Page 89 of Craving Paradise
Elle and I glance at each other before looking back at Ruby.
“Would you be interested in working at the new Paradise Club Resort?”
My heart is thundering in my chest. Elle and I look at each other again, but we both stay silent, surprised by the request.
“Are you asking if Eloise and I are willing to move to the Caribbean?” I ask our boss, wanting to clarify what’s happening and that I’m not being fired.
“Yes, I think you girls are always up for an adventure. Plus, you will be getting a raise for going due to the island’s remoteness.” Ruby smirks.
“How much more?” Elle asks.
“Nearly double what you’re earning now. You will be working longer hours compared to the club here, though. Everything is included … meals, drinks, gym, beauty, and you’ll have access to all the resort facilities on your day off free of charge,” Ruby explains.
That’s a lot of money. It means Elle can reach her goal sooner and we can finish working here and start building her bakery.
“How have we not said yes yet?” I say, turning and looking at Elle.
“It’s going to be hard work. You will be at the guests’ beck and call twenty-four hours a day until they leave the island,” Ruby warns.
“No bills, Elle. You can saveall your money,” I explain to her.
Elle is processing what Ruby is saying, and I know she is probably working out exactly how much money that is and how much closer to her dream she’s going to be.
“Hell, yeah, let’s do it,” Elle says.
“Fuck, yeah!” I agree.
“Great! It’s still a little while away regarding the move, but they wanted to finalize the number of staff who will be on the island. You’ll have to share a villa with two other people,” Ruby advises.
“But it’s all-inclusive?” I ask, double-checking.
“Yes!” Ruby nods.
“Then I’m okay with sharing. As long as the two of us are together, that’s all that matters,” I explain to Ruby because I do not want to move halfway across the world and not be with Eloise.
“Don’t worry, I’ve made a note of it on your files. If that’s all, ladies, you’re dismissed,” she says with a smile, and we both stand and walk quickly out of her office. As soon as the door shuts behind us, we jump up and down like crazy people.
“I can’t believe they chose us for the resort,” Elle says excitedly.
“See, I told you we had nothing to worry about. We are fricken awesome.” I give her a tight hug.
“Girls,enoughchit-chat! Go to your guests,” Sara calls down the corridor to us.
“I’m so going to fuck the shit out of Mr. Fox when I get up there,” I tell Elle as I kiss her cheek and bid her farewell. I disappear down the corridor into the darkness, and my smile fades, and the fact that the thought has even entered my mind troubles me. Saying yes to The Paradise Club Resort means what’s happening tonight isn’t going to happen anymore. Jasper won’t be able to request me unless he is coming to the Caribbean for a holiday which probably isn’t going to happen. I hate the fact that he is even a thought in my mind. Elle is so excited. I can’t bail on her. I would never bail on her. It doesn’t matter whatever feelings are developing between Jasper and me, I’m here until the end with Elle, no matter what. We’ve come so far. She’s so close to making her dreams come true.
I suck in a deep breath as I reach the room where Jasper is waiting for me. I need to shake off the mood I’m in.Put on that bright smile and blow that man’s mind with your mouth, Lauren.I open the door and step in.
“Hey,” he says, sweeping me off my feet and swinging me around as his face nuzzles into my neck. “I’ve missed you.”
“You have?”
“Of course, it’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve seen you. Work’s been flat out and dealing with Alistair’s relationship breakup. Did you know Alex got him a membership to the club? He’s here tonight for the first time.”
“I know. He’s with my friend, Elle. She will look after him.”
“I’m sure she will. I hope he doesn’t freak out, it was hit or miss there for a couple of moments. I forget what it’s like to come here as a new person and how overwhelming it could be to some. That was Alistair, his tiny little brain was blown.” Jasper chuckles, joking about his friend. “Hey, are you okay?”
“Of course, it’s all good,” I lie.