One Summer in Spain

by Ian Wilfred

  “There you go, one cheese and tomato baguette. Would you like a glass of wine with it?”

  “No, thanks, Dario, this looks lovely. You’ve gone to so much trouble.”

  “It’s no bother at all. I was on my way back home for lunch myself. Tell me, what do you think of this place? I know it’s nothing like the villa you’re staying in.”

  “Yes, but if you took away our magnificent view… and like you said, after a lick of paint, this would be lovely.”

  “You’re most kind, Gemma, but it’s going to take a lot more then paint. No, I think it’s time to say goodbye to the place, sell up. My grandfather’s slowly coming round to the idea too. I think this will be our last season here.”

  “But it’s your home, Dario. Whatever would you do instead?”

  “Move back to Madrid, and take up where I left off, I suppose.”

  Gemma was sad to hear that as the complex had so much going for it, an ideal location close to restaurants and the beach, and especially now the pool had been built, it would be a lovely summer retreat. As they ate lunch together, Gemma noticed Dario keeping an eye on the time. He explained he had an airport run to do, so would need to be heading off soon.

  “I’m sorry, I would have loved to spend longer chatting, but would you like a lift back up to the villa?”

  Gemma said that she preferred to carry on sightseeing and she wasn’t in any rush to get back because Dulcie was resting. She said her goodbyes and headed back towards the beach where a group of youngsters had set up games of football and volleyball. What a fabulous place for children to grow up, she thought. Crossing back towards the shop, she spent time taking in the facilities within the town. A medical centre with a big pharmacy, a bank, a fishmongers and vegetable shop, plus gift shops and restaurants. Once everything was open for the summer trade, there would be so many restaurants to choose from and walking along the promenade would be lovely. She sensed that Rupert would love the little café with its tables out on the street, and especially the beautiful bakery next door.

  Time for coffee, a lemon and lime pastry, and a call to Mum to tell her all about the villa and the town.

  Gemma wanted to tell her mum how beautiful both the villa and Graingcia were, but she was full of questions. Why was she out alone when she ought to be working, and why was she even needed if the villa had a cleaner? She kept telling Gemma that it was supposed to be Dulcie and Rupert’s holiday, not hers, but Gemma explained that once Rupert was there, she would be doing everything for them and not to worry about anything.

  Perhaps it hadn’t been such a good idea to mention having just had lunch with the taxi driver who had collected them from the airport. No, that was the worst thing she could have said. Mum wanted to know everything about him, including things that Gemma couldn’t possibly have known. Was it sensible to go out with someone you hardly knew? Gemma made an excuse, telling her mother that Dulcie was calling her, paid for her refreshments and headed back up the hill to the villa. She laughed to herself at all her mother’s questions. One of them in particular – was he wearing a wedding ring? No, but wait till the summer’s over. It’s possible he could be by then!

  Chapter 10

  Gemma had a troubled night’s sleep. Why was she worrying about someone she had only just met? Perhaps Dario wanted to return to the capital. The only reason he had moved here was because his grandmother had passed away, but the whole situation did seem such a shame. The holiday complex had seen better days and online reviews were full of complaints, ‘Not value for money, no hot water,’ etc, etc. The list of faults seemed never ending.

  Gemma needed to get organised. A text from Craig informed her that he and Rupert would be arriving earlier than originally expected, perhaps as early as late morning.

  “Morning, Maria. Oh, sorry, thought you were Maria. Can I help you?”

  “No, it’s me who should be apologising. I’m Rosa, Maria’s daughter. I’ve just given her a lift because she had some cleaning products she wanted to bring with her.”

  “That’s fine. Would you like a coffee, Rosa? I’m just making one for myself.”

  Rosa seemed to be about the same age as Gemma, a younger version of her mother with her slim physique and beautiful long dark curly hair. Gemma made three coffees, one for her and Rosa, but also for Maria who was busy mopping the patio by the swimming pool. There was no sign of Dulcie yet, but it was only eight o’clock.

