Page 46 of The TV Show Rival
“He’s adorable.”
“Just like his father,” Miguel says.
Isabella beamed. “We both know he takes after me.”
Miguel tried to speak but she cut him off.
“Not a word.”
They all laughed.
“Come on, let’s head in.”
With that, Isabella and Miguel leading the way, ushered them towards a nearby house constructed entirely of bamboo. The structure glowed invitingly with warm yellow light spilling from within.
Inside, the house hummed with warmth and the comforting sounds of a family preparing for a feast.
Miguel, ever the doting husband, hovered beside Isabella, his gaze lingering on her rounded belly with an adoration that made Jess and Jamie exchange amused glances.
A soft murmur of affection passed between them, a private language of love spoken only by them.
“There you go, mi amor,” Miguel placed a gentle hand on Isabella’s back as she set the table. “Careful now, wouldn’t want our little one tumbling out just yet!”
Isabella swatted playfully at his arm with a dishcloth. “Mi amor, you worry too much. The little one is as comfortable as a baby sloth in a hammock.”
“But what if the hammock breaks, mi cielo? What then?”
Isabella burst out laughing and Miguel leaned in for a kiss. The kiss, however, turned into a full-blown smooch, complete with playful nibbles on Isabella’s earlobe and a lingering embrace that made Jess and Jamie exchange amused glances.
Jess and Jamie watched the playful exchange, a warmth spreading through them as they witnessed the genuine love radiating from the couple.
“Alright, alright, you big drama king, just help me get these plantains on the table before they get cold.”
Miguel grinned sheepishly. “Yes, mi amor,” he replied, whisking the platter away with a flourish.
As he turned towards the table, he caught Jess and Jamie’s amused smiles and winked conspiratorially.
Soon the table was adorned with a vibrant tablecloth overflowed with platters of golden patacones—thickly sliced green plantains, twice-fried to a crispy perfection, sat alongside a vibrant chimichurri sauce, colorful vegetables, glistening bowls of fresh fruit, and plates piled high with what promised to be some seriously delicious-looking grilled meats.
The first bite of the patacones sent a wave of satisfaction through Jamie. Crispy on the outside, yielding and fluffy within, they were the perfect canvas for the tangy chimichurri. Across the table, Jess mirrored her expression, a contented sigh escaping her lips.
“Isabella, this is incredible! The flavors are just… perfect.”
Jess, never one for flowery language, simply nodded in agreement, a satisfied smile spreading across her face as she savored another mouthful of the savory pork.
Isabella beamed, her eyes crinkling at the corners with delight. “Gracias, mija. Cooking is my love, and to see you both enjoying it brings me so much joy.”
The conversation flowed easily as they devoured the feast, and the couple entertained them with their bickering.
Isabella’s dark eyes twinkled with amusement. “Ah, yes, the competition. I hear things are getting quite heated between the two of you.”
A tense silence threatened to descend, the narrative of their rivalry hanging in the balance. But before either Jess or Jamie could respond, Miguel cut in.
“Don’t worry, Isabella. They’re just fierce competitors. But underneath it all, I think they’re secretly becoming friends.”
“Forgive me for intruding but are you two a couple?” Isabella asked curiously.
A blush bloomed across Jamie’s cheeks, spreading like wildfire. Jess, ever the more composed of the two, managed to ask, “How did you know?”