One Summer in Spain

by Ian Wilfred

  Chapter 17

  Next morning Gemma recalled the previous night. Perhaps she’d been a bit silly to leave the party while everyone wished Dario a happy birthday, but she had found it difficult being there. The only problem now was that he would know she was upset, but up to that point she had had a lovely time. Rosa’s friends were all lovely and the language barrier hadn’t been a problem at all.

  After telling Dulcie and Rupert the whole story about Dario’s party, Gemma felt a little better, although she hadn’t told them everything, including the text message she’d received from him after she returned home. How could she reply? All he’d said was ‘I’m sorry’.

  Today was a day for the three of them. They were taking the bus to Ceola which was about eight miles around the coast. There was a famous open market and Rupert had heard that he’d be able to buy some new clothes. Dulcie couldn’t understand why on earth he’d want to buy clothes from a market when he could afford the nice designer shops, but in the end she just went along with his ideas.

  They walked down the hill to the bus stop to take them to Ceola. It wasn’t an overly long journey even though it felt like it with the bus stopping every few hundred yards to pick up the locals going about their everyday chores, the holidaymakers and tourists going to the beach and of course those going to the market.

  By the time they arrived it was very hot and the town was crowded. Dulcie wasn’t in the mood to be dragged around market stalls, and Gemma could tell by the look on Rupert’s face that he wasn’t quite so keen as he had been earlier.

  “Come on, you two. I’m sorry this was a bad idea. Let’s go and get a coffee and cake. I think it would be better to walk in the opposite direction to the market or would you sooner we caught the next bus home?”

  “We’re here now, Rupert, so we may as well make a day of it. Coffee and cake would be lovely, so lead the way and Gemma and I will follow.”

  The further away from the centre of town they walked, the more pleasant it became. It was far less crowded and a lot cooler with a gentle sea breeze. They found a gorgeous café with a view cross the beach and horizon. Rupert said the cakes were to die for and he didn’t feel guilty about bringing Dulcie and Gemma here. It certainly made up for the busy market. Ceola was so different from Graingcia. It was an ancient town with historic buildings, but quite large in size and its quaint cobbled streets reminded Dulcie of parts of Barcelona, only on a far smaller scale.

  “So a little walk to give us an appetite for more cake, ladies!”

  “No, Rupert, a walk would be nice followed by a late lunch. Is that alright with you, Gemma?”

  “We could always have lunch and cake.”

  There was unanimous agreement to that suggestion, so they headed off down the promenade to take in all the sights. The beach was a lot busier, but it was certainly a lovely place and they agreed they would definitely make future visits. In comparison, Graingcia was far more sedate, a tranquil peaceful town, which they loved staying in, but this was their holiday and it was an experience visiting the nearby coastal towns. As they turned a bend, in the distance they saw the marina with its array of boats moored up. It was a pleasant view. Dulcie spotted a row of unoccupied seats, which was just what they needed, a place to rest their feet and watch the world go by.

  “Isn’t this beautiful? Far better than traipsing round a market.”

  “Okay, Dulcie, I think you’ve made your point, but yes, I do have to agree with you.”

  The three of them sat there for about three quarters of an hour, laughing, joking and taking in the wonderful surroundings. Gemma always found it amusing that Rupert and Dulcie never ran out of things to say, and never even repeated themselves. They’d been through a lot together, the highs and lows of a long lasting friendship and were obviously very fond of each other. They were just about to make a move, head towards the marina to see whether there was anywhere nice to have lunch when an elderly gentleman approached them.

  “Hello, Gemma, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, that’s right. Pablo! How are you? Sorry, let me introduce you. This is Dulcie and Rupert who I’m staying with up at the villa. Dulcie, Rupert, meet Pablo, Dario’s grandfather.”

