Page 45 of Paradise Pride

“I did.” Juan laughed. “For three months, and then I had a cheeky one after my set one night and I’ve had a couple since. I only have one sporadically. It’s not like I’m back to being a smoker.”

“You’re smoking. That means you’re a smoker.” Florence arched a brow at him. “Does Elle know about your sporadic cigarettes?”

“No, she doesn’t, and she doesn’t need to know. My smoking is innocent.”

“Sure. Just a little white lie…”

Juan took a long drag from his cigarette, then stubbed it out in the ashtray on their table. “Thanks, Flo. You’ve just ruined my cigarette and now I feel bad.” He took another tiny sip from his beer. “I’m a DJ. I’m always surrounded by people who smoke. It’s hard not to.”

Florence studied him in bemusement. “I don’t smoke, so it shouldn’t be that hard right now. Although I get the sentiment,” she admitted. “It must be nice to have something to focus on when you’re on edge.”

“I’m not on edge.”

“Yes, you are.” She pointed a finger at him. “If anyone knows you, it’s me. You always get nervous this time of year because the season is over, and you’re worried you haven’t made enough money to get you through the winter.” She shot him a teasing smile. “And in your current situation, you’re also worried you won’t be good enough for your fancy lawyer fiancée if you have to scrape the barrel to take her out for a nice dinner from time to time.”

“Bullshit.” Juan looked her in the eyes, but Florence knew she was right. That was the great thing about being friends with her ex; she knew him so, so well. “Elle doesn’t care about money,” he said.

“You’re right. She doesn’t. I’ve met Elle a few times, and she’s a lovely lady, but your deep-rooted insecurities and traditional Spanish upbringing still whisper to you that the man should be the breadwinner. That’s why you’re always so down in winter.” Florence tapped the table. “Just tell her that. She’s probably wondering why you’re so gloomy this time of year, and it’s best to be honest. Be honest about the smoking too. It will only improve your relationship, I promise.”

“Says the woman who’s dating a woman pretending to have a boyfriend.” Juan let out a sarcastic chuckle. “Who’s lying to who now? Because I think you’re lying to yourself, Flo.”

“I’m not lying to my—” Florence took in a quick breath and stopped herself when her phone lit up. It was her mother, asking why she hadn’t been over in so long. “Sorry, that was my mum.”

Juan laughed. “You thought it was Meghan, right? You’re suffering from a typical sad case of tourist infatuation.” He glanced down at his cigarettes and added, “But to be honest, I’m glad it was your mum. I wouldn’t mind having another one. How is your mother?”

“She’s good. Still ‘healing’.” Florence made quote marks in the air, which lingered when another message came in, this time from Meghan.

I’m sorry it’s so late. Kim wanted to play a game and it’s going on forever. I’ll make my way to your place soon, promise! Can’t wait to see you. Meghan xxx

“I know that look on your face,” Juan teased. “Tell her to come here so I can meet the woman who’s got you so twisted.”

“Not a chance.” Florence took a couple of notes out of her wallet and slipped them under the ashtray. “‘Hey, Meghan, come and meet my ex when you’re done with your pretend date’?” She chuckled. “I prefer a bit of normality after tonight. No offence to you,” she added and gave him a hug. “Thank you, my friend. Drinks on me and enjoy that cigarette.”

45

Meghan

“What have you two lovebirds been up to?” Kim asked as she set the table on the balcony of Andres’ apartment. “Any romantic trips? Dinners?”

“We’ve had a nice time,” Meghan said shiftily, leaning into Tiger when he put an arm around her.

“I took her to Benidorm Island,” Tiger chipped in. “I borrowed a boat from a friend, and Meghan got a little seasick on the way, didn’t you, Meg?”

“Yeah…” Meghan turned to him and forced a smile. “How did all of this roll off his tongue so easily? He called her ‘Meg’ like they were super close, and he clearly had no problem lying.

“Aww, bless. I didn’t know you got seasick,” Kim said.

Neither did I.

“We went on a cruise together a few years back and you were fine,” Kim continued.

Meghan shrugged as her mind was churning. “The sea was rough, and the boat was much smaller obviously, so I guess that made a big difference. But we still had fun.”

“I can’t tell you how delighted I am that it’s working out between you two. I just knew it, didn’t I, Andres?” Kim’s eyes widened in excitement as she put down place mats and glasses from the tray she’d brought over. “I told him I was convinced you’d fancy Tiger, and I was right.”

“She was right,” Andres said. “Kim is always right. That’s what she keeps telling me.”

Meghan let out a dry chuckle. The more elated Kim got, the worse Meghan felt. She was such a terrible friend and eager to talk about something else. She pointed to the apron Kim was wearing. “Since when are you a domestic goddess? I don’t think you ever cooked for me, but it actually smells really nice.”

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