Chapter 7.

“I would prefer working from home for now.” She told Sia through the phone. Ever since they came home from Barcelona, Alejandro had gone back to his bipolar self but it didn't bother Zoëlla that much because she expected it.

“Okay, that would be no problem... I'd explain it to Miguel and his parents, they'd understand,” Sia assured.

Zoëlla was not from a poor family at all. Her parents and two siblings had died in a fire outbreak. She escaped this because she had travelled to see her Abuelo and Abuela. 

On her return, she met the demise of her once loving and caring family. She had to go and stay with her grandparents who adored her. They were against her leaving home to start life afresh, but as stubborn as she is, she still decided to leave and experience life.

Her grandad was angry when he learnt his precious jewel was a maid to someone else. He just wanted her home where she belonged.

 She convinced him she'd be home when she had achieved what she wanted.

“Thanks, Sia, you're a lifesaver.”  She added.

“Anything for my best friend,” Sia added as they continued with random conversations.

“You must be the new house help sent in by the agency?” Zendaya asked as she talked to the young lady starring at her.

“Si ma'am,” Carlotta answered as Zendaya ushered her inside. She showed her the room in which she'd be staying.

No mala ( Not bad). Carlotta thought to herself.

“Thanks, ma'am.” She said to Zendaya.

“It's fine, unpack your stuff and then meet me in the kitchen we've got a whole lot to do,” Zendaya added as she left the room.

“Not even a 'take the day off you'd resume tomorrow.'” Carlotta said inaudibly as she arranged her stuff in the room. She took her time to unpack knowing that there was a load of things to do in the house.

“Ma'am, I'm done.” She said as she entered the parlour to see Zendaya relaxed watching television.

“What took you so long?” She harshly said.

“Anyways, Sígueme ( Follow me).” She said without giving room for Carlotta to explain herself.

~

“Alejandro, qué agradable sorpresa ( What a nice surprise),” Miguel added as he offered his friend a seat.

“Graçias Miguel,” Ale said as he sat down.

“I hope business is going well?” Miguel inquired as his secretary brought them coffee.

“Business is booming, anyways a little birdie told me you're getting hitched soon to your personal assistant who was once your maid.” He added as he sipped his coffee.

“Well, that birdie wasn't wrong at all, I am getting hitched, and I'm glad I met her,” Miguel added rolling his eyes at his friend.

“¿No está Ella por debajo de tu clase? ( Isn't she way below your class?)” Alejandro asked.

“Love knows no boundaries, it knows no class it's just pure and wonderful. If you find love wheresoever, no matter her status fight for it and in the end you'd never regret it.” He advised his friend.

“Okay, Mr.lover boy but I haven't found love yet and if I do, It would definitely take your advice.” He smiled at his friend.

“You know you're going to be the el Padrino de Boda,” Miguel added.

“But you know I loathe weddings man,” Ale added.

“The more reason you're going to be the el Padrino de Boda.” Miguel laughed at the expression on his friend's face.

“I need to get back to the office, it was nice catching up with you Miguel. We'd talk more Felicidades.” Alejandro added as he walked out of the office.

Miguel was right. He shouldn't base his love on status or class. After all, he had enough to take care of the woman he'd choose to marry despite her class or wealth. Alejandro thought to himself as he sat in his car and drove home.

There was nothing urgent that needed his presence in the office.

~~

Zoëlla sat at the poolside working on her laptop. Sia had gotten her the job as she had promised.

She didn't notice that Alejandro stood behind her reading from her shoulder.

“Excellent work.” He said startling her.

“Relájese Zoëlla, but I never knew you had such qualifications.” He said sitting beside her.

“Because you always assumed I was just a maid with no educational qualification so played along with it.” She added saving the work before sending it to Sia.

“If so, how come you're not working in a company with such good skills?” He asked.

“I used to work as the Managing director of Zealots and Co but I got fired for no reason and then with the help of Zendaya, I found myself here.” She told.

“What Estúpido here would fire competent personnel like you. Just a peek at your work and I can see your good at your job.” He said impressed.

“Graçias Ale.” She smiled.

“How about you help me work on some work files from home and double your paycheck.” He convinced.

“I'm already working for Sia.” She said.

“But I can also work on your files for you, it's no Vaya Cosa,” Zoëlla added.

“Are you sure you won't be stressed?” He asked concerned.

“I'd be fine...It won't be a big deal because I'd be working from home, so worry not my dear one.” She teased.

“Tienes hambre? (Are you hungry?)” She asked shutting down the laptop.

“Yeah, I'm craving for some Mac and Cheese.” He added losing his tie as he climbed upstairs to freshen up.

Zoëlla hurried to the kitchen to prepare dinner for her hungry boss. She cooked the macaroni according to the package directions and then drained it.

In a saucepan, She melted butter or margarine over medium heat.

And stirred in enough flour to make a roux. Add milk to roux slowly, stirring constantly. She stirred in cheeses, and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is a little thick. Put macaroni in a large casserole dish, and pour the sauce over macaroni. Stir well.

After that, she melted butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and brown. Spread over the macaroni and cheese to cover. Sprinkle with a little paprika.

She baked at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes.

After she was done, she served her boss a plate as she set the table for her boss.

“Join me Zoëlla and no excuses,” Alejandro said as she was about leaving.

She set the laptop on the counter and then served herself and sat beside Alejandro as they talked about random stuff.

“You look quite exhausted.” Alejandro teased as he saw Zoëlla's red eyes.

“I am after was done with Sia's work, I had to go over the files you gave me and then corrected some mistakes from them before I did the work you wanted me to do on them,” Zoëlla explained as Alejandro stared at her lovingly.

“I'm sorry, you had to go through that stress.” He apologised.

“It's fine Ale, ” Zoëlla smiled showing her dimples.

“Okay, if you say so.” She added as he packed the plates.

“ Ale, let me do it, I can handle carrying a few plates, besides it's my job." Zoëlla insisted.

“No, just sit there and rest while I do the dishes just for today,”  Alejandro added as he did the dishes.

Zoëlla wasn't answering the question he asked her earlier on. He dried the last plate and then went on to check on her. She had fallen asleep in her seat. He smirked as he carried her bridal style to her room. He put her to sleep and then came back of her laptop and phone then kept it on her nightstand.

“Buenas Noches Hermosa,” Alejandro whispered as he shut the door behind him and walked off to his room.