Chapter 2
2
ALEJANDRO
‘Did you do it?’ my eldest sister Lola shouted down the phone as I walked along the hotel’s private golden, sandy beach.
‘ Sí .’ I rolled my eyes, then wiped the back of my hand over my forehead as the blazing afternoon sunshine heated my skin. ‘She is not interested.’
When my sister had called last week and asked for the hundredth time if there were any attractive women working at the hotel, I made the mistake of mentioning Jasmine. And after Lola had finished screaming with excitement about the fact that I was finally showing some interest in another woman, she said – no, in fact, she demanded – that I ask Jasmine out.
I told Lola that just because I considered Jasmine to be an intelligent and attractive woman, it did not mean that I was ready to start dating again, because I was not. It was too soon.
But when my hand touched Jasmine’s in the kitchen earlier, I had felt a connection, so I thought it was worth a try.
Based on the way she had run out of the kitchen, the feeling was not mutual. It was no big deal though because like I had said to Lola multiple times, right now, I was happy just to focus on my career.
‘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 like rubbish , it showed. ‘You’re gorgeous! There’s not a woman on this earth who wouldn’t want to date you.’
‘You are biased. You have to 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 more jamón if 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 life now . Don’t wait. I’m sure there’s a way you can get promoted and find love. I want you to be happy again, brother.’
‘I am happy. 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.’
‘ Smash? This is another British saying, right?’
‘Yep! Break a leg!’ She laughed.
‘ Hasta luego .’ I ended the call, still not understanding why my sister had suggested I smash something and break a leg , but thinking that it did not sound very pleasant. I would look up the translations later, but first, I had to prepare for tonight.
* * *
‘That was delicious!’ Clementine, the VIP guest smiled as I stood at the table.
Hazel had sent one of the waiters, or Cuisine Champions as they are called here, to get me from the kitchen so that she could introduce me.
‘ Gracias .’ I smiled.
‘Alejandro is our sous-chef, or Cuisine Prince as we prefer to say, but he has a promising future here,’ Hazel said.
‘I agree! Remind me what I’ve just eaten?’
‘The starter was Salmorejo , which is a cold tomato soup made with olive oil, garlic and bread. Normally it is also served with a garnish of ham and boiled eggs, but I removed it for you.’
‘I appreciate that.’
‘The main course was Potaje , which is like a stew with chickpeas, spinach and cod. We would normally have this for lunch, but I remembered on your requirements that you preferred to have something filling and warm.’
‘It was perfect! And the dessert?’
‘That was Torrijas; it is bread soaked in milk, dipped in egg then fried in olive oil.’
‘Wonderful!’ She beamed.
‘ Gracias . It was a pleasure to cook for you, Clementine. Enjoy the rest of your stay at the Love Hotel.’
‘Oh my goodness!’ Clementine gushed. ‘He’s perfect!’
‘Excuse me one moment. I’m just going to escort Alejandro to the kitchen.’ Hazel got up and we walked away from the table. ‘You did well. Come and see me tomorrow afternoon at four. I have the ideal opportunity for you.’
‘ Genial! ’ My eyes widened. ‘ Gracias .’
As Hazel left and I stepped into the kitchen, my heart raced.
Earlier, I had said to Lola that I was confident my time would come if I kept working hard and now it seemed like it was finally happening.
This was why I needed to focus on my career. I liked Jasmine, but getting involved would have been a distraction.
Lola was right. Jasmine had been the first woman that had interested me in a very long time.
She was smart, strong, confident and attractive: all the qualities I loved in a woman. And her sweet scent was intoxicating.
Whenever I saw her, my body always reacted. When we crashed into each other earlier and she was pressed against my chest, my body felt like it was on fire. I was relieved when she pulled away, because it was a battle to stay calm.
I thought she had felt the same pulse of electricity when our hands touched, but I was wrong. I should not be surprised that I misread the signs. I had not dated for years, so I was out of practice.
Although I was relieved that my sexual desire had finally returned, the timing was not good. That was why I needed to keep my distance.
It would be impossible to avoid Jasmine completely, but I could not allow myself to get close to her.
If she came to see me, I would avoid looking at her for too long. And I would make sure that I avoided all physical contact.
No cheek kisses. No hand brushes. Nada .
I had overcome some of the darkest times in my life over the past two years. I had pulled through even when I thought I would not make it.
If I could do that, I could resist the temptation of my boss.
Everything would be fine.