola became a mother figure to me and our younger sister, Evita. Usually, I took her advice, but she was wrong about dating. My career had to come first.

‘Gracias.’

‘Okay. I can tell you’re not listening so I’ll drop it – for now… Oh, Evita was here earlier and she said to say thanks for the money.’

‘De nada. She already messaged. I am glad I can help.’

When I found out that Evita was considering dropping out of university in London because she could not afford to pay the fees and living costs, despite having a part-time job, I offered to send her money every month. I knew how important her degree was and she had always wanted to go to university in London, but it was not cheap. Without financial support, she would have to give up on her dream. I could not let that happen.

‘You’re the best!’

‘I try.’ I grinned. ‘I must go now. We have a big VIP that I will cook for tonight and I need to impress her.’

‘You’ll smash it.’

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