Page 112 of Craving Paradise
“I thought you loved it here?”
“Don’t get me wrong, this is fun, but I can’t keep doing this forever. I need to grow up and work out what the hell I want to do with my life.”
“I didn’t know you were feeling this way.”
“I didn’t want to burden you with my concerns because I know you have a goal for your bakery, and I didn’t want to destroy that goal.”
“We’re a right pair, aren’t we?” She chuckles beside me.
“We both thought we were being good friends by sucking it up, but in reality, we both aren’t happy here,” I say, shaking my head. “So, what are we going to do?”
“I don’t know.”
“What are you going to do about Alistair?”
“He wants me to stay the week with him in his villa.”
A smile forms across my face. “I think you should, and maybe by the end of the week, you’ll know if you want to go back to London with him.”
“It’s just fun in Paradise, nothing more,” she tries to reassure me.
“Bullshit! You don’t have to stay here anymore, Elle. If you want to go back to London and start that bakery,do it. Take the leap,” I encourage her.
“It all seems rather scary.”
“That’s life, babe.”
“What are you thinking of doing? Are you staying? Or are you going to come back to London too?”
“You’re going to need someone to help you set up your bakery …” I suggest.
“You want to help me?” Elle seems rather surprised that I would want to help her.
“Bitch, I feel like this has been my dream as much as it has been yours. It’s the only thing I’ve been working toward all these years.”
Elle’s jaw drops. “Really?”
“As soon as I tasted your cupcakes for the first time, I knew I had to help you bring your baking to the masses. I’d do anything to help you succeed, babe.”
“I had no idea you felt so strongly about my business.”
“You’re talented as fuck but not in the right headspace to take your dream to the next level. I knew what you needed was time and confidence to see your true worth. Don’t forget, I’ve known you for half your life. I know what you came from and how far you have come from that scared little girl at boarding school. You needed to heal emotionally from all the damage your parents inflicted on you, and now I think you’re ready.”
Elle bursts out crying again. “Be my partner,” she asks.
My brows pull together in confusion. She wants us to be partners?
“Why don’t you and I create this business together. Let’s create the best motherfucking bakery in London … no, England … no, the world!”
“You have been so adamant that you always wanted to do it yourself.”
“I know because I didn’t think anyone could love my business as much as I could, but I had no idea you loved the concept too.”
“I’ve always had faith in you, Elle. I’ve always admired your drive to get to this dream and make it a reality, and I was willing to do anything to help you achieve it because I believed in it and you too.”
“Then join me. You and me against the world.”
I can’t believe she is asking me to be a part of her dream. I don’t quite believe it, but the more she is asking me about it, the more it feels right.