by Ian Wilfred
“Morning, Gemma, this looks nice.”
“Thanks, Rupert. As we’ve got guests, I thought I’d go to a little bit more effort and lay the table for breakfast. This table’s in the shade here, it’s alright, isn’t it? Can I get you your morning tea?”
“Yes, please, my dear, and make it extra strong today. No doubt Janice will be joining us later, so I’ll be needing a cup of strong tea to steady my nerves.”
“I know I don’t know her as well as you three do, but something tells me she’ll be on her best behaviour today. I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t hear a peep out of her. I could be wrong but…”
“I really hope you’re right. Look at it this way, one day gone and thirteen to go. It’s going in the right direction at least.”
Jamie had got himself showered, and didn’t he smell gorgeous! Very hunky in his shorts and T-shirt. It wasn’t long before Dulcie appeared for breakfast, delighted to see the beautifully laid table out on the terrace. Nobody wanted a cooked breakfast, so it was a straightforward fruit, yogurt and toast all round followed by coffee. Gemma had just gone into the kitchen to make a fresh pot of coffee when she saw Janice emerge from the patio door in her bedroom. She took a deep breath ready to put on an act with a welcoming smile.
“Morning, Janice. Sleep well? Can I get you tea or coffee, and would you like a cooked breakfast?”
“Thanks, but just black coffee and some toast, please.”
So far so good. Hopefully, the day would go well, but it was only nine-thirty in the morning and they had decided to spend a leisurely day in and out of the pool with lunch on the terrace. They would be going out for dinner later in the evening, but Gemma wasn’t going to be joining them as she didn’t want to get in the way of their family meal. However, she was slightly disappointed because she did enjoy Jamie’s company.
Gemma left them to their breakfast and continued with her chores. It was Maria’s day off to spend time with Rosa, so there were a few extra jobs for her to do, and she felt content to stay out of the way a bit, clearing the breakfast things away and preparing their lunch.
She then headed back to her own room, happy to leave the others to lie by the pool, and soon found herself on the Internet looking for images for Dario’s holiday lets. If she could find some stunning interior design themes, she could then try and source them at a cheaper price. It would keep her occupied for a while as well as out of Janice’s way.
The morning flew by and as far as Gemma could tell Janice did seem to be behaving herself. It was now two o’clock and lunch time. Crunch time too being that there would be wine served! Again, she would be leaving them to dine by themselves, as she was going out for the afternoon. Hopefully, by the time she returned, they’d have left for their evening meal n Roncia.
Heading down the hill, Gemma smiled to herself. She was now feeling far more relaxed and comfortable with Janice’s stay. Janice, however, was slowly getting back to her normal self as when Jamie had politely said that it was shame Gemma couldn’t join them in the old town, she was in there as quick as a flash reminding her son it was a family meal. It was nice of Jamie to include Gemma but just as well she already had plans as Janice would have been none too happy to see them both laughing and enjoying themselves. Perhaps there’d be other opportunities for the pair of them to go out together soon.
It was now nearly four o’clock and Gemma had brought her beach bag and book to idly spend a couple of hours on the beach before finding somewhere to eat. She intended staying out until around eight o’clock which was when Rupert had arranged a taxi to take them to Roncia.
She was fortunate to find a quiet spot on the beach well away from the tourists. Again, she thought how lucky she was, and for the first time in a while she didn’t have any pangs of guilt about not earning her stay at the villa. She had put in a fair few hours during the week, and now felt good about being able to relax away from it all.
Dozing off in the gentle sea breeze and summer sun, she was interrupted by a text on her phone. Glancing at the time she realised she had been laying out on the sand for a good hour and a half, and it was now a quarter to six. The text was from Craig. All it said was, ‘I hope you’re all having a lovely time. Miss seeing you’. What did he mean by that, Gemma wondered? Was he missing her in particular, or did he mean all three of them? She ignored his text, not wishing to get into a text conversation for fear of both Craig and Claire coming over for a Spanish holiday. Claire probably wouldn’t be the perfect house guest either, so perhaps it was best to avoid Craig’s message for now. She put the phone back in her backpack and could see the silhouette of someone emerging from the sea and walking towards her.