  “How lovely to finally meet you both. I’ve heard so much about you from Dario, and hope you’re enjoying your stay. By the way, Gemma, I owe you an apology, and a thank you is in order too, I believe. Firstly, I’ve had a ticking off. I didn’t mean to upset you when I said Dario had gone away with a girlfriend, and secondly, thank you so much for your ideas about the holiday lets. We’re thrilled to bits with the plans, as hopefully it means I won’t need to sell them. I must admit though, we’re struggling a bit on how to actually do everything. Perhaps you… No, never mind. I’m being a bit too forward, I think. Anyway, I’ll leave you all to enjoy your day. Nice to have met you again, Gemma, and you too, Dulcie and Rupert.”

  “No need to thank me, Pablo, I was happy to try and help you and Dario and I wish you all the best with it. As for apologising, no need. I wasn’t upset, just a little shocked as Dario hadn’t ever mentioned this girlfriend.”

  “Well, it seems as if I got the wrong end of the stick. She’s not a ‘girlfriend’, but a friend who happens to be a girl – whatever that means.”

  “What are these youngsters like? I blame the Internet. Now, in my day…”

  “…In your day, Rupert, things were boring. The young people have so much now, adventures that we couldn’t have dreamt about.”

  “Well, if Gemma hadn’t been here to come up with the solution to my business problem, I dread to think what might have happened. It doesn’t bear thinking about. Now, I mustn’t take up any more of your precious time. Enjoy your day, and, Gemma, once we get more organised, you must come and see how your vision has come to life.”

  “I’m sure she’d be more than happy to come and help out with any of the design aspects. Isn’t that right, Gemma?”

  Rupert was good at reading between the lines. He knew how much Gemma wanted to get involved with Pablo and Dario’s holiday let refurbishments, and left the conversation there. It wasn’t mentioned for the rest of the day although Dulcie did comment about the girlfriend, or friend who was a girl and the meaning behind that.

  After walking around the marina and admiring the luxurious yachts, they found a quaint little restaurant for a late lunch. Sitting on a little balcony admiring the view, Rupert was in his element watching the yachts as well as their owners, in their casual clothes. He quite fancied their style. He would definitely need some blue cut off trousers with a matching striped T-shirt and a baseball cap if he came here again. Dulcie and Gemma found this amusing. It was another fun meal out together. These were the best times, laughing, joking and enjoying each other’s company while eating.

  It was gone six o’clock by the time they left the restaurant, and Dulcie decided it would be best to have a taxi to take them back to the villa. It had been a long day and the walk back up the hill would be difficult to manage. Rupert and Gemma agreed, but first things first, a trip back to the cake shop for a box of treats for later. It would be good to walk some of the meal off, and no doubt there would be a taxi rank near the shops.

  “Home at last, but what a lovely day. I’ll put the cakes in the fridge for now, but I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am, and spoilt being here with the two of you. I’m such a lucky girl.”

  “Gemma, you’re most welcome. There’s no need to thank us, although I doubt you’ll be saying that when Janice comes to stay. You’ll probably be booking the first flight back to England.”

  “I’ll just keep out of her way as much as possible, don’t worry.”

  “Well, after today’s chat with Pablo, I think we all know where you’ll be spending most of your time. Shouldn’t you be texting a certain someone and asking whether he and his grandfather need any help!”

  Chapter 18

  Janice and Jamie were due to arrive mid-afternoon and everything was planned and prepared for thei
r stay. Dulcie had suggested Dario collect them from the airport, but Jamie had preferred to hire a car so that he could take them out and about exploring the sights and visiting other coastal towns.

  Gemma had sent Dario a text in reply to his a few days earlier. She had agonised over its wording and tone for a while, wanting the text to be friendly but not appear too sentimental or needy and eventually settled on ‘Really pleased you liked my ideas. If you want a hand, you only need to ask. Gemma’

  This morning she was seeing him for the first time since sending the text. He would be taking her into Graingcia for quite a large supermarket shop in readiness for Janice and Jamie’s stay, and she was inwardly hoping he’d ask if she needed help as today she had written out the longest shopping list of her entire stay in Spain.

