When Summer Fades

by Shaw, Danielle

Turning her head to look at him, Sophie fixed him with a mocking smile. ‘You obviously don’t practice what you preach ... about taking a rest?’

  ‘I’m usually far too busy. Although, I have been known occasionally to put my feet up for half an hour.’

  Suitably relaxed, thanks to the two glasses of wine she’d had with her lunch, plus the gentle healing properties of Augustina’s cream, Sophie ventured. ‘In England, we say all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’

  ‘I know,’ he replied, smoothing her hair back into place before rearranging the sheet, ‘but aren’t you forgetting something? My name’s Carlos, not Jack.’

  ‘Of course,’ she whispered, closing her eyes, and feeling his lips brush gently against her cheek, before he left the room.

  *

  Remembering that one fleeting kiss when she woke, Sophie put her hand to her face. Had she been dreaming, or had Carlos really kissed her? Deciding to go and look for him, she eased herself from the bed and slipped into her sundress.

  Carlos, she discovered, was asleep on the settee. There were files scattered at his feet and, resting on his chest, a notepad. Trying to decipher what she took to be his Portuguese hieroglyphics, there was only one word she could recognize: the name ‘Sophie’ written in large letters followed by an equally large question mark.

  Rearranging the files in some semblance of order Sophie studied his sleeping form. Carlos’s breathing was steady and even, his chest rising rhythmically. Even in sleep she thought, wanting to reach out and touch him, he appeared calm and in control.

  ‘I think you put your feet up for more than half an hour,’ she said, with a capricious smile, when he eventually opened his eyes.

  ‘You mean to say I fell asleep?’ Raking his hair back from his forehead, Carlos looked first at his watch then at the neatly stacked pile of papers and files.

  ‘I did the best I could. Unfortunately, I don’t understand Portuguese so they’re probably not in order. I assume they fell from your lap when you dozed off.’

  Seeing Carlos stretch and expertly pounce on his notepad before it fell to the floor, Sophie likened him to a panther. Long and sleek, with a gleaming shock of dark hair, his eyes narrowed in her direction. ‘How long have you been watching me?’

  ‘Long enough to know you don’t snore! Now, can I be terribly English and suggest a cup of tea?’

  ‘Tea would be wonderful,’ he said, rising from the settee. ‘Then perhaps we should think about dinner this evening.’

  ‘Dinner? I’m still full from lunch!’

  Sitting in silence, drinking their tea, Carlos suddenly proposed a drive to the other side of the bay. ‘Take a jacket,’ he advised. ‘And if you’ve got a scarf?’

  Having assumed they were going somewhere where it got chilly in the evenings, Sophie was totally unprepared to find herself outside a tiny, whitewashed, village church.

  ‘Are we going to attend a service?’ she whispered, following him towards the door.

  Shaking his head, Carlos took her arm and led her inside. ‘No. But I thought you might like to spend some time alone with your thoughts. What you said earlier … concerning your parents...’

  Deeply moved, Sophie nodded in understanding, reached for a scarf and tied it loosely under her chin.

  ‘Thank you,’ she murmured, half an hour later when they prepared to leave. ‘I had wondered if there was a church nearby.’

  ‘As this is a small fishing village, this particular church plays a significant part in everyday life. The weather isn’t always this beautiful, or the sea so calm.’

  Looking across the bay to where the sun was beginning to set, Sophie found it almost impossible to believe. ‘But it’s like a millpond out there.’

  ‘It’s also the Atlantic Ocean.’

  ‘Mmm. So, quite possibly, it’s like winter and spring at Casa Edna, my aunt and uncle’s hotel. It’s called Casa Edna after my aunt, although there they have the North Sea, not the Atlantic. Believe it or not, their hotel is simply full to overflowing with Portuguese artefacts.’

  ‘If they love the Algarve so much, why not bring them over next summer? You could all stay at the beach house?’

  Taken aback by this sudden unexpected invitation, Sophie explained summer was the busiest season at Casa Edna.

  ‘Then come in early spring, which is even better. The almond trees are in blossom and the fields look as if they are covered in snow.’

  ‘That sounds absolutely heavenly,’ Sophie said, closing her eyes, already picturing row after row of almond trees, heavy with the scent of blossom.

