Joana showed the order list to Catarina, and Catarina indicated where each piece of furniture would go.
For the next hour, Joana closely supervised the men as they unloaded and brought in the pieces Catarina had bought on previous trips—a console and a pair of chairs for the entry hall, a pair of upholstered chairs and a rug for the music room, a dining room set composed of a table for sixteen people with fourteen straight chairs and two chairs with armrests, and a two-meter-high gilded mirror.
Catarina stood to the side as Joana made sure that every piece was installed to Catarina’s wishes.
After the rug was unrolled in the music room, Catarina stepped back when they brought in the first chair. Some minutes later, the second chair came, and she directed the seating arrangement at an angle to the piano. The gilded mirror came last, anchored on the opposite wall. The chairs made the perfect place to sit while Afonso played. A wave of excitement rushed through her, and she could hardly wait to see his reaction when he found out the piano had been tuned.
Joana watched as Catarina brought in a pair of pillows she’d bought at another store. “I’m telling myself to keep my mouth shut, but I really can’t.”
“Excuse me?” Catarina asked.
“I’ve been looking for the perfect house to showcase some special pieces, and this is it.” Joana nodded to herself as she looked around. “Is there any way I could come another day to photograph some furniture for a catalog we’re working on?”
Catarina frowned. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.” She couldn’t risk having any photos taken in the house.
“I promise we’d only photograph select pieces and nothing else,” Joana rushed to say. “And we’ll compensate you for your time, of course.”
The money would be nice. Any quantity would be an improvement on what Catarina had at the moment, especially after paying the piano tuner. “Would you be able to add the images to the deal?” Catarina’s portfolio would benefit greatly from professional images of the decorating she’d done.
Joana didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. Do we have a deal then?”
Catarina should talk to Filipe first. Even though she was the one in charge of decorating, the house didn’t belong to her. “I can’t commit right now, but I promise to consider it seriously. It’s a really good offer.”
They walked to the entry hall. Outside in the driveway, the two men secured the latches on the now-empty truck.
Joana handed the clipboard to Catarina for her signature. “Is this your cell phone number?” Joana asked, pointing to the information at the top, and Catarina confirmed it. “I’ll be in touch then. It was a pleasure meeting you, Catarina.”
“You as well, Joana.”
After the truck left, Catarina locked the double doors. She turned around and smiled.
In the entry hall, the console and chairs already looked at home. The candlesticks she’d bought last week would complete the vignette.
But it was the music room that had her heart racing with anticipation. Would Afonso like the changes she’d made?
*
Afonso entered the kitchen with Senhor Francisco. Dona Madalena and Catarina sat at the table, both of them leaning over the tablet.
He sat down and within minutes, Dona Madalena had dinner served to Afonso and her husband. They didn’t wait to start. After the long day he’d had, he was famished. Several fence posts on the north end of the property had been down, and Senhor Francisco and Afonso had worked all day to fix them. He didn’t have any security cameras in the area, but it might not be a bad idea to install a few around the perimeter. He couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was testing his limits. Who else could it be than Anabela?
Catarina scooted her chair closer to him. “They had the furniture delivered today. All the large pieces we bought at the warehouse.”
Her face radiated happiness, and Afonso slowed down to watch her. “How did it go? Are you happy?”
She smiled at him. “Very happy. I can’t wait to show you.”
Afonso smiled back, unable to stop himself. “I can’t wait to see it.”
Catarina chatted about the furniture and how nice the delivery people had been. Afonso couldn’t remember seeing her this relaxed, and it warmed his heart to see her like this.
Once he was done eating, Afonso took his plate to the sink. “I’m taking a shower. I’ll meet you back here in a few minutes.”
Catarina nodded, then picked up the tablet and showed it again to Dona Madalena.
He took the stairs to his bedroom instead of showering in the utility room off the kitchen.
When he returned, Catarina sat alone at the table.
“Where are the Silvas?”
“Senhor Francisco was tired, and they left a little earlier. Dona Madalena left food in the refrigerator if we want a supper.”
“Maybe later.”
Catarina stood. “Are you ready to come see the furniture?”
“Absolutely.” He followed her as she left the kitchen.
She rounded the staircase and stopped at the wall nearest to the dining room. “Do you remember the console?” She gestured with both hands. “What do you think?”
The piece fit as if it had been made for the space. “It looks great. And the candlesticks.”
She smiled. “They go great together, don’t they? I still need to find a mirror that will fit on the wall above the console.” She approached, as if she could see it there already. “If I can’t find one, I’ll have to search for an old frame and have a mirror custom fit to it.”
At the dining room, she swung open the double doors. “I have a lot to do in the dining room. But I think this table definitely sets the tone. And I love how the chairs complement it.”
Afonso approached the table and ran a hand over the top. “Did you clean it?”
“Just a dusting with a natural polish.”
“I thought I could smell something different.”
“Now just imagine a chandelier over the table. That will be my priority for my next shopping expedition.”
“You’ve been busy, Catarina.”
Her expression bloomed in a genuine smile. “You like it? Do you think Filipe will?”
