Yasmine studied her. “Do you know the American?”
“He’s my ex,” Sofia explained. “And he’s making my life hell. He’s trying to sabotage my business, my relationship, and to that end, Ilias’ business, just to stay in control.”
“I don’t understand,” Yasmine declared. “What does it have to do with selling my restaurant?”
“Do you know what’s his final goal?” Ilias asked.
“I don’t care.”
“You should care. It will destroy Imsouane’s charm and landscape forever. You know he’s going to build with his business a big luxury hotel that will destroy the old town.”
Ilias watched Yasmine closely. Her posture stiffened. She was listening now.
“What Ghita wants to do with Azul could bring way more money than the ones Thomas will give you,” Sofia continued. “Believe me. If he gives you the money but you don’t use it wisely, you will find yourself with no money and no job.”
“I know I messed up two years ago,” Ilias added. “When I found out about you and my father, I didn’t handle it well. But I’ve tried to make amends since. If you can help us, we’d be grateful. If not, I understand.”
Yasmine studied them both for a long moment, unreadable.
“He’s coming here for lunch,” Yasmine informed.
“What?” Sofia’s head snapped up. “Thomas is coming here? Today?”
“I’m going to give him my final response.”
“Are you actually considering it?” Ilias asked, heart clenching.
“As I told you before, yes,” Yasmine said, firmly. “This place is as much your father’s legacy as Azul is, and as Azul has been apain in the ass for you, this restaurant has been a pain in the ass for me.”
“How can we make you change your mind?” Sofia asked, looking defeated.
Yasmine shook her head. “I’m doing it for my son. Unless you can come up with something better than the money he’s offering me, I will sell it today.”
Ilias muttered a curse, while Sofia kept looking at Yasmine. “If I come up with something better, would you consider not selling it?”
“Maybe.”
“Could you hold back the sale?”
“I can’t promise it.”
“Can we just stay here, then? We’ll grab some bites, and I’ll prepare a proposal while you talk to him. Then, you’ll decide.”
Yasmine nodded. “Take a seat wherever you want.”
Ilias frowned as he followed Sofia. “What are you thinking about?”
“What is Emir studying in Casablanca?” Sofia asked him, her eyes resolute.
“He’s still in high school.”
“Does anyone in your family talk with him?” Sofia asked.
“Ghita.”
“Call her here. If there’s a person that can convince her to change her mind it is her son.”
“But we don’t know him,” Ilias reminded him as they sat down at a table overlooking the Bay.
