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  “I want you to do it.” She actually sounds serious.

  My body goes still as I reply to what she just said. “Me? Grace, I...” It feels like a stone has settled into my stomach and a hand has gripped my throat. “I don’t…”

  “Marina, it’s time. You’ve put in the work. You should head your own project. And this is perfect for you.”

  “I need more time. Grace, I can’t just take over…”

  “Don’t be silly. You absolutely can. You’re the best assistant producer I’ve ever worked with. You’re better than I was at your age. You’re more than ready for this. Face it, you’ve taken the lead on this project since the start since I’ve been slowing down with this bundle of joy.”

  I feel panic grip my throat and tighten across my chest. “Grace…”

  “I won’t take no for an answer, Marina. You know what to do, and we both know you can do it.”

  “But—”

  “We’re pulling in to the hospital now. I’ll call you later.” She hangs up without waiting for my reply, leaving me with no choice.

  The idea settles into my brain and I start to imagine stepping into her shoes. Marina Trovato, Producer. It’s the job I have dreamed of since forever. But it’s too soon, right? I have to pay my dues and learn the ropes for a few more years, don’t I?

  Grace certainly doesn’t seem to think so.

  But then again… maybe she’s right. Maybe it is time for me to take a step up the ladder. Lord knows that working on this project is more than a dream for me. Because Paolo Perso is more than just some celebrity chef… he’s the hottest thing on the Eating Channel, and one of the top chefs in the world right now. His social media is like a travelogue of the world’s most beautiful destinations, full of picturesque scenes and amazing local cuisine. His first restaurant in Los Angeles has a waiting list for weeks to get in, and, well, he also happens to be notoriously single and drop-dead gorgeous. He’s a serious professional, dedicated to his craft and his success like few others.

  To say I’ve been an admirer of his would be an understatement. I have followed his career for years. Hell, he’s the reason I work at the Eating Channel, which is the perfect marriage between my own love of food and cooking and television production.

  I decide that Grace is right. I have earned the opportunity to prove myself, and what better project could there be for me than working directly with Paolo Perso, shooting a series of cooking shows from his villa on his private island? I feel a smile spread across my face as my shoulders relax and the decision settles into my body. This is a fantastic opportunity, and I am going to take it with both hands.

  I look up through the roof of the car, imagining my Nana smiling down at me. She’s the one who taught me that cooking is as much about the creating as it is about the eating. “Nana, if you’re listening, I want you to send me all the good vibes for success. I will make you proud.” I kiss my fingers and blow it to her as the excitement takes hold.

  My phone chimes and I see it’s Luther, Grace’s administrative assistant. When I answer I can tell he’s already spoken to Grace, and perhaps had more time than I have to prepare. “Hi Luther. How are you?”

  “Hey Marina. Doing great here. Not at all jealous that I can’t join you all for this one. I’ve always dreamed of visiting Paolo’s private island. Everyone says he’s such a fantastic host, and the food… girl, I am green with envy.”

  I can’t help but smile. Luther’s right. I’ve gotten so caught up in my new job to think about the rest of the fantastic things that come with it. “It definitely won’t suck, that’s for sure.”

  “Don’t. I don’t want to think of it!” He sighs dramatically. “All right. You’re all set on a flight leaving tomorrow morning at six-thirty. You depart out of the Municipal Airport. Paolo’s sending his private plane for you. I’m emailing your itinerary right now.”

  “Awesome. Thanks.”

  “Malcolm and Karina arrive tomorrow night. They are bringing all the gear with them, so you don’t have to worry about any of that. You’ll have the day to yourself with Paolo and his team, scope out the house and the kitchens, figure out your plans.”

  “Sounds good,” I say, taking it all in.

  “I haven’t been able to confirm with Paolo’s people, but last time we talked they said you should be good to start shooting the following morning. You’ll have the week to get the five shows filmed.”

  “The week? I thought it would only be three days?”

  “It was. But with Grace going in early, we decided to push the local art gallery documentary shoot over to Stan’s team. That frees us up until next weekend.”

  It still shouldn’t take that long to get the programs recorded. When we’re in studio we can film three hour-long shows in a day. The plan was to do two per day at Paolo’s to accommodate the five hours in the three-day window. I see no reason to deviate from that now.

  I finish up all the details with Luther and realize I don’t need to go into the office after all. I turn off the car and sit behind the wheel, imagining my first job as producer for my own program.

  Part of me can’t believe it. But the other part of me knows that Grace is right. I’ve worked really hard to get here. I have earned this chance. This is it. I am determined to make these shows run so smoothly nobody has any reason to doubt me. I get out of my car and head back to my apartment, wondering what I should pack for my new gig.

  What attire says professional woman on a private island?

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  Daria Blake writes sweet and sexy stories about imperfect heroes and heroines who fight against the odds and always find their one true love.

  Daria is the contemporary romance side of USA Today Bestselling paranormal romance author Fiona Starr. Just like her alter ego, Daria lives her happily ever after in Rocky Mountain High, Colorado with her hunky husband, their four kids, and a fleet of fur babies.

  She can be lured away by a really great love story, the perfect scone, and a pot of tea!

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