Page 9 of What Happens in Paradise

Hazel had recently taken over from my previous boss, Victoria, who I adored, but had been appointed to help run the new hotel in Italy.

‘The demand from around the world has far surpassed our expectations, so the board are keen to capitalise on that as quickly as possible. Renovations on the building are almost complete and they’re hoping to start offering places to guests within the next six to eight weeks.’

‘That’s fantastic!’ My eyes popped. They really weren’t hanging about. ‘Where is the new location?’

‘Jamaica.’

‘Oh! That’s where my parents are from!’

‘I didn’t realise. The hotel gets a lot of enquiries from the US, so it made sense to have somewhere outside of Europe that was idyllic and beautiful and Jamaica fitted the bill perfectly.’

‘I haven’t been there for years, but I remember loving it. We went when I was a child and I’ve always said I wanted to go back.’

‘I’m very pleased to hear that Jasmine, because Clementine, the VIP who visited us, is actually one of the directors on the board for the new hotel in Jamaica. And she didn’t just come to see how we run things here. She came to check howyouand some of our other Romance Rockstars operate. To see if you’d be a good fit.’

‘For what?’

‘We need someone to go to Jamaica for two weeks to help the management team there set up the operations. We need people who know how we work and embody the Love Hotel brand. Your record is flawless. You’ve got an eye for selecting great staff and knowing what romantic activities will delight our couples, so you’re the obvious choice. If this goes well, when you return, the promotion to Love Alchemist Empress could be yours!’

I blinked then blinked again, trying to take everything in.

I couldn’t believe it.

The Empress was basically in charge of all of the Love Alchemists. That role would give me even more responsibility and a big pay rise.

Technically, I’d been doing the work of an Empress for months anyway. As well as all of my normal Love Alchemist tasks, I was in charge of training new alchemists, overseeing the guest itineraries and I was also the Dining Doyenne. That involved organising special meals, for example, briefing the Cuisine team on what I needed them to create for events, picnics, romantic dates etc., which meant that as well as reporting to the Cuisine King, the team also had to report to me. I did a lot more work than I was paid for, so I was glad that I was being recognised for my efforts.

I was in touching distance of getting everything I’d ever wanted: a dream career with a great salary.

‘This is… wow!’ My brain was whirring at a million miles an hour. I opened my mouth to speak, struggling to find the words that would adequately convey the emotions that were racing through me. ‘I don’t know what to say! Thank yousomuch for the opportunity. I’m so excited!’

‘Excellent! I know you and Alejandro will do a fantastic job over there.’

‘I’m sorry,what?’ My eyebrows shot up to the ceiling. ‘Alejandro?What does he have to do with this?’

‘Oh, I forgot to tell you. Alejandro will be going too. We also need someone to work with the Jamaican Cuisine King. Food is a very important part of the hotel’s experience, so he’ll be able to help share his knowledge and ensure everything aligns with our brand values.’

The blood drained from my face and my veins turned to ice. This couldn’t be happening.

‘But it’s a restaurant in Jamaica! Alejandro Garcia is Spanish. Wouldn’t it be better to hire a Jamaican head chef? Someone who knows how to create authentic dishes?’

‘Yes. Like I said, we already have a Jamaican Cuisine King, but it’s not just about the food; it’s about making sure the cuisine team there are shown how we like to do things as a company. They need to embody the essence of the Love Hotel. Alejandro knows how we operate and the level of professionalism we expect.’

‘So wouldn’t it be better to send Marco?’ I said, my heart thundering against my chest. I needed to change her mind. ‘After all, he is theheadchef, I mean, Cuisine King. And he’s worked here since the beginning. He’s more experienced.’

‘No. Marco will stay here. We were very impressed with Alejandro’s menu last night. He brings an air of freshness to our brand. It’s settled.’ She slapped her hands excitedly on the table. ‘The two of you will leave this weekend. Juliet will be in touch to make the necessary arrangements, but in the meantime, get your suitcases prepared. You’re going to Jamaica!’

‘Yay,’ I said half-heartedly as I rose from my seat and left Hazel’s office in a trance.

My stomach crashed to the ground.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.

I’d dreamt of the moment that I finally got told I was about to get a promotion.

In my fantasies, there were fireworks, champagne, cheers of congratulations and pats on the back for a job well done.

But right now, the sensation in my stomach wasn’t elation and excitement. It was pure and utter dread.

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