Paradise Bound

Chapter 34

I'm standing in the dressing room. Kayla has just said she has some big news.

"Tessa? Did you hear me?"

"Oh.... Yeah, sorry. What's the news?"

"Okay, my friend at work Sarah, her father is the manager of the Pendry Hotel.... You know that impressive five star hotel?"

"Eh... Yes Kayla of course I know it.... What has that got to do with anything?"

"Well, he happens to be retiring in about 5/6 months time and he's on the hunt for a new hotel manager."

I'm trying to take all of Kayla's words in but I'm a little confused as to why she's telling me all of this.

"Okay.... What has that got to do with me?"

"Jesus, I thought you were the smart one of the two of us..... I told my friend that I knew someone who would be perfect for the position.... You!"

My eyes widen as I stare back at my reflection in the mirror in front of me.

"Tessa?"

"Uh..... But, I don't know Kayla."

"What is there to know? This is an incredible opportunity for you. He has agreed to do an interview through a video call with you but Sarah has already talked you up alot.... Thanks to me. At least you might not be jobless when you come back!"

I'm in shock. I can't even process what is happening right now. I know I should be over the moon and I would be.... If I wasn't crazy in love with Isaac.... The truth is I don't want to leave him, to leave here, but, what if he never asks me to stay or tells me that he wants me to stay?

"I understand this is probably a lot to take in but I thought you would be happy Tessa?"

I realize I'm probably acting completely out of character right now, I'm sure Kayla is confused by my lack of enthusiasm for this incredible job opportunity.

"No.... Yeah, I mean it's an amazing job offer.... I guess I just hadn't really thought about what would happen when my time is up here."

"Awh I know, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pressure you or anything. I just thought it might help."

"I know that and thank you so much for always looking out for me. I really appreciate it."

"Anytime Tessa, that's what best friends are for."

I feel a wave of guilt wash over me as Kayla says those words. I want to tell her how I feel about Isaac and how I have been even considered staying over here and possibly building a life with him.... But I can't, at least not until I know if Isaac even wants that too.

"I better go Kayla, I'm actually in a dressing room at the moment."

"Ooh... Shopping. I like the sounds of that. Well enjoy and I'll let you know when John from Pendry will be ringing you."

"Oh... Yeah. Okay.... Thanks Kayla."

"Bye, bye."

Kayla hangs up the phone and I quickly shove it back into my bag. I slip off the beautiful dress and put my own clothes back on.

I grab the dress and my bag and make my way out to the girls.

Mia comes straight over to me.

"Is everything okay Tessa?"

"Yeah, it's fine. It was just my best friend Kayla back in San Diego."

"Ah I see. I bet she misses you?"

"Yeah, you could say that. Anyway, how is everything going out here?"

"Great, everyone has agreed to this dress so at least that's done and my dress will be here next week for me to try on and they'll know what alterations have to be done."