Chapter 21

“So, Debora tell me a lit-” Felipe was interrupted.

“Uhm-uhh.”Layla made a sound while giving him a meaningful look.

“Sorry dear, us. Tell us a little more about yourself.”

“I…I’m Debora Jones. I am 45. I used to run my own a little café downtown. unfortunately I have lost the café to the debt collector, but I am a really good cook. Some of my regulars still call to order my food or pastry. I’ve brought you a little something to see for yourself.” She said with a bright smile, taking off the lid of a plastic Tupperware.

“That’s not really necessary for now.” Felipe said, grabbing Layla’s hand who was reaching for the pie.

“Oh baby, of course it is. She’ll be cooking for us. How can you hire a cook without tasting the food.” Layla said pulling her hand out of his and grabbing the container out of Debora’s hand. “Thank you.”

Felipe gave her a scolding look, then turned to Debora, “Mrs. Jones, you do realize you won’t only be a cook in this house you’d hav-”

“Tis is amazing.” Layla declared with a mouth full of pie. She saw the disgusted look Felipe was giving her and put down the rest of the pie.

“As I was saying, you’d also be in charge of cleaning the house, laundry, and other house chores. Of course if there would be an event or need, we would get you extra help, but normally you’d be the only maid in the house.” Felipe said.

“I understand Mr. Calles, it won’t be a problem for me. Also I’m miss Jones, but please call me Debora.” Debora said with a shy smile.

“I say we hire her, I like Debbi. You don’t mind if I call you Debbi?” Layla said with a wide smile.

“Of course not honey.” Debora said.

“I do.” Felipe said giving her a side look.

“No problem babe, I just won’t call you Debbi.” Layla said with a overly sweet tone.

Hector intervened, “I personally guarantee miss Jones, I used to visit her café whenever I was in town. Even on the days when the waiters didn't show up she managed to provide amazing service to all the costumers.”

“You are too kind Mr. Ramos.” Debora said with a hint of blush on her cheeks.

“I have one last question.” Felipe said narrowing his eyes at her. “You used to own a café, and apparently are a wonderful cook, why would you take a job like this? It’s obviously a step down from working in a restaurant or someone else’s café.”

“You are right sir, it might seem that way, but as I said I made some bad choices. I lost my café, my house and all my money. As I understand this job comes with living arrangements, and pays much more than anything I have found so far. And to be frank sir, I prefer to work here and get paid pennies but be safe from the dangers I put myself in with my bad choices.” Debora said.

Layla could see her eyes were getting watery. “Oh well, it seems my love wants to have some time to think, why don’t I show you around while he does that.” She jumped up and grabbed Debora’s arm.

“I can just wait outside Mrs. Calles. I don't want to cause you any trouble.” Debora said while Layla was pulling her up.

“Nonsense. I need to get used to the house too, after all I too am new here.” Layla said, then faced Felipe, “we’ll be around baby, oh and if you don't hire her I’ll leave you.”

Felipe and Hector were staring at them.

“Jk guys. Jk. But seriously hire her, or I’ll leave. See you around.” She yelled out the last parts as she was getting further away from the kitchen.

Felipe and Hector shared a look.

“She is going to be the end of us.” Felipe said carefully pushing away the container that now had pie fillings all over it.