“How can he not? You’re doing such a great job.”
“Wait till you see the music room.” She skipped ahead of him across the hall and opened the double doors.
The upholstered chairs she’d bought at the warehouse sat at an angle to the piano, anchored by a colorful rug.
Catarina had taken the cover off the piano, and the lid was propped up. The wood surface shone clean.
Afonso walked to it and stroked the top. “You polished the piano too.”
“I think a complete restoration would have been too much, but it looks a little better, doesn’t it?” Her uncertain tone brought his eyes up to her.
“It looks great. A resurfacing job would have taken away some of its character.”
She sat on the closest chair and tucked her feet to the side, leaning an elbow on the armrest. The seating arrangement was perfectly angled to the best advantage of someone watching the pianist.
Afonso chuckled. “Is that why you placed the chairs in this position?”
“The best seat in the house.” She shifted eagerly like an excited child. “You should sit down and play something.”
“Sim, senhora.” He pulled out the piano bench and lifted the lid. His fingers hovered over the keys as he went through the repertoire in his mind, all the pieces he knew by heart. “It’s kind of a cliché, but it’s still one of my favorites.” He flexed his fingers again. “Just keep in mind this piano doesn’t sound the best.”
“Are you stalling, Afonso?”
He absolutely was. Catarina had watched him play before, but this felt different and he couldn’t even explain it.
After taking a breath, he played the first measure and immediately stopped, raising an eyebrow. “Catarina?”
A smile tugged at the corner of her lips in reply. He rushed
through the next few measures only to confirm what he heard—the piano had been tuned. The rich, deep sound and perfect pitch proved it.
He moved his hands to his knees and turned to her. “You had a piano tuner come out here?”
“I did. Did I surprise you?”
“Very much. How did you arrange it?”
Her expression turned playful. “With a phone call. Please, go on. Was that ‘Clair de Lune’ you were playing?”
“Yes, it was.” He resumed playing, appreciating the clarity and precision. How had Catarina paid for a tuner? He’d have to mention it to Filipe.
The look of delight on Catarina’s face kept him playing for almost an hour. Of all his years playing in the professional circuit, all the grand concert halls and VIP guests he’d played for—it was here, in this simple, half-furnished room, and for a woman healing from emotional scars he didn’t even know the depth of, that Afonso found himself at peace, pouring his soul into every note, hoping she could understand all the feeling each one carried.
From his heart to hers.
At her next doctor’s appointment, almost twenty-five and a half weeks into her pregnancy, Catarina was still measuring small. But with the growth keeping consistent and the measurements within the projected curve, Dr. Paula told Catarina not to worry.
Catarina tried not to. As she left the medical office and took the elevator down, she thought how she’d been feeling better than she had in a long time—she was eating well, had enough energy to last a whole day with only one nap, and was sleeping as much as the baby let her. As for the baby, it was a little ball of energy, always active. If this was any indication of how it would be after his or her birth, Catarina would definitely have her work cut out for her with such a busy little one. A smile graced her lips at the anticipation of meeting her baby.
When she exited the elevator, a lady holding on to a little boy’s hand stood on the other side. The boy pulled away and jumped inside the elevator, barely missing Catarina.
“Rui, you need to hold Mommy’s hand,” she scolded. She looked up at Catarina. “I apologize.”
Catarina smiled and waved it off as the elevator door closed again.
The boy reminded her of her younger twin brothers. They’d been constantly trying to get away from mom.
In the next instant, a prick of guilt niggled at her. Her family. She was expecting her first child, and she hadn’t told her parents and brothers yet. They’d be grandparents and uncles soon and had no idea about it. Should she wait until after the baby was born to tell them, or would they want to know now?
Deep down, she knew the answer to that question.
And she also knew that if she told her family, she’d need to tell Afonso as well.
How was she going to do that? At times, she almost wanted Afonso to look at her and see it, but she’d never given him any indication that she was pregnant, and he didn’t have a reason to suspect it. Would he be mad that she’d hidden it from him this long?
Maybe tonight she could find a moment to tell him. Afonso was picking her up and taking her to dinner downtown. Maybe she could find the courage to tell him her secret.
“Catarina Romano, what a surprise,” a voice said.
Catarina stilled. She’d been so distracted, she’d missed the woman at her side. The face was familiar, and Catarina gave her a pale smile.
“You probably don’t remember me, but I delivered furniture to your house last week,” the woman said expectantly.
“Joana,” Catarina said as she placed the woman. “Yes, of course I remember. How are you?”
“I’m well, obrigada. Hope you’re not feeling sick,” Joana asked gesturing to the building behind them.
The three-story building exclusively housed medical offices.“Just a regular check up. And you?”
“I’m early to meet my sister. Are you in a hurry?” Joana gestured to the coffee house across the street. “I was going inside for an iced tea, but it’ll be a lot more fun with some company.”
Catarina hesitated. She’d planned to meet Afonso for dinner, but that was in the early evening. She still had plenty of time to run some errands and do some shopping before then. She accepted the invitation.