  *

  Returning to Casa Maria-Clara Sophie made her way towards her bedroom.

  ‘Give me a call when you’re ready for your next application of magic cream,’ Carlos called after her.

  This time when he appeared, Sophie looked up from the bed to find him carrying not only the cream, but also an armful of pillows.

  ‘But I already have pillows.’

  ‘I know, but I thought once I've applied the cream, I could also try and prop you on your side. Didn’t you say sleeping on your stomach was uncomfortable?’

  Alarmed by what he was proposing, Sophie wished that she was wearing more than just white lace panties. ‘Carlos, while I appreciate your concern, I don’t think this will work. I’m already getting tangled up in the sheet, which is even more uncomfortable.’

  ‘So why not take the sheet away while I fix the pillows in place?’

  ‘I can’t, I’m … not dressed.’

  ‘Ah! And there was me thinking all nurses were used to seeing naked bodies.’

  ‘I am,’ she said, burying her face in yet another wayward pillow. ‘I’m simply not used to you seeing mine!’

  Unbuttoning his shirt, Carlos took it off and passed it over. ‘Would this help?’

  Gingerly reaching for the shirt, Sophie turned away and, slipping it on marvelled at its extra-fine quality. ‘What exquisite fabric. If only our uniforms were made of material like this, there’d never be any complaints.’

  Ignoring her modesty, Carlos was deeply reflective as if trying to remember something. ‘I know it’s a cotton of some description, I bought it when I was last in London. Now … what did the assistant say it was made from? Finest grass?’

  ‘Grass!’ Sophie collapsed in a fit of giggles.

  ‘What’s so funny?’

  ‘You are. Because although your English is usually one hundred per cent perfect, Carlos, in this instance I do believe you’ve made a mistake. I think the word you were looking for is lawn!’

  Watching Sophie convulsed with laughter, and suddenly seeing the joke for himself, Carlos reached out to pull her from the mound of pillows that engulfed her. In doing so, his hand accidentally brushed against her breasts.

  ‘Oh, Sophie!’ his voice urged, suddenly desperate. ‘If only you knew how much I’ve wanted you.’

  With the waves lapping gently against the shore outside her bedroom window, Sophie found herself swept along on a tide of emotion. One minute, Carlos’s lips were pressed close to hers, the next his hands were slowly and expertly caressing her breasts through the fine, white fabric. It was what she’d been afraid of since the moment he’d held her hand at Faro airport. A brief vision of Rosa flashed through her mind. No! She must not think of Rosa. This was what she’d dreamed of. There was no going back.

  Releasing her from his embrace, albeit briefly, Carlos scattered the surplus pillows to the floor, slipped off his shoes, socks and trousers and reached for her again. This time his kisses became more urgent, and his touch on her breasts more intense, until taking her by the shoulders he lowered her gently against the pillows. Sophie cried out in agony.

  ‘My shoulders! The sunburn,’ she moaned, easing herself once more on to her side. I’m sorry Carlos. I—’

  In the enveloping shadows of the room lit only by moonlight, Carlos reached for her hand. ‘There are other ways...’ he began, but stopped when he saw her shake her head in despair.r />
  ‘We can’t,’ she faltered, miserably. ‘We shouldn’t even be together like this.’

  ‘It’s what we both want – isn’t it?’

  ‘Perhaps. But I hardly know you.’

  Carlos tilted her face towards him. ‘Sophie! How can you say that, of course you know me… we’ve known each other since last October. Heathrow… remember?’

  ‘But I was so rude to you.’

  ‘Exactly, and that’s when I fell in love with you. Although, perhaps not quite from the moment you subjected me to that frosty reception.’

  Fumbling with the buttons of the shirt, her thoughts winging away to last October, Sophie faltered. ‘I don’t understand, what about Rosa? You’re supposed to be getting engaged, married even.’

  Carlos gave a sharp, dry laugh. ‘You surely don’t believe that?’

  ‘It’s what Rosa believes. What you’ve led her to believe.’

  Carlos’s eyes filled with despair. ‘No, Sophie! That’s where you’re wrong. It’s what Grandmother would have Rosa believe.’

  ‘Why haven’t you said anything to the contrary?’

