“Because of me?”
“Yes.” What’s the point in lying?
He sets down his utensil on the plate and looks at me. “I’ll always be around now. You need to get used to it.”
“I know, but you’re my boss, so . . . Guillermo.”
Again, that disguised smile.
God, he’s going to give me an arrhythmia, with how fast my heart is racing.
He changes the subject. “How are things going at the hotel, aside from making you shy?”
“It’s fine. People are kind to me and patient too. I had no idea of the amount of details one has to pay attention to for the smooth running of a hotel network. Guests are demanding and have such varied tastes. Melissa told me that this hotel is a standout worldwide because of the positive reviews regarding luxury and the efficiency of the staff.”
He smiles, and I can see the satisfaction of someone who loves what they do reflected on his face. “Are you enjoying it, then?”
“Very much, although I haven’t even served a single coffee yet,” I joke.
He stops eating again. “I wanted to get you out of there, and I thought the proposal about the coffee was perfect. But anyway, I would like you to take some courses to get to know the best beans—if you’re interested, of course. Then maybe you could teach my employees how to make your coffee but with a quality product.”
“I don’t know. It’s a family secret,” I tease.
“I’ve already said I want to uncover your secrets.”
“Yes, you have. And I’ve already explained that I won’t reveal them all.”
He doesn’t say anything, but his gaze is so intense it makes me dizzy.
“You asked how I’m doing. Melissa is one of the best things to happen to me this year.”
“I’m glad you’ve made a friend.”
“Yes, she’s amazing, and she even invited me to go out in a few days.”
“Go out?”
“Yeah. We’re going to a bar with . . . uh . . .”—I think of the guy with the impressive six-pack but who at the moment is completely overshadowed by my boss—”some of her friends.”
“What friends?”
“Her boyfriend and a cousin.”
“Why?”
“I haven’t been out in years. My mother got sick, and there was no time for fun. I just want to talk a bit.”
“You can talk to me.”
“I mean outside of work.”
“We’re outside of work now.”
I hold back the urge to roll my eyes. “No offense, this room is really amazing, but I mean actually going out. I don’t know anyone.”
His face, which seemed relaxed until now, closes off, and I wonder if there’s any possibility of jealousy. I decide to push to test it.
“Do you think I shouldn’t go out? I mean, I’m asking for real advice.” I pause, unsure how to continue. “Sorry for that. I don’t know what I was thinking bringing up this subject.”