  “How are you enjoying your stay here, Gemma? Isn’t the view stunning?”

  “Yes, everything’s beautiful. I feel so lucky being out here. Yesterday I took a walk around town and along the seafront from one end to the other. I really think Rupert and Dulcie will enjoy themselves here for the summer. Do you live and work in Graingcia, Rosa?”

  “I grew up here, but I’m now living in Almeria. I’m studying and working part time for the rental agency. Here comes Mum. She won’t be happy about me sitting here chatting to you. I should know my place. Mum’s a bit old fashioned like that.”

  “Don’t be silly. I’m a member of staff here too. It’s my job to look after Dulcie and Rupert with the shopping, cooking and cleaning, but there’s not that much to do as your mum seems to have everything under control. There’s some coffee there for Maria, and it looks as though Dulcie’s up and about. I just heard the patio window opening. I’ll go and see what she wants for breakfast. Nice to meet you, Rosa.”

  “And you, Gemma. We must have a night out sometime when I’m at Mum’s. I’ll show you the town’s night life.”

  As Gemma walked away, she could see Maria telling Rosa off. That would be the last thing Dulcie would have wanted. Whether anyone was working, staying or visiting, she would want everyone to be treated the same way. Well, perhaps she wouldn’t include Janice in that.

  A text from Craig interrupted her thoughts. He and Rupert would be arriving in an hour or two. They hadn’t had a decent cup of tea for days, so could she have the kettle on waiting! That would give Gemma time to get to the supermarket and back. In a way she wished they’d be a bit longer as she wanted to walk to town and then get a taxi back with the shopping, but as time was short she would now have to phone Dario and see whether he could collect her.

  “Right, Dulcie, I’ll be off. Can you think of anything else we’ll be needing?”

  “No, dear, apart from a couple of Spanish hunks for me and Rupert. Only joking, we don‘t want to get ourselves thrown out of town after only a couple of days here, do we? Oh, that sounds like Dario already. You’re going to be spoilt for choice soon. Two good looking admirers, each with a taxi cab to whisk you away.”

  They both laughed, although Gemma secretly knew whose taxi she preferred to be in, but it was a working holiday after all, and today she had a lot of shopping to do. Graingcia’s supermarket was huge. Declining Dario’s offer of help to push the trolley, she decided to fly round the aisles and get in and out quickly. She needed to be back before Craig and Rupert’s arrival.

  Dario was waiting for her outside with his cab instead. However, he did insist on taking the trolley from her and loading the car boot up with her shopping. All done in under an hour. Quite impressive for a shopping trip in a foreign country as well, not forgetting the difficulties of getting used to a foreign currency too. Gemma felt in control, and laughed to herself that her mum would be amazed.

  Back at the villa Dulcie was chatting happily to Maria while Dario helped Gemma carry the shopping in. After a little smile and a wave to Dulcie and an awkward goodbye to Gemma, he barely had time to turn the taxi round in the drive, when Craig drove up. Dulcie was outside in seconds, she was so excited and couldn’t wait to show Rupert his new home for the next six months. Dario had now got out of his car ready to be introduced and noticing that the car was full of luggage, he felt he ought to lend a hand to unload. Gemma stood back to leave Dulcie to do the introductions, but before she could utter a word, Rupert intervened.

  “Well, hello there, what do we have here? A present for me? P
lease tell me you’re staying at the villa with us. I really would have no objection at all. By the way, my name’s Rupert.”

  “Hello and welcome to Graingcia…”

  “Oh, Rupert, don’t frighten the poor lad. Pouncing on him like that will scare him away, and it’s a steep hill up here from the town. I wouldn’t fancy having to walk it. Now, this is Dario, our taxi driver. And, Rupert, you don‘t stand a chance, there’s only one person round here Dario’s got his eye on.”

  “Yes, that’s me, isn’t that right, Dario?”

