Page 125 of Craving Paradise
“Alistair has asked me to come back to London with him and be his date for his brother’s wedding.”
“Are you going to go?”
“It’s in three weeks, but I don’t know if we’re going to be finished here in time,” she says with a frown on her face.
“Are you crazy?” I shriek. “You’re going to miss out on something great with this guy for what? A couple of weeks of work?”
“I can’t just quit. I have to give notice.”
Umm, yes you can. It’s not like you can put The Paradise Club on your resume, but we aren’t assholes, and the right thing to do would be to give notice. I get that. “Then give notice now. Right this minute. Are you telling me once that man is gone, you’re going to be okay going back to fucking other people?” I question her. “You were heartbroken six months ago when you thought he had fucked someone else. You think you’re going to be okay watching him walk out that door and away from a woman who’s not willing to stop sleeping with other people?”
“This is my job,” she argues with me.
Sometimes, Elle is as stubborn as fuck, but I get it, but since reconnecting with Jasper, I don’t give a shit about this job anymore. “Wasyour job. You and I are becoming bakery owners. We don’t need all this anymore, Elle. We are about to take over the London bakery scene. That’s what we need to be focusing on right now. If it means you get the guy, too, then that’s a fucking bonus.” It means I get the guy also, double bonus. Win-win for all.
Elle sighs. “I’ve been working toward this goal for so long that I forgot I need to start it. I’m so used to working my ass off to save the money that I never thought it would ever happen.”
“This is happening, Elle. You and me against the world.”
“We have so much to do. It’s overwhelming,”
“I know. But let’s figure it out back in London instead of halfway across the world. We’ve got this, Elle. I’ve got you. I know it’s hard for you to rely on other people after everything with your family, but I’ve been your ride and die for half your life. I haven’t let you down yet, have I?”
“No.”
“Then will you trust me when I sayyou’ve got this? I won’t let you fail, Elle. I promise.”
Elle bursts into tears and hugs me. “Thanks for believing in me.”
“Of course, I believe in you. You’re family, babe. I can’t wait to take over the world with you, Elle.”
“I can’t wait either.”
“Now fuck off and tell that gorgeous man back at the villa that you are his.” I push her out of the villa.
“Okay. Okay. I’m going.” She grins and rushes out the door.
I pick up the phone and call Jasper.
“Hey, babe.”
Flutters twist in my stomach. “Guess what? Elle’s said yes to moving back to London with Alistair.”
“I’m happy for them. He really is head over heels for your girl.” Jasper chuckles. “What about you? Are you coming back with her?”
“That’s why I’m calling you.”
“For what?”
“To find out what you think?”
“You think I don’t want you to come home early?”
“Don’t want to assume, that’s all.”
“Lauren, get your fucking ass back to London as soon as you can. Otherwise, I’m jumping on the next flight and dragging you back here.”
“Promises, promises.”