“Yes, it was actually. I think the whole team enjoyed it.”
“Well, I’m sure David did. After all, Sabrina was there.”
“Sabrina? Who’s that,” asked Miguel.
David laughed.
“Go on, tell them about your witch,” Laura chided.
“Women!” said David, shaking his head. “Pay no attention to her, Miguel. We’d better hurry or we’ll lose sight of the girls. Let the women dawdle, if they must.”
As the two friends rounded a corner, they saw a man bending over to talk to the girls. David frowned, quickened his pace and called out to Vanessa. She turned round and beckoned to her father. The man straightened and cleared his throat awkwardly.
He looked harmless enough, thought David. Perfectly ordinary, in fact: medium height, medium weight, brown hair and brown eyes. Still, you never knew. He’d have a word with Vanessa later. She knew better than to talk to strangers. David and Miguel looked enquiringly at the stranger.
“Look who’s here, pai. It’s Luisa’s dad,” Vanessa said excitedly. “We found him all by ourselves, didn’t we, Mariana?”
“Yes, we did,” Mariana replied proudly.
“My daughter is in the same class as your girls,” he said by way of explanation.
“Oh, I see. I’m sorry, my name’s David. I’m Vanessa’s dad,” said David, holding out his hand. “And this is Miguel, Mariana’s father.”
The men shook hands.
“Hello, Filipe,” said Sara, coming up behind them.
“Sara, how are you?”
“Oh, you already know each other?” asked Miguel.
“Yes,” said Sara, without missing a beat. “We usually run into each other at school events.”
“I see. Where is your little girl? Is he here, too?” asked Miguel.
“No, she isn’t,” piped up Mariana. “She’s with her mum this weekend.”
“Yes, it’s such a pity,” added Vanessa, “otherwise we could all play together.”
“Well, I have to go now. Nice meeting you,” he mumbled, eyes downcast as he hurried away.
“Timid sort of fellow, isn’t he?” asked Miguel. “And what’s up with you, Laura? You’re blushing like a school girl. Don’t tell me you have a crush on the man!”
“Don’t be daft,” said Laura, avoiding his eyes. “I barely know him.”
“Well, that was excruciating!” hissed Laura as David and Miguel helped the girls climb the steep stone steps that led to the ramparts.
Sara jabbed her in the ribs with her elbow. “Shh!” she said under her breath. “Save it for later.”
They made their way along the narrow walkway, hugging the stone parapet to avoid the sheer drop on their left. The men held onto their daughters as they leaned over the crenels to peer between the merlons. The bucolic scenery spread as far as the eye could see.
The wind whipped through the girls’ long hair, making it dance around like Inflatable Wacky Waving Tube Men. They pointed at each other and giggled in delight.
“Guys!” Sara called out. “It’s getting a bit nippy up here. I don’t think we should walk the perimeter after all.”
“I agree,” answered David, clutching Vanessa’s hand tightly as they made their way along the battlements.
“Daddy, can we visit the castle? I’ve never been inside.”
“Well, the castle has been converted into a boutique hotel, so we can’t visit everything. But we can go and have something to drink.”
“Good idea! Laura endorsed the plan. “I could do with a ginja.”
“Not for me,” said Miguel. “I don’t like cherry liqueur, even if it is a local specialty.”
The girls dashed through the curved archway with its heavy green door, and into the secluded castle courtyard. Their parents followed at a more sedate pace.
“Come on, come on,” shouted Vanessa impatiently. “I want to see the princess’s bedroom!” She held her arm out, pointing at the palace whose white-washed walls contrasted with the bush hammered marble of the ornate lintel and moulding that adorned the windows and doorways.
David laughed. “I don’t know about that, but Miguel and I will go in with you and have a look round.”
“Let’s have our beers inside where we can supervise them. We don’t want them running amok and annoying the guests.”
“Laura and I will have our drinks out on the terrace and enjoy the sunshine,” replied Sara.
“Okay, that way we’ll cover all our bases,” grinned David.
As soon as the others were out of earshot, Laura turned to Sara and clutched her forearm.
“I can’t believe how cool you were about the whole thing!” she exclaimed.
“Only on the outside,” said Sara. “I’m glad nobody noticed how fast my heart was beating. Thank God Miguel rarely goes to school functions, otherwise things would really be awkward. ”
“Poor Miguel. I felt so bad for him.”
“Yes, but what he doesn’t know doesn’t hurt him, does it?” she answered philosophically.
“I guess not.”
Still, I can’t imagine putting David in that situation, she mused.
But you already have, in sorts, said that annoying voice in her head. What right have you to feel so jealous of his co-workers when you’re romancing one of your own?
Images from the previous night’s moonlight tryst flooded her head. She resolved to put an end to her infatuation with Hugo before it went any further. She really didn’t need any one else after all.
Chapter 17
The next few days were a whirlwind of activity for Laura. She was determined to make the move to the villa on Wednesday, and finalize everything at Delta by Friday.
