by Ian Wilfred
“No, I’m fine, thanks dear. I’ve already had some toast. I was wondering if the three of us could go out for a meal tonight. Rupert suggested we go up to Roncia. What do you think? Would that be alright with you?”
Gemma wasn’t particularly keen to go out, she was hardly in to mood to do anything, but if Dario was away in Madrid, there’d be a different taxi driver. She knew she’d have to face him sooner or later, but as far as today was concerned, perhaps she could make the effort.
“Penny for them, my dear? You seem to miles away, so deep in thought. Are you sure you’re feeling well? Would it help to go and have a rest?”
“No, I’m fine. I’ll just have a quick chat with Maria to see if there’s anything she wants me to do as it’s her day off tomorrow, and yes, it would be nice to go out tonight. There’s a huge viewing platform and if we were early enough, you’d be able to see for miles. It would be lovely to see it in the daylight. When are you expecting Rupert back?”
“I’ll text him and tell him our plans, but I expect he’ll be back by lunch time. Shall we say, leave here about four o’clock? Oh, and another thing. Would you prefer me to book the taxi? Yes, let me give the taxi company a call.”
Dulcie was certainly astute. It hadn’t taken her long to figure out something was amiss between Gemma and Dario, and it would be interesting to know what the new taxi driver would say about it as no doubt he’d be aware of Dario’s plans.
“What a lovely idea to come up here in the daylight. It’s such a contrast to the new town. When you sent that text, Dulcie, I mentioned it to the group. One of them said they come here all the time and recommended a cheap and cheerful little restaurant called Elo Pollo. There’s no real rush to eat, is there? It’s only five o’clock, so plenty of time for a little mooch around. By the way, wasn’t that taxi driver a little vague when I asked him where Dario was? It seemed like he’d been sworn to secrecy.”
“Enough, Rupert, we’ve come here to look around and have a nice night out. Now, which way shall we go?”
Dulcie had more or less put two and two together and gave Gemma a knowing wink and a smile. Gemma considered being open with her and telling her how stupid she felt, but this wasn’t the right time; they were here to enjoy the evening. Roncia was a delightful old town with its quaint little shops, houses and traditional style restaurants, and Gemma couldn’t imagine how it would be in summer jammed pack full of tourists and holidaymakers stopping to look in the galleries and gift shops. Time was moving on fast, and it was now starting to get dark.
“Right, you two. My feet are absolutely killing me. I walked a long way this morning while you two ladies were busy sunning yourselves. It’s time to eat, and I know the perfect place, but we need to find it. Now where’s that piece of paper with the name on?”
Rupert asked for directions in one of the shops and luckily enough the tiny restaurant he had been recommended was only a two minute walk away. Gemma found it rather strange as it looked more like a house with a couple of rooms and a few tables outside. It didn’t seem the type of place you’d choose to eat at, but the food did smell good. You could almost taste it cooking.
A lovely Spanish lady showed them to a table. The restaurant was busy, full of both locals and guests from all nationalities, but they didn’t appear to be holidaymakers. Rupert didn’t give Dulcie or Gemma a chance to decide on drinks, quickly ordering a bottle of house red, and as the lady went to get the wine, Rupert explained that the restaurant was a little different to the norm.
“How do you mean, Rupert? It is a bit odd, I give you that. Do you know, it reminds me of back in the fifties when we were young and working in London. Do you remember how we’d go to some dive at three o’clock in the morning after we’d drunk so much at a club or a pub lock in, that we’d be absolutely starving and wanting to eat anything available?”
Dulcie and Rupert laughed together, obviously reminding themselves of many happy memories. The friendly Spanish lady returned with the wine, a huge basket of bread and three sets of cutlery. However, she didn’t have a menu with her, and looking around there weren’t any to be seen on any of the tables either. That’s when Rupert explained that if he’d have mentioned the fact that this restaurant didn’t need a menu as they only cooked chicken and chips, they might well be disappointed. His new friends at the coffee morning had recommended it and no one ever came away unhappy as the oven roasted chicken with its garlic and herbs they smelt cooking when they arrived was divine. By the time Rupert had explained everything, the Spanish lady returned with a large bowl of salad. Rupert ordered another litre of wine and pointed out to Dulcie and Gemma that the other diners had large platters of chicken and chips placed in the centre of the table. Theirs would be the same.