  They all started laughing at Dulcie’s sense of humour. She was so animated and excited to see Rupert that she ushered him in to show him around the villa, leaving Craig and Dario together. Gemma could tell they were both trying to suss each other out. She tried to lighten the conversation up by saying they both had something in common as they were both taxi drivers, but that didn’t seem to work so she just told them where to leave the cases and boxes. The sooner Dario was gone, the better as perhaps Craig could then relax a little. Perhaps he didn’t think much of Rupert’s comments to Dario, maybe thinking he was paying him far too much attention.

  “What’s so funny, Gemma?”

  “Nothing really, Craig, I was just thinking of something which is far too silly to tell you.”

  Gemma spent the next hour taking the bags and cases into the right bedrooms while Dulcie poured Craig and Rupert a couple of beers and showed them around the pool and patio areas. Once all their belongs were unpacked, she started on lunch: bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches and crisps all round. They sat outside and as usual the more Rupert drank the funnier he got. Gemma left the other three to chat, made herself a cup of tea and headed down to the terrace beside the pool.

  Looking out over Graingcia it was so difficult to believe that this would be home for the next six months. How lucky she was, and more than anything, what fun she was going to have. The next six months, although full of laughs and silliness, would definitely be a time she would always remember.

  “Hi, can I join you?”

  “Of course! By the way, I didn’t ask how the journey was. Did Rupert drive you insane with his constant banter?”

  “I know what you mean, but I wouldn’t have expected anything else. Actually I’m looking forward to a few days of peace and quiet here before I attempt the long journey home.”

  “Peace and quiet! You must be joking, there’s no chance of that here with those two. They’re here to have fun.”

  “Yes, but Rupert seems to have Dario now. I hope he knows what’s in store, but then I don’t think Rupert’s the only one who’s looking to have fun with Dario. Is he, Gemma?”

  Chapter 11

  Gemma was up particularly early the next morning as it was Maria’s day off, so she set about the responsibilities of sweeping and mopping the patios. It wasn’t a problem to be up and working early, as like the others, she had gone to bed earlier than usual. Both Rupert and Craig were tired from the journey and Dulcie from being the hostess, which was probably her last opportunity now that Rupert had arrived. There’d be no stopping him when he found his feet.

  Standing on the terrace steps on the lower patio, Gemma couldn’t help but admire the view, and for the first time she thought she could make out Dario’s holiday home complex in the distance. Craig’s passing comment came to her mind; he was right of course, she would love to have fun with Dario. He was a nice lad and she really enjoyed his company, but then last night eating, relaxing and chatting with Craig had also been lovely. It was the first time she had spent time with him when he hadn’t been working. Dulcie had obviously enjoyed it too, saying how nice it was for Craig to be able to stay over, and that he would be welcome for a holiday at any time. Gemma knew that was hardly likely. Claire would never allow that.

  “Morning, dear. You don’t need to be doing all this cleaning. It won’t hurt to leave it for one day, and Maria will be back tomorrow.”

  “Dulcie, I need to pay my way. Anyway, it’ll be twice as bad tomorrow. You wouldn’t believe how much sand blows up here. It’s nearly done now. Fancy a coffee?”

  “Yes, please, dear, but there’s no rush. There’s no sign of Rupert either. I can’t believe how quiet he was last night, must have been so tired after the journey. I think we’ll have to wear him out every day, so we can have peaceful evenings like that. Isn’t it nice to have Craig here? Perhaps you two could have an evening out before he drives back to England.”

  “Dulcie, he’s married and I’m not sure I need any matchmaking done. Don’t forget, I’m here to work and look after you two.”

  “Okay, my dear, but remind me to continue this conversation the day before we head home in six months’ time. It will be interesting to see which one of us has had the most fun.”

  They both laughed at this, and by the time Gemma went to make the coffee, both Rupert and Craig were up. She told them to join Dulcie by the pool and she would bring breakfast and drinks down to them. She had to remember that she was supposed to be working; she needed to be paying her way instead of taking advantage of an elderly couple’s kindness. Keeping herself busy, preparing breakfast and tidying up could hardly be described as a proper job, but it made Gemma feel as if she was pulling her weight.

