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I am drinking my tea when Sulky and Little Monster come out, Monster carrying a little bag. Seta Verde follows, and sits at a table next to the railing. Monsters bag turns out to contain a small pack of playing cards and the children move to a far away table and begin playing Snap. Seta Verde sits relaxing, her eyes closed against the evening sun.
Carrietta arrives next, “The Shining” today. She is getting through them at quite a speed. Almost a book a day? I wonder again at someone carrying so many hardback books in their luggage. Does she calculate how many she can read in a week? Is it even possible to work out? I see in my mind's eye a suitcase full of books, and I picture Carietta buying all her clothes at the market after she arrives here. I smile, and shake my head slightly to dispel the image.
Leonardo emerges from the bar and as if sensing his presence Seta Verde opens her eyes and smiles. Leonardo joins her and the waiter brings drinks for both of them.
“They are behaving today?” He enquires.
“Yes, we have been busy today, and I think they are too tired to argue!” I notice she has only one bag today, more sights, and less shopping I guess.
Leonardo sips his beer, “a toast to a good day then?”
Together they raise their glasses, “Salute!” “Cheers!”
I look up as I hear jangling coming from the hotel. Jangle Bangle and El Fumo are waiting by the lift. Jangle Bangle looks dressed up for a night out, whereas Fumo is wearing shorts and an England football shirt. When the lift arrives, Fumo ushers Jangle aboard, and waves to her as the door shuts. He whistles to himself, returning to the bar.
Leonardo and Seta Verde are both smiling, but suddenly Seta Verde looks sad.
“What is troubling you? Leonardo asks softly.
“Last night tonight,” she says, sighing.
Leonardo takes her hand and holds it between both of his own. “Don’t be unhappy,” He touches her face tenderly, “maybe we will see each other at home?”
Seta Verde returns the pressure on his hand, “Maybe.”
Turning away, Leonardo opens his notebook, and rips out a page from the back. He writes what I assume to be his address and ‘phone number, and folds it in half, pressing it into Seta Verde’s hand. “I will be home on Wednesday. Call me.”
Their hands touch, just longer than necessary, then Seta Verde unfolds the paper and tears off the bottom, writing on it herself, she folds it and hands it back to Leonardo, who kisses it with a sad smile, and puts it in his pocket. They both sit, not talking, just smiling and holding hands.
El fumo comes out and lights a cigarette, standing by the railing, unaware of the drama playing out three tables away.
Next, Scarlet and Jacket Man appear, the most people I’ve seen on the terrace at one time so far this week, maybe because it is the last night for so many. “Come and look at the view!” Scarlet says, leading Jacket over to the railing.
Carietta chuckles out loud, and I wonder how far into the story she has read. She shakes her head smiling, and drinks some coffee.
“This is the best holiday I’ve ever had!” Scarlet is grinning and holding onto Jackets arm. She leans forward and kisses him on the cheek. Jacket puts his arms round her and squeezes lightly before letting her go. Scarlet returns to admiring the view, and then takes a step back. Pulling a small phone out of her small handbag, she takes a picture of Jacket with the mountains behind.
“Take one of me!” she says, handing Jacket the phone. He does as she asks, and Sulky ambles over and offers to take one of them together. He takes two for good measure, no doubt as he has been taught at some time in the past. Smiles all round.
Sulky is wearing a blue polo shirt with white shorts, and looks reasonably smart at the moment. He doesn’t always. He turns and looks at his mother. Seta Verde and Leonardo are still holding hands and Sulky notices for the first time. He walks over to her, looking a little perplexed. I can almost see the wheels turning.
“Do you want to play Snap, mum?” He asks, almost timidly.
Seta Verde smiles. “Okay, it will soon be time for dinner though,” she replies, standing up. Leonardo goes too, and all four play together. Monster wins with a shout of satisfaction, and Sulky complains, and deals again. Sulky wins this time, and Monster frowns. Seta Verde deals once more and checks her watch.
Scarlet is whispering something to Jacket, and gesturing towards the children. Jacket nods and slips an arm around her waist. Her dress today is ankle length, midnight blue, and suits her much better than her usual short ones. Jacket leans in and nuzzles the side of her neck. They are both smiling.
Leonardo wins the final round, but Sulky does not seem to mind. Monster collects up the cards, and putting them away, she takes hold of Seta Verde’s hand.
Presently we all go in to dinner.
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On the Terrace Page 3