“This is one extreme to another. Our first meal out in Graingcia was a posh one, but now look at us. We’re told to ignore the knife and fork and just dive in with your fingers if you want. Here it comes. Ready girls!”
The aroma of freshly cooked chicken was incredible and the first bite was something Gemma had never experienced before. This was definitely one place to come back to. Thank goodness the local bus came this way, it was so good and it was just the ticket for taking her mind off Dario. All three of them ate in silence, dipping their chips in the spicy chicken juices on the platter. What a meal!
“Thanks so much, Rupert. I can’t remember when I enjoyed a meal so much and you’re right it does take me back to the good old days of fifty years ago. In those days we were often very drunk, but saying that I’m feeling a little tipsy now.”
“Now you mention it, Dulcie. I was going to ask you, who was Marco?”
With that Rupert erupted into a fit of laughter. “Should I tell Gemma or are you going to explain the story?”
Dulcie insisted on recalling the story, telling Rupert not to interrupt. Apparently Marco was an Italian waiter who worked with them both from time to time. Dulcie was smitten. He was gorgeous; always so smartly dressed and with the longest eyelashes you’d ever seen. He obviously took a lot of time and effort over his appearance. Dulcie continually flirted with him all the time in her dreams and imagined moving to Italy with him and settling down with a family.
“We had both been working at a huge function held at a very classy London hotel. It must have catered for hundreds, so it was late at night, or very early the next morning by the time we finished. A few of us walked home in the same direction, and I’m not too sure how it happened but Marco ended up in our little flat. None of us were working until the evening, so Rupert opened a bottle of whiskey and Marco told us all about his life in Italy. Eventually, well, let’s just put it this way, I thought I was onto something and it would only be a matter of time before Rupert got the hint and took himself to bed, leaving us to do what young people do. Go on then, Rupert, I can see you’re itching to finish the story. You might as well.”
“If you insist! Well, Gemma, I politely said goodnight and as I left to go to my bedroom, Marco asked if he could come with me. It was me he wanted to do the deed with, not Dulcie at all, and before you ask, yes, we did for about a month. Dulcie didn’t entirely lose out though, as Marco cooked us lovely Italian meals.”
“Oh, Dulcie, I‘m so sorry. I would never have asked if I’d thought that was the outcome.”
“No problem, dear. We’ve seen the funny side and laughed about it for the last fifty years, haven’t we, Rupert? But I must say I’ve learnt my lesson. I’ve never trusted any handsome Italian, French or Spanish lad who fluttered their eyelashes at me. I was upset at the time, Gemma, but I soon got over it and realised there were far better fish in the sea.”
Chapter 16
It had been a few days since their night out and Gemma was now feeling better, having put Dario to the back of her mind. Another taxi driver had taken her to the supermarket and back, so she assumed that he must still be away in Madrid. The rest of the time had been spent at the villa, relaxing and enjoying a millionaire’s lifestyle. The weather no
w was really warm and all three of them had been using the pool, cooking on the barbecues and planning Janice and Jamie’s visit the following week.
Tonight, however, was going to be different. Gemma was going dancing at a club with Maria’s daughter, Rosa, and she was really looking forward to spending time with people her own age. Not that she wasn’t enjoying her time with Dulcie and Rupert, it had been hilarious to listen to their stories about their younger days in London and every meal time had been fun, but she hadn’t been out dancing for a long, long time and was really excited about having been invited out for the night.
“Morning, Rupert. You’re up early today. Oh, yes, of course, it’s your morning meeting up with the Brits who live here. What are you planning to do?”
“I’m in two minds whether to go or not actually, dear. The group have asked someone in to teach a bit of Spanish, and I’m not overly bothered about it. It sounds too much like hard work, and a trifle boring, if I’m honest. I don’t know whether to make the effort to go or not.”