  ‘I have, frequently. I told Grandmother again only last Saturday, when I fetched the cream for your back. I told her as I will tell you now, much as I love Rosa as a cousin, I have no intention of ever making her my wife. To me Rosa is just a child.’

  ‘A child, maybe. But a child who adores you all the same.’

  ‘Rubbish! You forget I’ve known Rosa all her life. I know what she’s like. I’m simply the toy she thinks she wants until she tires of it!’

  ‘Yet having spent so little time with me, how can you know what I’m like.’

  ‘Because I do.’

  Bewildered, Sophie found herself drawn back into Carlos’s embrace.

  ‘I’m surprised to hear you say you don’t know me,’ he said, huskily, holding her gently and stroking her hair. ‘I thought we got on very well together.’

  ‘We do.’

  ‘Then tell me, what is it you’d like to know about me?’

  ‘I’m not sure, but I certainly don’t want to wake up tomorrow morning, knowing that I’ve slept with Rosa’s future husband. You must remember, she is also my friend.’

  ‘That sounds promising,’ Carlos said, faintly amused. ‘You’re talking about waking up tomorrow, knowing that you’ve slept with me. Are we going to sleep together? Is that what you really want, Sophie?’

  ‘Only if you can swear to me you’re not going to marry Rosa.’

  ‘I swear,’ Carlos replied, his lips closing on hers.

  *

  Waking to an early golden dawn, Sophie stirred, surprised to find herself still wearing Carlos’s shirt. Wriggling from her stomach on to her side to dislodge buttons digging uncomfortably in her breast, she found navy-blue eyes fixed intently on her face.

  ‘Bom dia,’ Carlos said with a smile.

  ‘Bom dia,’ she replied, desperate to ignore the voices echoing in her head. One was accusing her of betraying Rosa, the other springing to Carlos’s defence. He isn’t marrying Rosa, because he told me! said one, And you believe him? accused the other.

  Seeing her frown, Carlos laced his fingers through her tousled hair. ‘What’s the problem?’

  ‘I’m not sure what you mean?’

  ‘I think you do,’ he coaxed. ‘Would it help to remind you that I feel as if I’ve known you forever?’

  ‘Perhaps … if I thought it was the truth.’

  ‘I would not lie to you, Sophie. I love you far too much.’

  ‘Oh, Carlos! I love you too. But what are we going to do about Rosa and your grandmother?’

  A shuttered look appeared on Carlos’s face. ‘Nothing, because, quite simply today is for us. I will allow nothing to spoil it. Soon I must return to Lisbon and—’

  Sophie placed a hand on his lips. ‘Please don’t say it, I can’t bear the thought of you leaving. ‘

  ‘So … shall we think of something else?’ he teased, his fingers trailing seductively from her cheek to her throat.

  An hour later and reluctant to move, Carlos eventually conceded they would have to. Sophie was right. They could soon have Bernado and Filomena on the doorstep.

  ‘If you don’t want to arouse suspicion, I’ll take a shower and you use Rosa’s bathroom,’ he advised. ‘For my part however, I wouldn’t mind if the whole world knew we were lovers.’

  Mention of the word lovers made Sophie blush. Carlos reached for her hand.

  ‘Does it still embarrass you that we became lovers, because it wasn’t like this with your ex-fiancé?’

  Sophie nodded, not wishing to be reminded of the time spent with Gavin.

  ‘He wasn’t right for you, Sophie. What you shared with Gavin wasn’t special’

  ‘How can you possibly know that? You never met him.’

  ‘No. But I remember the night Rosa said you had the ring and no fiancé. There was so much sadness in your face. A sadness that I wanted desperately to magic away.’

  These words reminded Sophie that her holiday was also ticking away. She smiled, trying to make light of the situation. ‘If I’d known Augustina before, perhaps I could have requested another of her magic potions then this wouldn’t have happened.’

  Holding her at arm’s length, Carlos looked visibly hurt. ‘You wish last night had never happened?’

  ‘No. I don’t mean that at all. Last night was wonderful. But the magic can’t last – can it? I’m frightened what will happen once the spell is broken.’

  She refrained from mentioning in all the fairy tales, she’d read as a child, there was always a wicked witch or a bad fairy and they usually succeeded in spoiling things. In this instance (even if she was being a touch melodramatic), just like in Macbeth, there were three: Maria-Clara, Augustina and Rosa!

