“I needed time to acclimatise after Hong Kong,” Zoe said in defence. “And then there was the new job, which didn’t give me much opportunity to do that at all. I had to go straight into interviews, hire my team, train them, design the menu, test the menu, and—”
“Okay, okay,” Sara said, holding up a hand. “I get the gist, but you still could have called me.”
“I’m sorry. It’s just been so full-on.” Zoe jutted out her bottom lip and batted her lashes. “Forgive me?”
“Of course, I forgive you.” Sara’s expression softened and a small smile played around her lips. “I was over the moon when you called last night. I left work early because I couldn’t wait to see you again.”
“Thank you, babe.” Zoe hugged her for the fifth time since they’d reunited and smiled back at her. “It’s so good to see you too. I was kind of hoping you’d come and visit me in Hong Kong.”
Sara shrugged. “Well, there was the travel ban and it’s been full-on with me too. Work, mainly.” She winked. “But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been having any fun. I met a girl and it’s going pretty well.”
“Really? Oh my God, I’m so happy for you.” Zoe took her hand and squeezed it. Now that they were reunited, it was like she’d never left. In truth, the real reason why she hadn’t called Sara right after she’d landed was because she’d been a bad friend. The time difference meant it had been hard to return her phone calls at a convenient time, and as the years had passed, the contact had become minimal. Real friendship didn’t fade, though, and she felt the evidence of that now. Simply sitting here and talking to Sara felt like it was only yesterday since she’d last seen her. Sara’s previously bright pink hair was now back to her natural dark colour, and she’d put on a bit of weight, which suited her. “Tell me about her. When can I meet her?”
“Well…” Sara shot her a cheeky smirk as she played with a lock of her long hair. “There’s this women’s only weekend at Paradise Hotel—you know, the big one along the main strip—and I’ve got tickets. I know you’ll probably have to work but I was hoping you could take a day off and come along? It will be fun; the old gang will be there, and everyone is dying to see you again.” She chuckled and held up her phone. “I told them you were back on my way here.”
“Wow. You’re still in contact with everyone from Bodega?” Zoe had expected their group of friends from the first restaurant she worked at to have forgotten all about her and it was nice to hear that she could still have somewhat of a social life if she managed to find the time for it. With all of them being chefs, they used to meet up every Monday night at a gay bar on the outskirts of town. Not everyone in their group was gay of course, but the little karaoke bar was open to anyone, and it had become their main social hub. That was many years ago, though, and things had changed. She had changed. Still, she really wanted to see them.
“Everyone apart from Michaela. She moved to Tokyo to work in some fancy restaurant, and no one’s heard from her since,” Sara said. “So, are you in?”
“I’m not sure. Our official opening is only ten days away. We just had our pre-opening dinner for the Calvo Group, and we need to make some small tweaks to the menu to cater for allergies and specific dietary requirements.”
“But it’s this weekend. You’ll be even busier after the opening, right?” Sara shot her a pleading look. “Please? Even if it’s just one day. I can use my spare weekend ticket to bring someone else on one of the other days if you’re too busy.”
Zoe hesitated, then shrugged. “Sure, why not? I want to meet your new lady and I’m sure my head chef can take over for a day.”
“Great! That’s a date, then.” Sara tilted her head and regarded Zoe. “So, what happened with your girlfriend? The woman you were living with in Hong Kong? Are you still together?”
“No, we broke up, but we’re on good terms.” Zoe took a sip of her beer and smiled. “I’m happily single and have no interest in dating whatsoever. I just want to focus on my job right now.”
“You were always the ambitious one.” Sara sighed. “That’s why you’re an executive chef and I’m still working on the larder.”
Zoe laughed. “Be careful what you wish for. That’s why you have more time to party and have fun.”
“True.” Sara turned to the waiter and asked for another round of drinks. “And now it’s time for you to live a little. Even better now that you’re single; the event will be full of gorgeous women and we’re going to find you someone to have fun with.”
“I’m not so sure about that.” Zoe shot her a humorous look.
Sara stared back at her. “What do you mean you’re not too sure? When was the last time you had sex?” She pointed at Zoe when she remained silent. “See? You don’t even remember. Make sure you wear your sexiest bikini on Saturday, we’re going on the prowl!”
15
“Are you ready, boss?” Marcy buttoned up her shirt and got into the company car with Lisa, who was waiting for her outside the site. She’d had a quick shower in the staff quarters and changed into shorts, a short-sleeved Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops. Weatherwise October could be unpredictable, but they were lucky as the forecast for the weekend was great. She hadn’t been to a women’s weekend in years and the thought of hundreds of queer women in revealing bikinis already had her pulse racing.
“I’m ready.” Lisa looked her over and smiled. “I love your shirt.”
“Thanks. I like your…” Marcy frowned. “Hmm… You’re looking awfully corporate for someone going to a pool party.”
“I came back from Sitges last night and had a meeting with Mr Calvo this morning to give him some feedback regarding the new hostel he’s thinking of buying.” She patted the weekend bag next to her. “But I came prepared, so I’ll get changed in the toilets.”
Marcy laughed. “I see. Hence the fancy car and the pencil skirt and heels. Do you always travel in style?”
“I wish.” Lisa laughed. “My boss offered me his company driver to drop me off at Paradise.”
“Nice. So, how did the meeting go?”
“Very well, I can’t wait to get started on the renovation. But first we need to get El Escondite in tip-top shape.”
“Don’t worry about El Escondite,” Marcy said. “Everything is under control so no more work talk today.”