“If you’re there, Rupert, it certainly wouldn’t be boring. You manage to turn every situation into a laugh. To be honest, I’d feel sorry for the teacher.”
“You could be right! I think I’ll go and tart myself up. Another day, another outfit! You know, it’s difficult being me out here in Spain.”
Gemma couldn’t help but laugh. Every time Rupert went to meet his new friends, she would have loved to be a fly on the wall. Perhaps she and Dulcie should go with him one week, but today she had a few chores to do. She had been more than willing to give up her bedroom for Jamie, but Dulcie had assured her that was not necessary, so instead she would be making up the sofa bed in the office room for him and making sure it was clean and tidy. First things first, coffee and toast by the pool for an hour until Dulcie was up and about.
“I’m off now, Gemma. I think I can hear Dulcie getting up, so could you tell her that I’ll probably have lunch in town. Oh, there’s a phone, sounds like a text. It must be yours. Bye, Gemma, have a nice day.”
It was a text, from none other than Dario. ‘Hi, I’m back from sorting out some family business. Thanks so much for all those plans and information you printed out for me. I’m so excited about it all and so is Pablo. Let’s meet up some time for a drink or something to eat. Dario Xx’
Gemma cast his message to the back of her mind and set about making Dulcie some breakfast before tackling the office room and making it comfortable for Jamie. The morning soon flew by. Rupert had sent a text to say that he wouldn’t be back until late afternoon, so to go ahead and have lunch without him. Gemma went to make herself and Dulcie a salad, and as the days were now pleasantly warm, they had taken to eating outside and sitting in the shade.
“Here we are, Dulcie. One tuna salad and a cool glass of Pinot to wash it down.”
“Thanks, dear. I forgot to ask you about your evening out with Rosa tonight. I bet you’re really looking forward to that.”
“I am, yes. Apparently it will be mostly locals at the club rather than tourists and holidaymakers, so I’m hoping it will be a great night. It’s just what I need. Ohhhh, I didn’t mean to be rude, Dulcie. You know how much I enjoy being here with you two. Honestly, it’s been the best time of my life, but I…”
“…You just need to go and let your hair down from time to time. I understand that, don’t forget I was young once myself. Tell me if I’m overstepping the mark, but whatever happened between you and Dario is in the past.”
Gemma knew all along that Dulcie had picked up on something and it was only right she explained to her what had happened, or more to the point not happened, apart from a kiss.
“Oh dear, but as he’s now back in Graingcia you’re going to have to answer his text message even if it’s just to tell him to get lost. You never know, his grandfather may have got the wrong end of the stick. It might be best to confront Dario and ask him all about his trip to Madrid.”
“No, I think I’ll play it cool and give out the impression that I don’t care less. It’s best not to have any kind of bad atmosphere, because, don’t forget, he’ll be driving us all to places quite regularly. No, I’m going to make out that I’m not at all bothered about him going off with his so called girlfriend.”
“That’s the attitude, dear, and you never know, you might meet a nice young man while you’re out tonight. The good thing is you’ll be with Rosa who knows all the local lads. She’ll soon fill you in on everyone. No, my dear, go out and dance your heart out. Actually I’m a little jealous if truth be told, but no, I won’t be coming with you. Don’t worry, I think my dancing days are over. Now, what are you planning on wearing. You need something sexy to let those boys know you mean business.”
All this fuss over Dario had really got Gemma motivated. She had taken control of the villa and even Maria had started to ask her what she would like her to do. When they had first arrived, it had been the other way round. Now everything was organised for Janice and Jamie’s visit and they had even planned which nights they’d go out and which evenings Gemma would cook. They knew that Janice would be making excuses to go out by herself, but at least Jamie would be around to keep her in line.
Gemma wasn’t due to meet Rosa until nine-fifteen, so that gave her plenty of time to cook and eat with Rupert and Dulcie before getting ready. If she heard it once, she had heard it a million times that afternoon. Once more and she felt she was going to scream. Yes, she was going to make an effort to look nice!