“Hey, Pablo! Is it warm in there?”
“Hello, Gemma. Yes, it’s gorgeous, but it always is. Winter or summer it’s such a privilege to have the beautiful sea to relax in.”
He went on to tell her that no matter how busy he was, he always stopped what he was doing later in the afternoon / early evening and came down for half an hour’s swim. He believed that was the secret of staying fit and healthy, and if he’d overdone it with too much wine or eaten the wrong foods, thirty minutes in the warm sea water would rectify it.
Pablo chatted about his background, explaining that this was his place of birth, he had never moved away and had no desire to be anywhere else in the world. He’d seen a lot of changes over the years – in the 70s, the holidaymakers would enjoy the beaches and the taverns and go home happy, while in the 90s, people would be searching on the Internet, comparing holiday packages and demanding low prices and a lot more for their money. Things were very difficult in the winter and Pablo would have to plough back all his summer trading money just to make ends meet. It was easy to fall into the trap of taking tourists for granted and just keep expecting them to come back summer after summer.
“But that’s enough about me, Gemma. Tell me, why is my grandson suddenly so miserable? When you first arrived he was so happy, taking pride in his appearance to go out in his taxi. What happened? He didn’t even seem happy on his birthday? And he was so enthusiastic about your ideas for the holiday lets, but now he seems to have completely lost all interest in the project.”
Gemma smiled but didn’t answer Pablo’s questions. As for the birthday party, from what she could see everyone was having a wonderful time. It had been a shock to discover it was Dario’s birthday and she had left before the end of the night, so she hadn’t seen a lot of him. As far as the refurbishment was concerned, as she had been researching some ideas, perhaps she could print them out, bring them round and see if she could get him back on track.
“I’d appreciate that, Gemma. It’s quite unusual, as normally I’d be the one dragging my heels with Dario rushing ahead eager to get things moving. This time it’s the other way round. Why don’t you pop in tomorrow or the day after, as by then the kitchens will be stripped out and I may have started to get rid of the bathroom tiles by then. Oh, and I’ve sold most of the pine bedroom furniture to a new walking camp up in the hills.
“I hope I’m not talking out of place here, Gemma, but Dario says that the girl in Madrid is out of his life; he just likes to talk to her about things. He’ll be able to explain that better than I can, no doubt, but deep down he’s a good lad, you know – not like a lot of the guys out here who have flings with girls while they’re on holiday and then move onto the next. He’s never been like that at all, so perhaps you should go easy on him.
“But that’s enough about us. How are things up at the villa? It’s such a beautiful property with such lovely views. I can remember playing on that land when I was a child and I knew the children who lived in the old house. It’s been left derelict for years, such a shame.”
“Yes, I passed by it the other day, and it’s sad to see it all overgrown like that. It would have a spectacular view if only the bushes and trees were cut back.”
Pablo explained how it was far cheaper and therefore more profitable for developers to just leave the
old houses than to demolish them. To refurbish them to standard would be too costly as they wouldn’t sell without vehicular access, but with the local authorities enforcing strict rules on empty properties being left in disrepair, owners would be forced into doing something.
“If you don’t mind me saying, Gemma, the three of you renting the villa for the whole of the summer has become a bit of a talking point. It’s such a lot of money, but everyone who’s met Dulcie and Rupert say they give the impression they’re just an ordinary down to earth couple.”
“They’re right. There’s no airs or graces with them at all. Right, Pablo, I must be getting a move on. Nice talking to you. I’ll pop in to take a look at the holiday lets soon and I’ll have a chat to Dario while I’m there. I know you’re right. He’s a nice lad. Bye, Pablo.”
That was interesting, Gemma thought to herself. So, Dario has been miserable, but he needs to talk to the girl in Madrid from time to time. He’s lost enthusiasm in the holiday lets too. That’s a shame and a bit strange seeing as his and Pablo’s future depends on it.