  “Is that everything you need, Dulcie? Don’t forget you’ll be going out to eat quite a lot, but the supermarket’s only five minutes away if you do need anything in a hurry. Apart from the shopping, everything else is done. I’ve moved all the alcohol out of the kitchen as you asked, and put it in my wardrobe. I’ll just bring you a bottle in as and when you finish one. That way there’s no worry of Janice taking a bottle out or taking one into her room. Do you think she’ll guess that we’re hiding it from her though?”

  “Probably, but I don’t have a problem with it at all. It’s not like I’m going to be asking her if she’d like another drink, is it? No, it’s a sensible plan, it’s taking temptation out of her way, although I doubt that will stop her for long. Thankfully Jamie’s here to control her, but first things first, aren’t you seeing Dario for the first time after the misunderstanding, dear? Now, are totally sure you’ll be alright? I’m happy to come shopping with you if you’d prefer.”

  “No, it’s fine. Honestly, I need to get it over and done with. I’ll be polite and friendly, and just act as if nothing’s happened, but if he mentions it I’ll casually change the subject and brush it under the carpet. Right, I must get on, need to put a bit more effort into my appearance and let him see exactly what he missed out on.”

  Dulcie and Gemma laughed. It was all very well saying it, but when he’s standing in front of her with those beautiful dark Spanish eyes, she might not feel as confident then!

  “Hi, Dario. Another lovely sunny day, perfect for Dulcie’s family visiting later. How’s Pablo? Did he tell you he bumped into us in Ceola for a chat? He seems a really nice man. And how’s the refurbishment going? Started yet? It’s going to be so lovely when it’s all finished. Oh, yes, and I’ve seen some more designs online. I’ll print them out for you if you’d like.”

  “Gemma, you’re firing question after question at me and I can’t keep up. I haven’t even had a chance to say hello as you’ve been talking at the speed of a locomotive. Slow down, please, and no, I’m not going to make things any more awkward between us, so relax. I know I made a big mistake by not putting you in the picture, but I promise you it wasn’t what it looked like. Now, the shopping – Dulcie must be thrilled to have her daughter and grandson come over.”

  “That’s another long story, but let’s just say that we’re all hoping they have a nice time and their stay goes quickly.”

  Dario helped her with the shopping, using the time to chat over everything. Someone had offered to buy the six kitchenettes from the holiday lets, and were even coming to dismantle them themselves. The baths were going to a local farmer who planned to use them for his crops, and Dario would be doing the retiling in the bathrooms. Shopping done, Dario made the return trip to the villa and helped Gemma carry everything inside. Rupert asked him whether he wanted to stay for a drink, and Gemma noticed his slight hesitation before eventually refusing the offer and leaving.

  “That wasn’t too bad, Dulcie. He didn’t explain things, but it’s broken the ice, I suppose. Right, I need to put everything away. How long do we have before they arrive?”

  “Probably about five hours, dear, so why don’t you join me in the pool because this will be our last time for relaxation for the week?”

  With the shopping packed away, fresh flowers put in Janice’s room and everything prepared for their stay, it was nice to have a little swim and a sunbathe out on the terrace. Gemma did wonder why she was beginning to feel slightly apprehensive over Janice’s stay. It was Dulcie’s problem really, and all she had to do was cook, clean and tidy up. Surely it wouldn’t be nearly as bad as they were making out.

  “Come in, come in, and welcome to our villa! How was your journey? Gosh, that’s a huge car you have there, Jamie. It’s more like a truck.”

  “The journey was fine, thanks, Rupert. I thought I’d hire the biggest car possible, so that we can all go out in comfort.”

  “Well, isn’t anyone going to ask me how I am? I’ll tell you anyway. That son of mine would only let me have two drinks on the plane in case I embarrassed him, but I’m here now and ready to start my holiday. Hopefully, I can have some fun here without the four of you ganging up and monitoring everything I do.”

  That was a great start! She hadn’t been at the villa for more than five minutes, but had immediately kicked off about something. Gemma left them all to it, making an excuse to bring in the cushions they’d left by the pool area. Rupert showed them around the villa and to their bedrooms. As she was tidying the sun loungers, she saw the four of them with a glass in hand heading to the side patio. Rupert was obviously showing them the wonderful view. Gemma went back inside, fetched a selection of nibbles and laid them out on the coffee table. She knew Janice was staring at her, but Gemma was determined not to make eye contact.

