Page 63 of What Happens in Paradise

‘Oh, that’s a shame. Did they do it during working hours?’ I asked, not really certain of what else to say.

‘The horny idiots did it straight afterwards! That’s how I found out. I noticed that the girl’s awful car was still parked in the car park but her shift ended an hour earlier. So I made enquiries. And someone said they saw her heading in the direction of one of the old rooms.’

‘Well, at least they did it outside of working hours and didn’t use one of the renovated guest rooms.’

‘That’s not the point!’ Hazel slammed her hand on the desk. ‘They shouldnotbe fraternising together at all. We have to uphold standards! Without standards and rules, where would we be in life? Tell me, Jasmine!’

‘Um.’ I hadn’t realised she actually wanted me to answer. I thought it was just a rhetorical question. ‘Of course, standards are very important.’

‘Exactly!Thank God, you understand! Anyway, how are things there? What new activities have you found to add to the list?’

‘Well, I discovered an authentic reggae dance class that I think could be a fun way to bring couples together.’

‘Good. What else? Have you visited any of the other locations recommended by Hortense?’

‘I was looking at a place she suggested called Rick’s Café – a cliffside bar restaurant in Negril. Apparently, it has an incredible view of the sunset.’

‘Great!’

‘People also like to go there to jump off the cliffs into the water below the café. Whichcouldbe good for thrill-seekers.’

‘You must go and check it out.’

Just as I was about to reply, I heard the office door open. I looked up and saw that it was Alejandro.

Oh God.

He looked so good, I wanted to weep.

His hair was slightly damp, like he’d just stepped out of the shower. His golden skin glowed and when he smiled at me, my stomach did more backflips than an Olympic gymnast.

Why did he have to be so bloody attractive?

‘Alejandro!’ I said loudly to announce to Hazel that he’d just walked in. ‘I’m just on a call with Hazel.’

Alejandro opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, Hazel interjected.

‘Alejandro!’ she called out. ‘I was going to call you next, but now I don’t have to. Come here.’

He walked behind the desk and as his delicious scent surrounded me, I tried to keep my composure.

‘Hola, Hazel.Cómo estás?’

‘Muy bien,’ she replied. ‘So, I was just talking to Jasmine about a place called Rick’s Café.’

‘I know it!’ he said excitedly. ‘It is famous for the cliff-jumping of course, but they also serve traditional Jamaican food and interesting cocktails.’

‘That’s settled then!’ Hazel clapped her hands together. ‘The two of you must go. It’ll be good market research. See what you can find out there too, Jasmine. See if they do anything special to foster romance.’

‘Got it.’ I nodded. ‘I’ll do some research and make arrangements to travel there tomorrow.’

‘No!’ Hazel slammed her hand on the desk. I really wished she wouldn’t keep doing that. It always made me jump. ‘Go today.’

‘It’s actually in Negril, so it’ll take a while to get there.’

‘I think it takes about three hours,’ Alejandro added.

‘That’s fine! What’s the time in Jamaica right now?’ Hazel asked.

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