“Good,” I reply, trying to sound nonchalant. “Now, let’s get back to the cabin. The sun’s going to rise soon, and we have paddleboarding to conquer.”
I look up to confirm my suspicions. The sky is painted with a warm palette of pinks, oranges, and purples. The sun’s rays slowly inch their way over the horizon, casting a warm golden light over the lake and the trees that surround it.
“All right, fine,” she finally agrees.
As I turn to head down the dock, I feel her hand wrap around mine, pulling me back. I spin around, our eyes meeting. There’s something in her gaze—an intensity that I’m not prepared for.
She hesitates, just for a second, before a faint smile curves her lips. “And maybe I do see myself with someone else.”
The words hang in the air, and I feel my heart skip, then start hammering in my chest. I’m not sure if I heard her right, and I don’t trust my voice to respond. For a moment, everything else fades, and it’s just us, standing together as the sun rises. The implications of her statement settle over me, shifting something between us. I don’t know what to say, so I just nod, barely managing to hold her gaze.
Finally, I turn away, hoping the blush creeping up my cheeks isn’t as obvious as it feels. My mind races as I try to process what just happened as we walk back, her words echoing in my thoughts like a melody I can’t quite shake.
Chapter Thirteen
The morning sun streams through the window, and I groggily sit up, rubbing my eyes. Today is the day we’re supposed to go paddleboarding, but my mind is elsewhere. Luciano casually mentioned after the bridal shower that he’d love to try a few more dishes from La Mariposa.
“Maybe something savory this time,” he had suggested with a smile. “It’ll give me a better sense of what your restaurant could bring to the table.”
It’s barely seven in the morning. The idea of making something spectacular feels daunting, especially since I know I’ll need help. And that means waking up Valentina.
I push myself up on the cot, the springs creaking beneath me, and look over at Valentina. Her hair is an untamed mess, splayed across her pillow as she lies sprawled out like she hasn’t a care in the world.
“Val,” I whisper.
Nothing.
“Valentina,” I try again, louder this time.
She groans and pulls the blanket over her head. “If this isn’t an emergency, I’m going to end you.”
“It is an emergency,” I reply, standing and tugging on a sweater. “Luciano wants to try another dish today. We need to cook something savory. I need your help.”
“Seriously?” she mutters from beneath the blanket. “It’s barely sunrise, Isa and we have to pick up Miss Piggy before paddleboarding. Can’t this wait?”
“We have time to do both,” I insist, pacing the small space. “Please, Val. We made a deal.”
She lets out a dramatic sigh and sits up, her hair sticking out in every direction. “Fine. But you owe me—big time.”
“I’ll make it worth your while,” I promise. “I’ll… I don’t know…carry your paddleboard later?”
She does not seem impressed.
* * *
The kitchen feels almost eerie in its stillness. The catering staff isn’t here yet, and the space seems too big, too empty, but also charged with potential. I glance at Valentina, who’s leaning against the counter, cradling her a fresh coffee like it’s the only thing keeping her upright. Her hair is still a wild, tangled mess.
“Okay,” she sighs, setting her mug down with a dramatic thud. “What’s the game plan, Chef?”
“We’re making ropa vieja,” I say, pulling out the flank steak and vegetables from the fridge. “It’s a classic Cuban dish, slow-cooked shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions. It’s hearty, flavorful, and exactly the kind of dish Luciano will appreciate.”
Valentina tilts her head, studying me. “You’ve clearly thought this through.”
“I have. This dish means a lot to me. It’s one of the first recipes my dad taught me how to make. It’s simple but soulful.”
She smiles faintly at that, and I feel a flicker of warmth in my chest before I shake it off.
“Okay, what do we do first, boss?” she asks, rolling up her sleeves, clearly letting me take charge this time.