  ‘Don’t worry about the future,’ Carlos said, kissing away her tears. ‘Think of last night.’

  Last night! Sophie emitted a languid sigh. Unlike the times she’d spent with Gavin, last night had seemed so right – so perfect. Conscious of her doubts and fears Carlos had held her close, comforting and soothing until she was relaxed. Only later had he lain on his back, easing her gently into position. ‘I’ll even let you keep my shirt on,’ he’d teased softly. ‘And don’t worry we have all the time in the world.’

  All the time in the world … In a way she’d known that to be only partly true. In time, Carlos would have to return to Lisbon, but Carlos was not Gavin and she very soon discovered there would be more than five minutes in which to savour the delights of his tightly muscled body and the exquisite touch of his caress. Sated and content she’d fallen asleep in his arms, knowing the earth had moved at last.

  *

  ‘About that trip I promised you, to see my idea of heaven,’ Carlos said, passing Sophie a coffee.

  She paused, her cup half way to her lips, ‘I feel as if I’ve already been there, yet I’m still consumed with guilt.’

  ‘Because we made love?’

  Sophie shook her head. ‘No, not anymore, but I do worry that your grandmother, will hold me personally responsible for breaking off your engagement.’

  ‘My dear, sweet Sophie,’ Carlos said, taking her hand once more. There never was an engagement – remember? Nor will there be a wedding, at least not between Rosa and myself. If you are guilty, then so am I. I should never have allowed that ridiculous charade of my grandmother’s to continue. Why, at this very moment, I’m sure Rosa’s still asleep, recovering from yet another party. Marriage will be the last thing on her mind.’

  *

  In her parents’ Lisbon apartment, Rosa was having breakfast. Deep in animated conversation with her mother, they discussed the merits of a heavily embroidered wedding gown as opposed to one of the simplest silk. Seeing mother and daughter together, their heads buried in yet another bridal magazine, José Ramirez shook his head and smiled.

  ‘Isn’t it a bit early to be looking at wedding dresses?’

  ‘José�
��!’ His wife hissed, when Rosa left the room. ‘You know exactly how I feel about this infatuation Rosa has for Carlos, for the moment I am merely humouring your daughter, nothing more. Unless I do, I shall get no peace at all!’

  Refusing to be drawn into this familiar argument with Elisabete, José breathed a deep sigh of relief as far as Rosa’s wedding dress was concerned. Hadn’t it been bad enough this past weekend, listening to excited females discussing what to wear for his mother-in-law’s birthday party? Finishing his coffee, he turned to his wife. ‘Do you and Rosa still plan to take Maria-Clara and Augustina shopping today?’

  ‘Gracious, no! It will be just the three of us. Augustina hates shopping for clothes. She’ll stay at home and plan the food for the party.’

  José gulped down his coffee. The terrifying thought of mother, daughter and granddaughter all shopping together was enough to send him hurrying away to his office.

  *

  Walking towards the car, shopping was the last thing on Carlos and Sophie’s mind.

  ‘There goes Filomena with the clean laundry,’ Sophie said, watching the young woman head in the direction of the beach house. ‘I told you it was risky staying in bed for so long.’

  ‘Carlos bent to kiss her cheek before unlocking the car. ‘Ah! But wasn’t it worth it? If only every Monday morning could be like this—’

  ‘It’s certainly an improvement on Monday in Beckford General.’

  ‘I’m pleased to hear it, Staff Nurse Fuller? Dare I suggest a repeat prescription for next Monday morning?’

  Delighting in the way Carlos spoke her name, Sophie fixed him with a radiant smile. ‘It sounds a wonderful idea. If only it were possible?’

  ‘Perhaps it might? Leave it with me and I’ll try and think of something.’

  Deciding to do exactly that, Sophie sat back to admire the view. ‘How far is it to this heaven of yours?’

  ‘Only a few kilometres.’

  Pulling off the road onto what appeared to be little more than a remote dusty path, Carlos negotiated a twisting, narrow track that climbed steeply before a heart stopping descent into a lush green valley. In stark contrast to the sandy beaches and bizarre sandstone rock formations of Praia da Rocha, Sophie gazed about her in wonderment.