I laugh. “Not that kind of band. We’re starting a heavy metal band, andyouare going to be the lead singer.”
Fernanda stares at me for a long moment, blinking like she’s deciding if I am serious. Then she shrugs and says, “Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Yeah. All right. I’ll sing in your band.”
“Well, first we have to find drums and bass. I got guitar covered.”
“Chido,” is all she says and heads back to work.
* * *
The spring breakersare slowly starting to trickle into the city, and I’m excited about the extra business.
I sank most of my savings into a down payment for the house. Luckily, business is great since Elena’s restaurant is in a great location with ocean views. Otherwise, we’d never be able to afford the prices in this neighborhood now.
I didn’t realize, when I was growing up, that Mom used to send her money to Elena, to help her set up this business. Elena is thrilled for me to take over when she decides to retire. In her mind, it’s all a perfect circle.
I’m behind the bar, mixing a drink for a customer, when I hear a voice I haven’t heard in months.
“Hi, Lo,” he says, and my shoulder blades instantly tighten.
I spin on my heel to confirm the voice belongs to him, and it’s not my imagination.
33
LOLA
“Ethan?”
Ethan grins wide at me. “Hi, Lo. How are you?”
My brows pinch together as I remember our last conversation at the grocery store. “Busy,” I say and keep mixing drinks.
“Come on, Lo. Don’t be like that. We were friends once. Remember that?”
I turn around to face him again. “Yeah. I remember that, Ethan,” I hiss. “That friendship died when you decided to cheat on me and then lie about it.”
No doubt seeing murder on my face, Fernanda joins me behind the bar. “Who’s this?” she asks.
“Ethan,” I say.
Fernanda knows all about Ethan, and she raises a brow at him, her hand going to her hip. “What do you want?” she asks him in a tone so cold, it’s clear he’s unwelcome, but Ethan keeps looking only at me.
“To talk to Lola. And apologize. I owe you that much, don’t you think? Please, Lo?” he pleads and throws me those signature puppy eyes of his. “Just give me five minutes.”
I roll my eyes and hand Fernanda themicheladaI just made. “Take this to table seven? Then take over? I’m taking five.”
“You got it, boss,” she says.
“For the millionth time, I’m not your boss,” I call after her, and she throws me a wave as she walks away.
“Come on,” I say to the jerk in front of me. I don’t want anyone to hear our conversation. I toe off my shoes and let them dangle from my fingers as we walk down the beach.
I snort.
“What?” Ethan asks.