Her outfit was definitely worthy of the thumbs up. Her golden tan complemented her pink top and the white skirt showed off her long legs. The whole look was indeed a little sexy. She was ready to go and have some fun. Gemma decided to walk down to the town as she didn’t want Dario to come and pick her up. Anyway, she would feel better with some fresh air.
“Wow! Look at you, Gemma! Watch out Graingcia, she’s coming to get you.”
“You aren’t just saying that are you, Rosa? I’m a little nervous, as I don’t usually dress like this.”
“You look perfect, don’t worry. Everybody loves a party, it’ll be a great night.”
“Party? What do you mean? I thought we were going dancing.”
“Didn’t I mention it? Oh, sorry, that’s why I’ve come back for the night. It’s a local lad’s birthday party. Now come on, let’s go for a drink first.”
Gemma thought it would have been helpful to have known all this in advance, but there again she may not have agreed to come. It would be awkward being at the birthday party of someone she’d never met before, not to mention being the only English girl there. However, there wasn’t much she could do about that now, and thinking about it, she began to feel more relaxed about her clothes. She was going to a party and who doesn’t pull out all the stops when they’re invited to a birthday bash?
The first bar they went into was a little quiet but Rosa explained they were meeting up with two of her friends who weren’t finishing work until ten o’clock. The party in the club wouldn’t get going until around midnight as they were waiting for lots of friends to arrive. Rosa introduced everyone to Gemma and made her feel welcome. A few were curious about her living up at the villa but she explained that she was the housekeeper / PA and nothing more was said. The other thing she was conscious of was the need to stay sober. The last thing she wanted to do was overdo it on the drink and end up drunk.
It was just gone midnight, a large group had formed and it was time to head off to the party. Gemma now felt like one of the crowd instead of the outsider. As they walked along the back streets of the town she stared to hear music. It wasn’t particularly loud, but was constantly audible in the background as they walked. It must be coming from the party venue, Gemma thought.
Eventually the group stopped at a little door in another side street. This was definitely it, as the music now was far louder. What a strange place for a night club. The building was laid out over several floors and was very busy. The atmosphere was vibrant. Rosa introduced mor
e people to Gemma but by now she had given up trying to remember everyone’s name. Gemma couldn’t wait to get onto the dance floor. She recognised some of the music, but of course the lyrics were all in Spanish. However, this wasn’t too much of a problem, as she had no intention of singing and most of the dance moves were familiar. Gemma also noticed that no one seemed to be drunk. Nightclubs back in England were so different, but if this one was representative of Spanish clubs, Gemma thought they were far better.
“Do you want to sit down and have a drink, Gemma? I’m worn out.”
“I’m okay thanks. If you don’t mind, Rosa, I just want to dance. You can have a break if you like, don’t mind me!”
Gemma didn’t feel remotely tired. She was enjoying her evening and everyone was friendly, welcoming and happy. All was about to change. Glancing in the direction of the staircase, she saw someone she didn’t want to see. Dario. He hadn’t noticed her though, he was with a couple of lads. If she was fast on her feet and able to walk in the opposite direction, she could head to the bar and find Rosa. She was in no mood to talk to Dario.
“Given in after all, Gemma! Let me get you that drink. Wine or beer?”
“Could I just have a bottle of water please?”
“Are you sure you’re okay. It looks as if you’re trying hard to avoid someone.”
“I am actually, but it’s a bit of a long story.”
Rosa didn’t ask any more questions, everyone was laughing and joking, taking time to explain things to Gemma in English. After about half an hour they all headed back to the dance floor, but she knew it would only be a matter of time before she bumped into Dario. She was right, he had spotted her and was heading her way. ‘Play it cool,’ she remembered. As much as you want to hit him and kiss him at the same time, don’t let him see you’re bothered.
Suddenly the music stopped and everyone started to sing ‘Happy Birthday’. “Oh no,” Gemma gasped in horror. The dance floor had cleared apart from Dario. Of all the people celebrating their birthday, Dario himself was the birthday boy.