Page 51 of The Gin Lover's Guide to Dating

‘I’ll chum you,’ says Josh. ‘Need to have a word with Amir anyway.’

We wander back to the bar, which is a bit quieter than when I left. Amir is heavily involved in some flirty banter with a couple of female customers, and hasn’t even noticed my tardiness. Reyes is using the break from orders to fill the glass washer.

‘Hola, Josh.’ Reyes stops what she’s doing and greets Josh with two European-style kisses. ‘You enjoyed your vacation?’

‘I did indeed… without any women whatsoever. It was strictly lads only.’ He gives her a little wink, this comment clearly being for my benefit.

‘I see…’ Reyes’s eyes fill with mischief, as I stand behind Josh, waving my arms in a gesture aimed at discouraging her from engaging any further in this discussion. ‘Not one single chica?’

‘Nope.’ Josh offers her an innocent face. ‘Not a single one. There’s only one woman I’m interested in, but she keeps knocking me back.’

‘Really.’ Reyes looks delighted by this interaction. ‘And why will this chica not go out with you, Josh?’

‘Says she has other things going on in her life. And she’s concerned that we work together.’ Josh puts on a mock sad face. ‘What do you think I should do?’

Reyes pauses thoughtfully. ‘I think that you should wait longer. This chica, I think she will change her mind.’ She gives Josh an encouraging look and then throws me a devilish smile.

‘You think?’ Josh’s eyes light up. ‘All right then, I’ll do that. See you later.’

He heads out of the bar without even saying goodbye to me. There’s a slight skip in his step, as if he’s already sealed the deal. I watch him go, mildly fuming, though more at myself because he’s got to me. He knows I like him, and Reyes certainly hasn’t helped discourage him. I’ll just have to stay firm, no matter how tempted I become.

‘Thanks for that.’ I direct an accusatory look at Reyes.

‘Chica, I do not know why you think I will help you.’ Reyes matches my gaze. ‘You need romance in your life. Josh is just thehombreto give you that.’

‘Hombre?’

‘It means “man” in Spanish. Spanish men are very special – and Josh is just like this. He will make your heart beat faster.’

‘That I can’t argue with,’ I admit. ‘He already does. The point is that I’m trying not to let him know that – because I need to focus on getting my career back on track – and you’re not helping.’

‘You will thank me, Chica. You will see.’

Realising I’m fighting a losing battle, I just shake my head in rejection of this statement.

‘What will Liv be thanking you for?’ Aaron’s voice suddenly cuts through the silence.

Focused on our friendly stand-off, neither Reyes or I have noticed his entrance and approach.

‘Hola, Mister Gardiner.’ Reyes beams at Aaron, completely unruffled. ‘I am telling Liv that she is needing love in her life.’

‘Reyes, please stop.’ I’m horrified that she has brought this up so matter-of-factly in front of Aaron.

‘Is that right?’ Aaron looks worryingly amused, causing my cheeks to immediately flame. ‘And do you have anyone in mind for her?’

‘Actually, yes.’ Reyes smiles cheekily. ‘But an amiga never tells.’

‘Bit late to be saying that, is it not?’ My tone is flat.

Aaron looks from Reyes to me and shakes his head witheringly. ‘I just came to check things are running smoothly. But thank you for the supplementary information. I’ll leave you both to it.’

Aaron turns and starts to stride out of the bar. I signal to Reyes that she’s in trouble the minute he’s gone. She simply sticks her tongue out in response. As I watch Aaron go, I suddenly feel an overwhelming urge to go after him.

‘Aaron, wait.’ I catch him just as he reaches the door to the main hotel.

‘Yes, Liv?’ He turns and looks at me expectantly.

‘I… err… I just wanted to say thank you. For bailing me out – again. I was dealing with some stuff before, and I didn’t properly appreciate what you’d done for me. I just want you to know that I do now. Ireallydo. You’re kind of like… a guardian angel.’

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