Things had gotten a little out of hand with Hugo, but she’d soon get everything back in perspective when she didn’t have to see him every day. It certainly wasn’t too late to put a lid on things, to write that kiss off as a spur of the moment indulgence. Yes, that’s what she would do.
It was just as well that he’d had to bring his business trip forward—it had provided the space she needed to see things more clearly. Plus it made going in to the office much easier and even more productive. There were no distractions.
And of course things had been going well between David and her. The strain of the renovation was finally coming to an end, and things could only improve once they were living in the villa.
Dona Maria had helped her move their personal effects to the main house, and they had now reached the awkward moment where half their things were still at the cottage and the other half was already at the villa. The minute the gas was connected, they’d make the final move.
After leaving the office Laura drove straight to the nursery. She still had time to pick out the pot plants she wanted before the school bus dropped Vanessa off. She looked in the backseat for an umbrella and was annoyed to see she’d left it at the office. The rain had made a return appearance after a few days of glorious sunshine. What a bind. She turned up her coat collar and dashed inside.
She sighed with pleasure at the sight of the lush tropical shrubs and exotic flowering plants that filled the huge greenhouse. It reminded her of their trip to Costa Rica a couple of years back. Now that was the sort of climate she should be living in. How hard could it be to create and maintain a fabulous garden when it was always hot and humid? Their water bill would certainly be a lot lower!
She strolled along the aisles, admiring the plants and wishing she could buy them all. Suddenly remembering Vanessa, she realized that she had dawdled too long and hastily placed an order for bamboo palms, ficus benjamina, ferns and bromeliads. She held them to their promise that they’d deliver the following day. The plants were the finishing touch. Everything was coming together, she thought with satisfaction.
Then she ran back to her car, wishing she lived in a country that allowed her to plant her recent purchases outdoors.
***
Wednesday morning Laura awoke even before the alarm went off
. She felt remarkably cheerful the moment she opened her eyes. They’d spent their last night at the cottage. Tonight they’d be sleeping in their brand new beds in the comfort of their new home. After so many trials and tribulations, the day she despaired would never come had finally dawned. It would be a new beginning for them. The slate would be wiped clean and she and David would fall in love all over again. It’d be like a second honeymoon.
She lay there, enjoying the warmth of her bed while she planned her day. She wouldn’t tell David or Vanessa about the move. She smiled in the darkness, imagining their pleasure when they realized they’d finally moved in. She’d ask Dona Maria to move the remaining stuff while she was at work. Then she’d leave the office in time to pick Vanessa up from school, pick up a tray of lasagne from their favourite restaurant, as well as a bowl of Vanessa’s favourite chocolate mousse, and then she’d surprise them.
And she’d be sure to put her daughter to bed early…
She cuddled up to David and stroked his arm till he woke up.
“Good morning,” he murmured sleepily.
“Yes, it is,” Laura replied confidently.
***
Laura and David held hands as they gazed down at their daughter, fast asleep in her magnificent new white four-poster bed. The sheer white drapes were tied back with pink ribbons that matched the wallpaper. The play area was littered with prams, kitchens and baby changing stations. A pink round table and matching stools provided a surface for holding tea parties or doing homework. It was truly every little girl’s idea of a princess’s bedroom, and Vanessa had been delighted with the final result. For once she hadn’t argued about going to bed.
Smiling, they crept silently out of the room and went downstairs.
“I believe some champagne is in order,” said David. “We can finally break out that bottle of Moët & Chandon.”
“It’s chilling in the fridge. I’ll get the glasses,” offered Laura, heading for the sitting room. She put on a violin concerto CD, lit a few candles and turned off the lights.
David whistled approvingly as he entered the lounge with the frosty bottle, and Laura cheered softly when he popped the cork. They clinked their champagne flutes and toasted their first night in the villa.
"This is it, we are officially free of builders and workmen," said David, lounging back across the chunky fawn 4 seater sofa.
“Not quite,” Laura reminded him. “Our friend the electrician still has to put some finishing touches on the garden lighting and in the barn.”
"That’s not too serious, at least the villa is done. What an odyssey! We should light a candle to Our Lady of something or other," said David.
"I would if I weren't an atheist,” she smiled, looking round the spacious sitting room with satisfaction. It reflected her African roots and their mutual love of travelling. The walls and shelves were lined with artefacts, masks and paintings they’d brought back from their travels in Africa and South America.
“It looks really nice, doesn’t it, David? It really feels like home.”
David took the glass from her hand and placed it alongside his on the coffee table.
“You know what, I miss the fireplace,” he said softly, running his finger up and down her forearm.
Her flesh quivered.
“I guess we’ll just have to pop over to the cottage from time to time,” he murmured.
A thought flashed unbidden through her mind: Thank goodness I’ve decided to put an end to this nonsense with Hugo. There really is no need for it.
David pushed her down on the sofa and eased himself alongside. As he brushed his lips against her neck, Laura's brain went into standby mode, effectively preventing any further rational thought.
Chapter 18
It was their second evening in the villa and it was taking Vanessa a while to set the table as she was still finding her way round the new kitchen.
