Chapter 7

Sales today are slow. I stare at a full pot of paella, it has never been like this. In the first four hours of opening, my pot is usually half empty, and during rush hour, it’s empty, customers complaining as they wait.

But not today. Six hours in, and my pot is still full. I have never sold overnight paella since opening this restaurant. I’ll have to either give it all away or throw it out. It hurts my heart just thinking about it, so much food, so much money, going to waste.

The door chime rings, and hope fills my heart. I step out from behind the counter and stop. The most beautiful woman I have ever seen is standing there. Her hair is so golden it looks like the sun has followed her inside. A foreigner, she is stunning.

"Hi," she says, waving. My brain reminds me to invite her in, get her a seat. The narrow store is empty.

"Good afternoon," I smile back. "Welcome to La Rosa. Please, have a seat." I guide her to the best spot in the store, right by the window where the sunlight hits just right.

"I’ve heard so much about the food here," she sighs. "It’s so Spanish. I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I’ve had real Spanish food. Can I have your best dish?"

My heart leaps, she wants paella. "Yes, of course. I’ll serve it immediately."

I want her to fall in love with this paella so she’ll come back for more. Maybe she’ll even bring her friends.

I make her portion slightly cheaper and garnish it better than I would for anyone else.

She inhales as the steaming plate lands in front of her. "Oh my God, it smells incredible," her blue eyes glimmer. I can’t help smiling. My heart skips as she takes her first bite.

"What…" She dives in again, eating so fast it’s a miracle she doesn’t choke.

"Please eat slowly," I laugh, sliding a glass of water toward her.

"It’s just so good," her cheeks flush with happiness. "I’m telling my dad. I just found the best place for Spanish food," she grins. Her joy is infectious, and I smile back, feeling the weight on my shoulders lift.

"Why is it so empty here if your food tastes this good?" she asks, turning behind her.

I glance around, a little embarrassed. "I guess today’s unusual," I say. "It’s usually packed."

"Maybe it’s not rush hour yet," she says, giving me a reassuring nod, which I return.

A loud bang shatters the moment. I spin as three wolves step into the restaurant, each brandishing a bat.

Oh no. Not in front of a customer.

"Robert, why are you here?" I ask, hurrying to block their path and protect my guest.

"We just noticed you haven’t been paying your dues on this land," he says, shoving me aside. "You owe us a lot, this store’s been standing for nearly four years now. Markos, show her the bills."

I stare at his back in confusion. Why is Robert acting up in my store? And what the hell is he talking about? Markos steps forward, shoving a barely legible paper into my face. I snatch it, squinting, and make out the zeros.

"Are you insane? Who died and made you think you’re king of these lands?"

"Who died?" Robert laughs roughly. "Do you really want the answer to that?"

He sounds stupid, I hope he knows that.

"Yes," I cross my arms. "I want to know who told you you could run around making a fool of yourself in my shop. Are you insane? You’re being a nuisance. Can you leave?"

He laughs, showing off his broken teeth. Then, without warning, he slams his bat on the table, sending my customer’s food flying.

"Does it look like I’m joking? You better get my money, or you won’t believe what I do to your precious store."

I am so shocked, I don't even react. Robert and his gang storm out, leaving a mess behind. I turn to my guest, her food has smeared across her clothes.

"I am so sorry," I finally manage, rushing to grab wipes, dabbing at the stains. They look expensive too.

"That’s alright," she chuckles nervously. "I drove here, so I can just go home and change."

"Oh, I feel awful," I mutter, dipping my hand into my apron pocket. "Wait, let me cover your laundry bill."

"No, no, it’s fine. That was scary. Do you always get people like that here?" She glances toward the door.

"No," I answer quickly, firmly. "I’m sorry. That’s the first time anything like this has happened. It’s so unusual. I’ll handle it, I promise it won’t happen again." I hesitate, staring at her stained clothes. "I just… I hope you’ll keep coming back."

Her face lights up. "You don’t have to worry about that. I love your food. I’ll definitely be back."

Relief fills me, and I grin. "Thank you so much. As an apology, your meal is on the house."

"No, no, that’s okay," she says, reaching for her wallet. I gently push her hand away.

"Please," I insist. "You barely ate. How about I pack some for you so you can enjoy it at home?"

Her eyes widen. "Really? That would be amazing. Wait… do you do home delivery?"

Her face is so bright I almost nod without thinking. Home delivery would mean leaving the shop open with no help, but I can’t disappoint her.

"Sure," I say, smiling. "Call the shop, and I’ll bring your food wherever you want. Just for you, I’ll make an exception."

"My name’s Luciana," She drops a card in my hand. "I really enjoyed your food."