  The dishwasher was on, Dulcie had gone to get dressed and Rupert was going to make his room more homely. Craig was taking photos of the villa and then sending them to someone, probably his wife Gemma thought, and that was the reason why she was wary of getting involved with Craig.

  “There you are, Gemma, look. I’ve made my room a home from home, but I’ll do some more tomorrow. Dulcie and I have been talking and we’ve decided that it would be nice to go up to the old town, Roncia, tonight for a nice meal; a sort of a thank you to Craig from all of us. Would you like to phone your friend and ask him to recommend somewhere special, and whether he could drive us all there and back so that Craig can enjoy a drink?”

  Gemma knew she’d have to get used to Rupert and Dulcie referring to Dario as ‘her friend’. It would be the same if a plumber, electrician or any handyman came to the villa. Gemma had to accept the fact that for the duration of their stay in Graingcia, they wouldn’t stop trying to find her a boyfriend. Annoying as it may seem, it was quite sweet in its own way and if it made Dulcie and Rupert happy, then she ought not to complain.

  “Okay. I’ll give him a call. Is there anything else you need me to get?”

  “Now you come to mention it, I think I’ve forgotten my toothbrush. I must have left it in the hotel we stayed at on the way here, but don’t go out especially for that, my dear.”

  Gemma explained that it wouldn’t be a problem as she needed a few other things from the supermarket.

  “Are you sure that’s everything, Rupert?”

  “Apart from taking Craig with you. He looks a bit lost all by himself and no doubt his wife’s been on the phone nagging him. Can you believe that she wasn’t ever off the phone during his journey here? He doesn’t have an easy life by the sound of things.”

  At least they would be out and about with things to see. It wasn’t like a date, was it? One thing was certain, she wouldn’t be mentioning Claire while they were out. That was his problem to sort out. Now to phone the second taxi driver in her life.

  “Look at that, Gemma! What a view! You’re so lucky to have all this on your doorstep and it’s not that far to walk to the shops. Just think, once the weather improves you’ll be able to come down for a swim whenever you like. Oh, I’m so jealous. Perhaps I should take Rupert and Dulcie up on their offer to come back for a holiday. Trouble is, I’d have to bring my other half with me.”

  “Maybe that’s what you both need, a holiday away from work where you two can have some fun.”

  Craig didn’t answer, so Gemma changed the subject. They talked about the beach, Graingcia, and everything she was looking forward to doing over the next six months. Dario didn’t crop up in the conversation; it was a lovely relaxed afternoon. Neither of them had to
be back at the villa for at least five hours as the taxi wasn’t picking them up until seven o’clock. The sand was blowing in their faces, so crossing over the road and heading up a side street made their walk far more comfortable. Gemma was beginning to get a feel for the town. She had only been down into the town once before, she recognised the inland cafés and restaurants and she felt quite at home. Soon they came across a couple of small cafés which were quite busy with locals. They stopped in one and ordered a drink each.

  “This is something I’d never do at home. I should make the most of this; I guess I’m on holiday.”

  “You might be, but I’m working. Don’t forget, I have to buy Rupert a toothbrush.”

  “You call that working, Gemma?”

  It was at least another two hours before they eventually got to the supermarket. They’d each had a couple of lagers and were quite giggly, but happy. Gemma bought the toothbrush together with a few other bits of shopping and decided it best if they walked back up to the villa. That would give them time to clear their heads and sober up. Not that they were drunk, but they were a little tipsy. The wind had now died down so it was easier to walk along the edge of the beach. Every so often the conversation stopped and they glanced at each other, probably with the same thought in mind. Should they kiss? Even though Gemma had a few drinks in her, she was not going to let that happen – not as long as Craig was married.

  “Come on, we need to move a bit faster or we won’t have enough time to get ready before Dario comes to pick us up.”

  “Surely there must be more than one taxi driver here! Why does it always have to be him?”

  “Because the letting agency recommended him, and he’s nice and friendly. Dulcie likes him.”