Irene gathered the drinks and then carried the big tray to the kitchen to load up.  The cook jabbered at her, telling her she was pale and that she needed to eat more.  Irene rolled her eyes, but accepted the cucumbers and tomatoes in a bowl the woman thrust at her.  Pico de gallo and salt and the plates with juicy steaks and Irene was unsure of her ability to make the trek up the stairs.<br/><br/>The cook put the tray into her hands, gave her a pat to the bottom, and somewhere in the woman's words, Irene heard "bonita."  Did the woman call her pretty?  Maybe she'd been wrong about the cook.  "Muchas gracias, senora.  It's beautiful..."  Irene smiled at the woman and then headed back up to her room.<br/><br/>===>Irene's Room