“In that case, I would recommend one with a balcony. If you like being outside so much, you might feel claustrophobic if you don’t have any outside space.” Lisa read the description and frowned. “It’s not available for viewing yet, though. It’s rented out until the end of the month.”
“That’s okay, I’m not in a hurry. I just thought I should let the estate agent know I’m interested so they can book me in for a viewing, and maybe give me first dibs on it.”
“Yes, you should definitely do that.” Lisa looked at the next flat and shook her head. “This one is on a really busy road. It might be noisy at night.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that. I’ve never been to that area,” Zoe said.
“It’s on the way to Altea. You’ll probably need to get a car if you go for that one, but it comes with a parking space.”
“I think I’ll strike that one off my list then.” Zoe continued to go through the list with Lisa until they’d discussed all twelve properties, and she felt happy with the three they’d shortlisted.
“The one that’s not available yet seems to be the best in my opinion,” Lisa said. “Maybe you should wait with viewing other properties until you’ve seen that one? It’s your favourite too, right?” She continued when Zoe nodded. “You might regret it if you go for something else and since you’re not in a hurry…”
“You’re right.” Zoe put her phone back in her handbag, sat back and sipped her coffee. “I might as well wait. Obviously, I’d love something a bit more rural eventually, but the modern flat seems perfect for what I need right now, and my parents are happy to have me.”
“Yes. The best things are worth waiting for,” Lisa said. “Do you think you’ll stay here for a while? You’ve travelled a lot in your life. Are you worried you might get restless?”
“I don’t think so. Lately I’ve felt an urge to settle somewhere permanently, to make a home for myself. I’m tired of the constant moving and starting over, so I thought, why not do that in my home town, close to my parents?”
“Yes, it’s not so bad here, is it?”
Zoe shook her head and chuckled. “It’s home and that’s enough for me. Are you still enjoying Spain?”
“Very much. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Lisa let out a long, content sigh. “My home is where Stella is and that’s not going to change.”
“That’s adorable.” Zoe paused, fiddling with her teaspoon. “You guys are so sweet together.”
“I love her,” Lisa said simply. “And Stella loves me. What more could I want?” She narrowed her eyes at Zoe. “What about you? Have you met anyone since you moved back?”
“No,” Zoe was quick to say. “I’ve been too busy with work to date, but my team is settling into a comfortable rhythm now so it will be easier to take time off.”
“Stella has some cool single friends. Just let me know if you’d like us to —” Lisa stopped herself and shot her a flustered look. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be so intrusive.”
“It’s fine.”
“No, seriously. I’ve been told I can be unbearably enthusiastic when it comes to matchmaking since I met the love of my life. So, how have you been otherwise? I haven’t seen you since I finished working at El Escondite.”
“I’ve been good.” Zoe had no intention of telling Lisa she’d been hanging out with Marcy. Lisa would never stop teasing her, and besides, she might assume that something was going on between them. “I’m sure you’ve heard the hotel is doing great, and the restaurant is fully booked four nights a week.”
“I know. Diego told me. He’s very happy.” Lisa shot her a wink. “The general manager was convinced you’d be the perfect person for the job, and he was right.”
“I’ll strive to keep up the good work.” Zoe smiled. “But it’s mainly been down to you, Lisa. Transforming a dump like Premier Sunset into the now ultra-modern hotel that is El Escondite, was nothing short of miraculous. What you’ve achieved in such a short space of time has been incredible, and I completely understand why the Calvo Group was keen to keep you.”
“Between you and me, I actually begged for that job, aside from the fact that I think I was lucky with that first project, Lisa said with a chuckle. “But it all worked out, so thank God for that.” She held up both hands. “Let’s hope we can find a chef as talented as you for the next project. It’s all about finding the right people.”
33
“Can I take this chair?” Marcy asked after greeting her mother at the gallery. “Or is Abby still here?”
“No, please sit. I did tell her you were coming but she was going to dinner with Fred, so she left a while ago. It’s their anniversary.” Delia opened the bottle on the table and poured them both a glass of wine.
“Oh, how romantic.” Marcy smiled and felt herself relax, relieved to learn that Abby was spending time with her husband rather than just avoiding her. “Where are they going?”
“That seafood place by the beach.”
“The one where we’ve been? That’s a lovely place. I’m sure they’ll have a great night.”
“Yes, Fred seems to be around more lately…” Her mother tilted her head as she looked Marcy over. “What about you? Any romance on the horizon? How about that chef?”