They crossed the street and opted to sit inside to enjoy the air-conditioning. The end-of-July temperatures were merciless during the day.
When the iced teas and custard tarts arrived, Catarina tried to relax. The café was busy, but nobody appeared to be looking at her. More likely, people were just taking a respite from the hard summer day. She should stop worrying about anyone recognizing her.
Joana reached for a tablet in her purse. “I’m so glad I bumped into you. I got the digital proof for the catalog cover, and I’d love your opinion.”
Catarina leaned forward, already curious. “I’m afraid I’m more experienced with interior design.”
“And that’s what the catalog will be about. Plus, you also have such great taste.” Joana showed her three options she’d received from the digital designer.
They discussed the best colors and layouts for what Joana had in mind, and Catarina explained the why behind every opinion she shared.
It was flattering to Catarina to know someone valued her opinion as worthy of contribution. Maybe letting Joana bring the photographer to the house after it was decorated was exactly what Catarina needed to get her started in interior design.
Joana insisted on paying despite Catarina’s protests. “You helped so much. It’s the least I can do for taking your time,” Joana said.
Catarina thanked her. “It was my pleasure. I enjoyed it.” She really had. Both the company and the task.
They stood on the street in front of the café before parting ways.
“My sister has another appointment next month. Would you consider meeting with me again?” Joana asked.
“I actually have to be in town next month too.” Catarina had another appointment with Dr. Paula already scheduled.
“That’s perfect.” Joana touched Catarina’s hand, a wide smile on her face. “I’ll text you a date to see if it works for you.”
Catarina floated for the rest of the afternoon. Hope took root in her. Hope that she would be able to get a job doing something she loved, something she was good at; hope that a future for her and her baby was not impossible.
By the time she met Afonso for dinner, she was ready to include him in all the plans she had for the future. Catarina steeled herself as she approached him, her fingers tightening around the purse’s handle. Why did he have to be so attractive? As if being kind and honest and hardworking weren’t enough.
Why couldn’t she have married someone like Afonso? But she didn’t want someone like him. It was Afonso she wanted.
Her heart tripped at the thought, and Catarina bit her lip. When she reached him, he smiled at her and her nerves dissolved.
Afonso wore a dark pair of jeans and a blue button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled back. She loved that look on him. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. Her eyes fluttered shut. He smelled so good. Her fingers tingled, and her chest heated at the contact of his skin on hers, and she rested a hand on his upper arm for balance as her legs wobbled. The need to stay close to him overwhelmed her, and she swallowed the catch in her throat.
Afonso stepped back. “I missed you,” he said slowly, keeping his gaze locked on her. His eyes darkened for a moment, and an electrical feeling buzzed between them, strong and bold.
Catarina knew exactly what he meant, for it felt like they’d been apart much longer than half a day.
Afonso took her hand in his, and they walked side by side.
The restaurant was quiet. It was too early for the dinner crowd on a Friday evening in late July. Most tourists and locals would come as the sun set, but she preferred the relative privacy of an empty room before they drove home.
The maître d’ seated them at a corner table with a view of the castle on the hill. Afonso winked at her, and a swarm of butterflies r
ose in her stomach. Or maybe it was the baby protesting at her anxiety. Could he or she feel how nervous Catarina was to be next to Afonso? He sat to her left instead of across from her, far enough to give her space but close enough that she could feel his gaze on her, the warmth from his arm resting on the table only centimeters away from her.
Dinner was wonderful—delicious food, interesting conversation, and excellent company had Catarina immersed in the moment, her worries forgotten, her plans for the future no longer taking all the space in her head. She pushed away everything else and focused on the man at her side. Afonso placed his arm behind her chair, and she leaned toward him, giving in to the attraction and not caring that he could see it in her face, in her eyes.
She wanted him to know.
They lingered over dessert for her and an after-dinner espresso for him, delaying the moment when they had to leave and face reality again. In the secluded corner of this restaurant in downtown Castelo Branco, Catarina had found a moment she wanted to hold forever, a little piece of magic. The pull between them was palpable, even more so because she saw it mirrored in Afonso.
“I’m not ready to go home just yet,” Afonso said to her in a low voice.
“I’m not either.” She could only agree with him.
He tipped his chin toward the window. “Have you been to the castle yet? I hear it has great views of the city.”
“We should go see how great those views are.”
“Let’s go then.”
As long as they were together, she’d go with him anywhere.
*
He was the worst kind of cad.
Catarina was attracted to him. Afonso could see it plainly in her eyes. For a few moments, she’d dropped her guard and he’d run with it, responding with his own attraction for her in little gestures that wouldn’t spook her. Short of saying any words that would only make it more obvious, he turned all his attention to her, wishing they could be someplace alone, knowing it was better they weren’t.
After leaving the restaurant, they drove to the bottom of the hill where they left the car, then walked the rest of the way to the castle. Afonso held on to her hand tightly, and when they reached the summit, they stopped at a parapet away from people milling around. He brought an arm around her shoulders and Catarina closed the distance, fitting against his side as if she belonged there.
Love Me At Sunset (Destined for Love: Mansions) Page 11