Page 51 of A Taste of Paradise

Out of her periphery, she could feel his gaze on her face, as the leaves of palm trees overhead cast shadows upon them both. They passed the short trip in idle conversation and she was surprised to discover that she and Mack had a lot more in common than a love of rock climbing.

They were both raised by single parents. He by his mother and she, her dad. They’d both also spent time in the corporate world, though Mack had deviated from Wall Street life to start his own eco-tourism business, thanks to some carefully chosen venture capitalist funding. And it seemed they were also both self-professed ‘foodies’. Which Erin was guessing might work in her favour this evening.

‘Here we are,’ she sang as she parked in front of a wooden structure painted in vibrant lime green and pink, with its trim in yellow, which, when taken all together put her in mind of a watermelon.

‘This is a restaurant?’ Mack said dubiously. ‘Looks like a house.’

‘It is – Tanzie’s house,’ she told him. ‘She lives in the front part of the building and serves customers out back. It’s quite the set-up.’

The house was bordered by a makeshift ‘picket fence’ comprising a row of grey-shorn palm trunks that led to two concrete steps, and up to a highly trafficked deck by the evidence of scuff marks along the landing.

The deck itself was adorned with several tables scattered about, each with a different coloured floral tablecloth. All of the furniture was a dark wood, probably mahogany, Erin figured. The interior was likewise decorated with the same haphazard tables and chairs set up, and on this evening, that was where most of the activity was.

A chorus of voices wafted from inside, all tuned with the same local dialect.

Leading them to an outside table at the far end, Erin was enveloped by the delicious and spicy scents issuing from within.

‘This is the best view on the island,’ she said as she sat down and he took a seat directly across from her.

‘Why do you say that?’ he asked.

‘Because of that,’ Erin indicated, turning around to look at a space between the trees, which acted almost like a private window frame, revealing a perfect view of Anse Chastanet Beach and the surrounding bay.

The late evening sunlight sparkled like a thousand shards of glass atop the deep turquoise water. Boats were coming back in, mostly yachts but there was a smattering of smaller vessels as well. At sunset in particular, it was a breathtaking vista, and she figured a keen photographer like Mack would appreciate it.

When she turned back around, she found him staring, but not at the view.

‘What?’ she asked, a little uncomfortable under his intense blue gaze.

‘You,’ he started, still looking at her with that intensity. ‘The trees behind you make a sort of frame,’ he continued. ‘You look like a painting.’

‘It’s the beauty of this place,’ she replied.

‘Not only the place,’ he countered and Erin gulped a little, but thankfully the moment was interrupted.

‘Back already, sweetheart?’ a rotund woman called out. Sturdily built, her accent was thick and her tone bold, but the broad smile on her face was welcoming. She looked at Erin. ‘And I see you brought a friend this time,’ she commented.

‘I did. Meet Mack. Mack, this is the famous Tanzie.’

‘Would you like a menu?’ she asked, turning her gaze on him. ‘Or are you like the lady here and happy to let me surprise you,’ she chortled, but Erin knew it was a challenge. He looked at her for help but she merely shrugged her shoulders.

‘OK then, surprise me,’ Mack replied and Erin smiled inwardly. Precisely what she’d hoped he’d say.

While her own amusement remained internal, Tanzie allowed hers to escape. It was infectious, and she clapped her hands in satisfaction.

‘I’m going to bless your heart and your belly. You just wait,’ she added before turning on her heel.

‘She’s quite the character,’ Mack mused as a younger woman came to fill their glasses with water and take their drinks order.

‘That she is,’ Erin replied ordering an orange juice and he did the same.

‘So how did you find this place?’ he mused, still watching her. ‘Since you’re so new to the island.’

‘Nadine, the concierge, told me about it. She told me about a lot of great places here that aren’t on the brochure.’ Erin smiled, her gaze briefly dancing to his face and then away again. ‘And as much as Grant would probably like me to, I don’t work twenty-four hours a day at the hotel.’

‘So what other hidden gems did your Palms colleagues tell you about?’ he asked, leaning in slightly. His blue eyes were so compelling that she couldn’t help staring.

‘A few. But I won’t spoil it,’ she answered, sipping her water.