Chapter 20
Gemma was up early, even before Maria arrived for her shift. She had made sure she was in her room before the others got back, but from what she could hear they all seemed in good humour. There were no raised voices, but actually a fair bit of laughing going on, so hopefully Janice was behaving well without any major drama.
“Morning, Maria. How are you today? Did you have a nice day off?”
“Yes, thanks, it was lovely but I’m a bit late now as I’ve lost my keys. I think Rosa’s put them somewhere safe, only she can’t remember where. Doesn’t the table look nice? You’ve done a great job there. Anyway, I’d best get on with my work.”
Maria then went to get her cleaning things together and headed down to the pool area to mop. Gemma returned to organise breakfast and a strong cup of tea for Rupert, who was now up and about. Apparently everything was fine and their dinner had gone well. Rupert told her that Janice had drunk a lot, but so too had he and Dulcie and they had enjoyed their evening.
Rupert told her that they were going out to explore the area with Jamie in the hired car, and she was more than welcome to join them. Gemma mulled the idea over. Yes, the idea of being out with Jamie was an appealing one, but the flip side would be all five of them in a car together all day. She decided against it, telling a little white lie by explaining that she had already made plans to see Dario and Pablo. That said, she knew she could spend the day with them and it would be good to see the empty rooms of the holiday lets for herself. She had imagined their size, but to actually be inside one would enable her plans to come together better.
“So, if you’re all off out for the day, how about a cooked breakfast to start the day or perhaps bacon sandwiches, Rupert?”
He agreed that would be a most welcome start to the day and he was sure the others would like that too.
Janice was next up, coming into the kitchen to make herself a coffee. Although they were both friendly and polite to each other, Gemma was still cautious and untrusting of Janice. This was only the third day of her holiday, surely she wouldn’t be able to keep up the pretence of being civil for the entire two weeks. It would only be a question of time before she would show herself up in some way, but for now all remained peaceful and calm.
“I’ve proved you wrong, haven’t I? You see, I’m quite capable of playing this stupid game.”
“Sorry, Janice? I don’t know what you mean by that.”
“Oh, yes you do, Gemma. You’re just like the others. You think I’m a sad middle-aged woman who can’t behave herself. Well, I’ll show you you’re mistaken. I’ll have my mother thinking I’m a changed woman and then she’ll let me into the big secret of how they can afford to have you swanning around a beautiful place like this for the whole summer.”
“Who’s swanning around the place, Mum?”
“Morning, Jamie. Your mum was just saying how easy it is to get round the villa and how each area just flows into another. By the way, would you both like a bacon sandwich with or without eggs? You two go outside and I’ll bring them out to you.”
Janice looked a little sheepish as she went outside, leaving Gemma to get on with the job of frying the bacon. As Jamie went out to join her, he hesitated, aware that Gemma had tried to save an awkward moment.
“She doesn’t fool of any of us anymore. She thinks she’s clever, but we’ve been here dozens of times over the years. Mark my words, my mother will slip up before the holiday’s over, and as for you swanning around, that’s complete rubbish. You work extremely hard making sure everything is perfect for my grandmother and Rupert, and I, for one, enjoy having you around. Anyway, we’re all going out today and I’d love it if you joined us.”
“Sorry, Jamie, I’d love to, but I’ve already made plans to go into town and meet up with Pablo and show him some designs for the holiday apartment lets. It would have been nice though.”
“That a shame. Perhaps another day then.”
Gemma got on with cooking the bacon and eggs and Jamie headed out to the table to join Janice, Rupert and now Dulcie who had just emerged from her bedroom. They all seemed happy with each other’s company, and when Gemma served them their sandwiches, there was a lot of chatting and laughter taking place. While they were eating, she quickly printed out some information ready to take up to Dario’s.
Rosa had arrived to give Maria the missing keys and Dulcie was introducing her to Janice and Jamie. Rupert had pulled up a chair for her and poured her a coffee. Gemma left them to their breakfast for a while, but eventually went out to clear the table. Rosa seemed happy but rather quiet, not her usual confident self. One by one they all left the table to get ready for their day, although from what Gemma could make out Rosa was chatting to her mother and saying goodbye. She returned with a tray to collect the rest of the breakfast crockery together.
