Claiming Carlos (Sanchez Sisters) by Ayala Rachelle

Author:Ayala, Rachelle
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: contemporary romance, family relationships, steamy romance, sexy romance, asian american, alpha males, foodie romance, filipino cuisine, filipino dating, filipino americans
Publisher: Rachelle Ayala

Chapter 24

Carlos kissed his mother at the airport with Julia at his side. “We’re going to miss you.”

“I’m so happy for the two of you.” Tita Gloria wiped tears from her eyes. “Once I’ve gathered all the sponsors, we can put the money down for the church.”

“Take your time,” Carlos said. “There’s no hurry. Julia and I wish for a long engagement.”

“Ah, but that is a temptation from the devil.” Gloria shook her finger at them. “I will raise the money to put the deposit down. You, boy, better get her a proper ring.”

“Tita, you’re the best.” Julia exchanged kisses with his mother. “But seriously, don’t stress yourself. I don’t need a ring. Having Carlos as my fiancé is a dream come true. Now hurry so you don’t miss your flight.”

“Ma, we’re blocking the security line. We have to go.” Carlos took Julia’s hand and waved goodbye.

“One more kiss.” Ma plunged herself against him. “My eldest boy is getting married to such a perfect girl.”

The guards had tiny smiles on their faces. They were Filipino and understood exactly what was going on.

“Ma, we have to go.” Carlos dragged Julia from his mother’s side.

A guard guided her to the line. “Ma’am, please step forward. You don’t want to miss your flight.”

The plan was set in place. Carlos and Julia would announce their wedding date, and his mother would go home to spread the news and make preparations. Meanwhile, their mutual friends would post all over social networking so that Steve would see the pictures, take a leave and claim his bride.

After that, Carlos would be free to convince Choco she’d made a big mistake with Johnny Dee.

# # #

Later that afternoon, Carlos was stuck in a meeting in Mr. Sánchez’s office with Johnny and Miranda, the Evil Dees.

“We’re supposed to transition to the new menu,” Rey said. “Why are you still cooking special orders for the customers?”

“Because they’re our customers,” Carlos said. “Didn’t you always say the customer’s always right?”

“They’re the old customers.” Johnny leaned forward like he owned the place. A whiff of metallic cologne exuded from his shiny forehead. “We’ll never attract the type of clientele we’re aiming for if we continue to serve that unhealthy fried stuff.”

“How do you suggest keeping the restaurant open if we don’t give the existing customers what they want?” Carlos challenged him. “Mr. Sánchez, we need cash flow, right?”

“Actually,” he said, standing up. “Miranda has lined up investors. She suggests we shut down Barrio XO completely. Having a halfway place will damage our future branding and dilute the need for Manila Cloud.”

“Shut down?” Carlos sank into his seat. “How long?”

“Sell this location. We can get a pretty penny with the revitalization of the East Village, then look to buy a larger property in a more upscale location.”

“But, when? Are we going to lose our jobs?”

“Unfortunately yes. I can give you six weeks’ severance. That would be very generous, but I can’t give anyone else more than two weeks.”

“Why? Why are you doing this?” Pain shot through Carlos’s chest and twisted his gut.

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