  “Now, can I get anyone anything? More drinks? A sandwich? Rupert’s going to be cooking on the barbecue, but not until about nine o’clock when it gets a bit cooler.”

  “Yes, I’ll have another gin and tonic, please. Oh, and for those who are counting, it’s my second. Can I ask a couple of questions while I’m about it?”

  Gemma could tell by the expression on Janice’s face that her questions would be aimed at her, but she wasn’t going to let it faze her; it was nothing less than she had expected, but she wasn’t bothered as she could see Rupert becoming a bit short tempered and on the point of snapping.

  “My question is why doesn’t Gemma wear a uniform? She’s employed to wait on us and another thing, why are you, doing the cooking, Rupert?”

  Gemma stopped to listen to Rupert‘s reply, but surprisingly he left it to Dulcie, who then stood up to confront her daughter.

  “Right, Janice, let’s get this over and done with. Yes, yes, you’re here on holiday to enjoy yourself, and that’s what we want you to do, but Rupert loves barbecuing. He gets a real kick out of it, so we let him do as he pleases too. The second thing is a house rule that applies to you only, as Jamie and Rupert have already grasped it and do it naturally, but while you’re here you’ll show Gemma the respect she deserves. If not, you’ll be heading back on that plane to England.

  “I did set up another rule for you, Janice, but I’ve changed my mind on that one. I did put all the booze away with a view to rationing you so you drink like a normal human being, but seeing that you’re far from being normal, I’ll put it back in the kitchen and let you drink whenever you like. Why change the habits of a lifetime now you’re on holiday? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going for a shower and a lie down.”

  Dulcie then headed into her room followed by a rather quiet Rupert. Gemma made herself scarce, but she could hear Jamie’s voice although couldn’t make out all that he was saying. She did as she was asked and got Janice her gin and tonic, but when she returned with it, Jamie was alone.

  “Sorry about all that, Gemma. No doubt you were expecting it, but do you mind if I have the gin? I think I need one now. Why don’t you sit down and tell me all about being here in Spain? The villa’s absolutely out of this world, and those two look great on it. I don’t just mean their golden tans, but the way they get about; it’s taken years off them.”

  “We’re loving it here, Jamie. There�
��s nothing but banter and lots of laughter at each meal. We just giggle away. You want to hear some of the stories they tell. Actually, it’s probably best you don’t, but they seemed to have a fantastic time when they were young.”

  “I can well imagine! I’m so pleased you’re here with them. I think I‘d worry if they were by themselves.”

  “It’s been great, yes, and I do appreciate how lucky I am.”

  For the next hour Gemma talked all about Graingcia, the old town on the hill and Rupert’s little coffee group and how sometimes she found it hard to keep up with them. It was nice having Jamie over to visit. He was lovely, very level headed and just as her parents would describe as good marrying material.”

  “Right, I need to go and start preparing dinner.”

  “Didn’t Rupert say he was cooking on the barbecue tonight?”

  “Well, let’s just say he puts the things on the barbecue. As for the preparation, he has no idea. Oh, I’m not telling tales behind his back, he’d be the first to admit it too, but it’s all part of the fun and games here. You’re in for a great evening, Jamie, I can promise you that.”

  As Gemma walked away she noticed Jamie watching her and felt herself blushing. She had to remember that it wasn’t just him here. Could you imagine how Janice would react if she thought Gemma was flirting with her son? That would definitely put the cat among the pigeons!

  Chapter 19

  Janice had stayed in her bedroom following her outburst, leaving the rest of them to enjoy a lovely evening around the barbecue. Jamie had made sure his mother had all she needed, occasionally popping in her room to bring her food and drink, but she had soon fallen asleep leaving everyone to another evening of fun and laughter. Dulcie was overjoyed to have her grandson over to stay, and she wasn’t the only one! Gemma was also enjoying his company and very much looking forward to having him around for the next couple of weeks.