“Hi, Gemma. Did you enjoy the party the other night? Dario was upset that you left early. Seems like he has a bit of a crush on you. Look, I need to rush, busy day. I’ve got to go and buy myself a new dress for tonight, and I’m so excited.”
“Another party, Rosa?”
“Oh, no. Jamie’s just asked me out for dinner tonight. He wants to go to that lovely chic restaurant up in Roncia. You know, the one Rupert’s always talking about. It’s not the normal run of the mill type of tavern, but Jamie’s not a typical lad from Graingcia either. See you later, Gemma, have a good day.”
Gemma was hurt, it felt like a kick in the teeth. Jamie had been chatting her up for the last three days, but after only a matter of minutes with Rosa he had arranged a dinner date. Sod them, she thought to herself. One thing’s for sure though, if someone better comes along he’ll soon ditch her and then she’ll understand what it’s like.
The bitter upset was too much for Gemma, and she couldn’t wait to get out of the house and down to Dario’s. In her haste she forgot to ask them whether they needed her to prepare an evening meal. She would have to phone Dulcie later to ask, but she was also aware that she would be asked why she had left the villa in such a hurry.
“Hi, Dulcie, sorry I left so quickly earlier, but I remembered Pablo saying he’d only be there until eleven o’clock and I didn’t want to miss him. I forgot to ask you about food for tonight. I know Jamie’s going out with Rosa, but did you fancy anything special?”
“No, don’t worry, dear. We’re going to El Pollo, the chicken restaurant in Roncia. Why don’t you join us? I know Janice isn’t always easy to get on with, but you’re more than welcome to meet us.”
Gemma gave it a few seconds thought and agreed, although wasn’t sure why she had readily decided to spend an evening with Janice. To be honest, her time in Spain should all be about having fun with Dulcie and Rupert, yet here she was upset over the behaviour of two young men. She realised the need to take stock of her life and concentrate on her role and herself a bit more.
On the way to Dario’s she stopped off at the little b
akery for a treat of sweet and savoury pastries, and thought about the refurbishment work at the holiday apartments. She was looking forward to seeing how the work was progressing, and hoping it would be completed before her return to the UK at the end of the summer.
“Hi Pablo. Well, that makes a nice feature, outdoor baths? I’m only joking, but I bet the bathrooms looks huge without those large baths in them.”
“Yes, I’ve left them out for the farmer to collect them tomorrow. Wait until you see the main room without the kitchen. The pine furniture’s gigantic. Come on in, and I’ll show you around.”
Gemma had noticed that Dario’s car wasn’t outside, he must be out working. Pablo led the way through to the apartments, and he was right, they were now so spacious. With most of the kitchen appliances removed, Pablo was pleased with the condition of the walls. They didn‘t need too much work, perhaps just a bit of skimming to give them a nice, flat surface. The bathrooms would look far bigger when the shower cubicles were installed, but the one thing which was most noticeable was the new light and airy appearance. With that horrible, dark pine furniture removed, it now seemed far more bright and appealing.
“Hi, Gemma. Hope Grandad hasn’t given you any tools to get you started on the work here.”
“Hello, Dario. No, but I knew what I was doing, I wouldn’t mind helping out a bit. You must be so excited about all this. I know it looks a bit like a building site at the moment, but you can now imagine how it will look when fully complete.”
“Glad you can, because neither Dario nor myself can quite picture it yet. All I see is the money it’s swallowing up, so perhaps you could come up with some ideas. What would you do if you owned these apartments, Gemma?”
Gemma now felt rather guilty. This had been her idea in the first place, she who had persuaded them both to modernise the apartments without a thought about the initial costs of refurbishing them. She asked if they had any spare pieces of wood or cardboard boxes. She planned to mark everything out on the floor, so they could visualise where the furniture would go, but asked them both to leave her alone with her plans and thoughts for the next half an hour.