Page 95 of What Happens in Paradise

‘How have you been, Bob?’ I asked as Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds’ blared from the car speaker.

‘Dem get rid ah mi.’

‘Who got rid of you? The hotel?’

‘Ya mon. Dem seh mi unprofessional.’

‘No way!’ I gasped. ‘When did this happen?’

As Bob explained that he’d gotten a call on Monday evening to say his services would no longer be required, my stomach twisted.

Hazel.

She must’ve arranged for him to be sacked after our conversation. Yeah, he was drunk or stoned, but I know he wouldn’t have tried to drive us home in that state. And anyway, I’d told Hazel he was tired. That wasn’t a reason to fire him.

‘That’s not right.’ I shook my head. ‘Don’t worry. I’ll look into it and try and find a way to get you your job back. You’re a good man.’

‘Tanks, Miss Jasmine.’

About ten minutes later, Bob pulled over. The sky was lighter now and painted with orange and pink hues as the sun started to peek through on the horizon.

When I stepped out of the car, I spotted Alejandro.

God, he looked incredible. All I wanted to do was race over to him and sink my head in his chest as he wrapped his arms around me.

But I couldn’t. I was only here to talk, tell him it was over, then leave.

‘I won’t be long,’ I said to Bob, both to keep him informed and serve as a reminder to myself that I couldn’t stay a minute longer than necessary.

‘You came!’ Alejandro smiled as I got closer.

‘Yes, but I can’t stay. I’m just here to talk.’

Alejandro didn’t reply. Instead, he took my hand and led me down a pathway.

I knew I should pull away, but I couldn’t. I loved the feeling of our fingers being intertwined; it was like his palm was a magnet and the force was too strong for me to break.

It was so peaceful here. All I could hear was the sound of the birds chirping and I think I heard water too, but couldn’t be sure.

As we continued walking, the sound of water became louder. Were we near the sea? Alejandro had told me to bring swimwear so that would make sense. I didn’t know why I was wearing the bikini Alejandro had bought me when we stayed in Negril under my dress when I already knew I wouldn’t be staying for a swim.

But then when he led me around a corner and I saw a waterfall, I gasped.

It wasn’t on the same scale as Dunn’s River Falls, but it was still beautiful.

In the centre was a tall waterfall with water cascading down a rocky cliff, but on either side were two large, flat rocks where the flow of water was more gentle.

It wasn’t just the beauty of the waterfall and the lush, green surroundings that caught my eye. It was the little table that had been set up on top of one of the rocks.

On top of the table was a beautiful spread of food.

‘Wow!’ I gasped. ‘You made breakfast? What time did you get up to prepare all this?’

‘Four.’ He shrugged like it was no big deal.

‘But you need your sleep!’

‘Jasmine.’ He took both my hands in his and I instantly melted. ‘Even if I only slept for ten minutes, it would be worth it to see you. And since we got back, I have not been able to sleep, so I would prefer to do something more productive like cook for you.’

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