Chapter 7.

"My head hurts". I said rubbing my throbbing head. I still reeked of alcohol and had a massive hangover. I tried to recall the memories of the previous night and then, it all came dashing back.

Peter got the drinks and plates of fried Chicken and set them on the table. He opened a bottle and poured me a shot. Gosh, I drank like a pig. I remember him trying to make a move on me. The memory was quite blurry but... "Oh no!. I smashed a bottle on his head?". I couldn't believe it. I had never been so irresponsible before. It was lowly of me. And smashing a bottle on a man's head? I guess he deserved it since he was trying to take advantage of a drunken woman.

I was jerked up by the sudden sound of a knock on the door. I got up to open it and it was the hotel manager. My heart skipped. "Good morning, Chef Diana. May I come in please? I would like to have a word with you".

"Oh sure..um. Come in please". I said hesitantly as Treasure walked into the kitchen. He held a package in his hands. I assumed it was mine. I couldn't believe I forgot about it. Can't blame myself.

"Yesterday, Mr. Peter Phillips was badly injured, thanks to you.." He started.

"I know, I'm sorry but...

"No, I mean thanks to you. Mr. Phillips was a Dog abductor. One could easily get swayed by his good looks but our security cameras caught him trying to steal your dog. You were drunk at that time so it would be difficult to remember any of this. He tried to snatch Treasure but you smashed a bottle on his head and he passed out. We called the police later and it turns out he's been in and out of jail 5 times for such petty crimes.

I was horrified. Nothing else mattered to me but the thought of my friend, my puppy, someone I cherished like my child, being abducted. It frightened me. And it was all my fault.

"On behalf of GENESIS, I want to render my heartfelt apology to you, for putting you and your puppy in danger. We're Sorry for not looking into the personal data of a resident of the hotel. Please accept our most sincere apologies.

'It's my fault. I was intoxicated and careless. I endangered my puppy'. I thought to myself.

"It's okay Sir. As long as it's been dealt with. No worries".

"Thank you very much, Chef. Oh that reminds me, this package came for you".

"Thanks". I replied as he handed it over to me.

"I'll be off now. I'll send a basket of gifts and flowers to you. Goodbye". He said and closed the door behind him.

I turned and saw Treasure stretching at a corner. I couldn't believe I almost lost her. I walked up to her and carried her. "Hey, baby. I'm so sorry about yesterday. You know I'm not like that mama.

She wagged her tail and licked my face.

"Well, I'll take it that you have accepted my apology". We're not going anywhere today. It's just gonna be you and me.....

The doorbell rang and I ran to open the door. I screamed in surprise. "Surprise!". Fernando and Roberto screamed.

I hugged them both. "It feels so good to have you guys here". I grinned. "Happy to be here. We would have been here sooner but Roberto got distracted by girls in bikinis by the beach side. He went there to talk to them. He got all their numbers, can you believe it?". Fernando stated walking into the room.

"What can I say? It's the Roberto charm". Roberto stated proudly. "So...we'll only be staying for two days and we're gonna make sure that you enjoy those two days of your.....

"Guys? I'm not going out today. I almost lost Treasure yesterday. Long story...but I wanna dedicate this day to her. Could we stay indoors today? There's lots of space in here"

"I have so many questions but let's not ruin the fun today. We'll stay in".

"Good now let the fun begin". I cheered.

It was really fun. We baked, cooked, and ate our fill. All the while, listening to music. Treasure could barely get up. Roberto slept, and Fernando looked like he was going to throw up. I giggled at the sight. I didn't eat as much as they did. But seeing them as filled as they were, made me glad.

When they had all slept, I took a seat and looked over the files. I hadn't expected the restaurant in Spain to also send a report. It was more of an eye-opener. I wondered what the rest of the restaurants had to report. I had lots of work to do in Spain and here I was, in Wrightwood, getting steamy with a man.

A major pointer in Spain was the need for expansion. Queues were piling up daily and the menu there needed adjustments and upgrades. We also needed to host a major Spanish event soon.

Lots of work needed to be done in Canada too. It wasn't going to be easy there either. I was trying to give my best to four restaurants and build a new one, at the same time. I conceded that I had to wrap up things here in Wrightwood as soon as possible. But how do I do that when the owner of the land wants to have sex with me?.