“There, it’s done,” she said to her parents. “Can I go and play now?”
“Yes, all right,” replied Laura.
She was making a salad while David opened a bottle of Syrah. He’d managed to get home early for a change, and they planned to make the most of their evening. Vanessa walked up to her mother and tugged at her sleeve.
“Mommy, when are coming to play with me?”
“I’m cooking, V. You want to eat dinner, don’t you?”
“Yes, but I also want to play with you.”
“We’ll play after dinner, okay? And tomorrow I’ll pick you up from school so that we have more time to play. In the meantime, you can sit here next to me and play a game on my phone. How’s that sound?”
“Good!” said Vanessa, climbing up onto a padded kitchen island chair. “Daddy, can you push the chair forwards? My feet don’t reach the floor.”
David laughed. “They will one day soon. Do you want some help finding a game?”
“No, let me see if I can do it myself. Most of the kids in my class already know how to use their parents’ iPhones.”
“A privileged bunch indeed. I’m sure it’s not quite the same in the local state schools. These kids are growing up oblivious of the reality around them,” David muttered to Laura.
“We’ve always made a point of letting Vanessa know the harsh realities of the world,” she protested. “I don’t think she lacks empathy for those less fortunate than her. I fact, I think she’s better informed than a lot of the self-centred adults I know.”
“Yes, I agree with you there. Travelling in the developing world is certainly an eye-opener, even for someone as young as her.”
Vanessa tapped the phone a few times and stared intently at the screen.
“Wish.. you.. were… here,” she read hesitantly. “Look, daddy, did I read it right?” she asked, holding the phone out for David to check.
David frowned and took the phone from her. “Yes, baby, you did read it right. It looks like someone misses your mother,” he said, looking straight at his wife. “Someone called Hugo.”
Laura hastily wiped her hands on a tea towel and snatched the phone from his hand.
“Who’s that, mom? And why does he miss you?”
“Yes, Laura, why don’t you tell us?” asked David, an edge to his voice.
Laura felt the blood rush to her face. “It’s just someone from work. He’s away on a business trip to Colombia and he wishes I was there to help him with his English,” she gushed, without looking at either of them.
David stared silently at her, a steely look in his eyes. Laura tapped and swiped the screen, and pocketed the phone.
“Mom! Give me the phone! I want to play,” Vanessa complained.
“You know what, why don’t you go and give the dogs these scraps? I’ll call you when dinner is ready.”
“Good idea!” Vanessa shouted as she ran out the door with a bowl of leftovers.
“You’d think Spanish would be the logical language to speak at a meeting between Colombians and Portuguese. Not English.”
“Yes, well, everyone speaks English at international meetings nowadays. It’s just easier,” she tried to sound casual as she trickled virgin olive oil on the green salad.
“Laura. I’m not stupid. What’s going on here?” asked David, his face as cold as his voice.
“Nothing!” she reassured him, tossing the salad a little more vigorously than was necessary. “Really. It’s just business. They’re under a lot of pressure and could do with some moral support. That’s all.”
David watched her steadily, wanting to believe her. After all, this was his wife—she simply wasn’t that sort, but his gut instinct told him otherwise.
“Anyway,” said Laura brightly, obviously trying to change the subject, “I’ve been trying to get hold of the electrician all week, but he simply won’t pick up. I think you should call him, David. Put some pressure on him, he’ll take you more seriously than he does me.”
“I did call him. On Tuesday.”
“And?”
“And nothing. He didn
’t answer and he didn’t get back to me.”
“So that’s it? You’re just going to take it sitting down? It’s a bit late in the game to find someone else,” said Laura, her voice rising.
“What do you want from me, Laura?” David slapped his hands down on the pure white Corian countertop and scraped back his chair, almost toppling it over. “What do you expect me to do? Go and get him by the scruff? Hit him over the head till he does as you say?” His voice shook and his eyes stared daggers at her.
She raised her hands in a fine-whatever-you-say gesture.
Great, she thought. Our first fight in our new home.
Her shoulders slumped as she placed the salad bowl on the kitchen table. Apparently there was no getting away from it. Not even a new house would stop them from getting on each other’s nerves. Her optimism had been short lived.
Why the hell had Hugo texted her?
And why in God’s name had she gone on about the electrician? But then again, why should she have to watch what she said to her husband? Why should she be the one that had to resolve all the problems? Without involving him, of course, because David had better things to do than concern himself with trivial domestic affairs.
Shit! Shit! Shit!
Resentment and despair fought for an equal share of her heart. She felt tears prickle behind her eyelids, and fought hard to keep them back.
Without looking at her, David carried the pot of chicken stew to the table and rapped on the window to call Vanessa in. Despite their attempts to mask their feelings in front of Vanessa, dinner was a tense affair.
That night, the second in what was supposed to be their dream home, David and Laura went to bed without saying a word to each other. They lay back to back, careful not to touch each other and feigned sleep.
Laura felt the tears run down her cheeks and dabbed her face with the sheet, smearing black mascara all over the crisp organic cotton.
Chapter 19
The Blame Page 9