AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Hairs at the back of my neck stand up, too.
My first instinct is to think Ivan had something to do with this, but that notion is squashed just as fast. He won’t come for me. I’m nothing to him.
Yet I can’t shake the feeling while eating lunch out on my private deck or while sunbathing near a group of women near the resort’s main activity area. It’s also why I find myself heading toward the concierge service desk to ask them to search the surrounding areas around my villa.
“How can I help you today, Miss Ibarra?” the woman behind the desk asks, her smile so infectious and bright. But that’s everyone in the Dominican Republic you meet; they’re happy and full of so much life—a positive attitude. “Are you finally ready to book a tour out to—”
“No, but I do need help with something.”
“Of course. What can we do to make your stay more enjoyable?”
“I feel like I’m being watched.” The smile falls from her face at that, but there’s also a bout of nervousness that makes no sense. “Could you please have someone check the surrounding areas of my villa? Just as a precaution?”
“Of course, ma’am. I’ll send security out there now, and again later tonight.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
“It’s our pleasure. We want you to feel safe and happy during your stay with us.” She taps a few keys on her computer, filling something out before giving me another warm smile. “I’ve just sent an alert to the head of security for us. He should be answering soon and will take care of it.”
“Perfect.”
“Are you heading back to your accommodations, or joining us for dinner this evening?”
“To be honest, I was thinking of going back.”
“I insist that you don’t, miss. Not until we get the all-clear from security.”
“Okay.” My stomach rumbles then and I laugh; since arriving here, this one isn’t forced. “Which restaurant do you recommend? And I want authentic. Not something touristy.”
“Lolo’s is out on the pier and above the water. They serve the real deal, home cooking that our country is known for. Trust me, it’s delicious.”
“Sold. Do I need a reservation?”
“No. I’ll take care of it.” Glancing at my clothes, I grimace a bit. I’m in a simple tie-dye dress in different shades of yellow. “Will this be okay, or do I need to change? I didn’t plan on going anywhere tonight.”
“It’s a casual setting. You’ll have no problem with it.” The woman grabs a walkie-talkie and sends out a quick call for a golf cart transport. Their response is quick, and the young man assures her it’ll be less than five minutes before he arrives. “You’re all set. I put the table under your last name, and the hostess knows to expect you shortly. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“Not that I can think of.”
“Great.” Another mega-watt smile. “I’m glad I could be of assistance. If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
“Wow,” is all I can say, dropping my fork down after the final bite of the cinco leches dessert that’s knocked me on my proverbial butt. It’s sweet and a bit creamy with just the right amount of cake. “I’m in love with this.”
But then again, everything about this place is amazing. Designed to make you feel as though you’re out on the water, the entire restaurant is an open concept with nature providing the biggest draw. We’re on the water with the late evening sky surrounding us while you can hear the water splashing against the pillars holding the place above the warm waters below.
From the waitstaff to the food, it’s been an experience.
“We’re glad you enjoyed the food, miss.”
“Delicioso. Everything was amazing,” I tell the waitress after she delivers my coffee and takes away my now-empty plate. “I’ll have another of that to go or I’ll be thinking about it all night.”
She throws her head back and laughs. “You’re not the first to request it. I’ll get right on that…they’ll be something extra too. You have to try the coconut dessert.”
“Thank you.”
