by Ian Wilfred
“By the way, I’ve brought my own lunch, so all I’ll need is a cold drink, please, and also if you’ve got any tape, that would be great. Doesn’t have to be strong tape, I just need something to fix paper onto the wall.”
Pablo and Dario left Gemma alone with some wood and cardboard. She had a few ideas in mind, but would she be able to bring them to life? The only way was to put aside her nervousness and get on with it. Firstly, she had to figure out where the beds would go, as they were the largest item of furniture. The aim was to create as much floor space as possible while also accommodating two chairs and a hanging rail for a wardrobe where the kitchenette area once was. After investigating a few options, she decided that the bed would be best placed in its original position but slightly further back, leaving enough room for a couple of chairs and an occasional table.
The next hour was spent going through each part of the room, tearing up images from her printouts and mixing and matching suitable designs, themes and colourways. She was also able to calculate the costs of things in Euros based upon Ikea’s competitive pricing, but if Dario’s dad could source the cushions, bedding and bedside lamps, that would certainly enable their budget to stretch further.
“So… That’s exactly what I would do. One more thing, a statement headboard would be great. It could even be made from an old piece of wood, no need to buy something expensive. It would provide a bit of warmth and contrast nicely with the white walls. Oh, excuse me for a second, my phone’s ringing…”
“Hi, Rupert, everything okay? Oh, really, that’s not a problem. Okay, then, I’ll see you later.”
“Is there a problem, Gemma?”
“No, just a slight change of plan, that’s all. We had decided to go up to the old town for a meal. Jamie’s going out with Rosa for the evening, and now Janice has decided she wants to be dropped off down here when they get back from their day out.”
“So, Rosa’s seeing Jamie, is she? That makes sense. They’re both so intelligent, well suited to each other. How nice.”
To Gemma’s mind it certainly wasn’t nice. In fact, far from it. She was about to pick up her things and go, when Pablo butted in.
“We both really appreciate this, Gemma. Everything’s so clear and easy to understand. You’re right, we don’t want to throw too much money at this though, so thanks for the simple but effective ideas. I’m really looking forward to having new bathrooms as that was the thing most holidaymakers complained about. We’d had those baths for longer than I care to remember. Brand new shower cubicles with fresh, shiny tiles will look so smart. There are a couple of other things we could do with picking your brains on though, Gemma. What do you think we should do with the exterior of the house, and perhaps inside it too?”
Gemma felt proud of herself, delighted that they trusted her advice and were taking it all on board. Before long, with Pablo opening a bottle of wine, they soon settled in to a cosy afternoon together. Dario had phoned a friend to take over his scheduled taxi runs, a few more bottles were opened and Pablo insisted on cooking a meal for the three of them. Gemma felt relaxed and accepted in their family home, and soon they were chatting over even more ideas for the dining, living and kitchen areas with possibly a store room / utility room converted from the one bedroom.
Planning and discussing the refurbishments had enabled her to put Jamie and Rosa to the back of her mind, and if she was honest, she had to admit she was secretly enjoying being with Dario.
“Look at the time! Gosh, I can’t believe it’s nearly eleven o’clock. I really ought to be making a move. Thanks so much for the lovely meal, Pablo. Keep feeding me like that and I’ll come and paint every room for you!”
“Gemma, let me phone round one of my taxi driver colleagues. I’ll get one of them to drive you back to the villa. You know I would have happily taken you home, but I’ve had too much to drink tonight.”
“Thanks, Dario, but I need to walk to work off all that food and the fresh air will help me to sober up a bit. I’m on breakfast duty in the morning, I need an early start.”
“Be prepared for another guest in the morning: Rosa!”
Gemma wished them a good night and headed back to the villa past all the loud, lively bars and restaurants full of holidaymakers letting their hair down and enjoying the night. The atmosphere was vibrant, but was soon shattered by a familiar voice. Gemma kept on walking.
“Hey, don’t you ignore me. I’m a guest here, and you’re supposed to be working. That’s right, you clean up after me.”
Gemma couldn’t ignore that. She turned round to see Janice sitting on the lap of a young man, surrounded by three others who had all had far too much to drink. Her hair was a mess and she looked awful – a fifty-year-old woman acting like a teenager. Gemma wished she could take her phone out of her bag and take a photo, but that wouldn’t have been appropriate and would have angered Janice all the more. She felt as if she ought to respond to her, yet without causing an argument so she walked over to them while keeping a healthy distance.
“Ah, Janice, good to see you, but even better to have the real Janice back! Have a lovely evening, or should I say night, because it looks like you’re in for a good one.”
Chapter 21
Breakfast the following morning was only for three, so Gemma didn’t feel the need to set the table. Janice hadn’t returned from her night out, and Rupert had said that Jamie had stayed with Rosa.
Gemma made toast and coffee and headed down to the pool area, away from the main gate so she wouldn’t see them both return. Men! She was definitely determined not to let them bother her during her holiday. On the subject of men, there was a text from Craig asking her if she had received his earlier one. She decided to send a short, but sweet reply – although not too sweet in case he gained the wrong impression. ‘Hi, Craig. Everything’s fine here. Janice and Jamie are visiting. Weather’s getting hotter. Gemma’
Instantly she had a text back, although not from Craig. This one was from Dario thanking her for all the help and advice she’d given yesterday, and if she was in town at any time she could always pop in to see their progress. This was welcomed. It was something Gemma really wanted to do and it would always be the perfect reason to excuse herself from Janice and Jamie.
“Morning, Gemma. I notice that both the bedroom doors are open, meaning our guests haven’t returned yet. Dulcie’s fine with Jamie staying out at Rosa’s as she’s a nice girl, and they’re both young, free and single, but she’s none too happy with Janice’s behaviour. I think she’s back to her old ways, you know. Three glasses of wine at lunchtime, and then when we were nearly home she demands that Jamie stops in town as she wants to go for a walk. We looked at each other knowing full well she meant drink, rather than walk. No, I’m afraid Dulcie‘s not at all pleased, and that’s before she finds out what you told me Janice was up to last night. There’s still another week of their holiday left too. I’m telling you, we’ll all need another holiday to get over this one.”
Gemma realised that for Dulcie’s sake she needed to play down the situation and she and Rupert agreed not to tell her about how Gemma had seen Janice the previous night. Dulcie was now up and about, heading to the kitchen to make herself a coffee.
“Morning, Dulcie. Let me do that for you, as I’m making his Rupert his tea. We’re both sitting down by the pool, I’ll bring the drinks out.”
“So she didn’t come back last night, and now it’s a quarter past nine and she’s still not back. I’ve sent her a text, but she’s not answered me. We were only saying yesterday that her behaviour was too good to be true.”
“Dulcie, remember, she’s on her holiday and prefers to spend her time differently to us. We like going out for nice meals in quiet surroundings and watching the world go by. Janice is a party animal. She thrives on loud music and noise.”
“Yes, and more than anything she likes to drink herself silly. Her problem is she thinks she’s eighteen, but it’s high time she acted her age. The thing is, dear,
we’re here for six months, and we don’t want the locals to think we’re the same as she is. No, no, when she gets back I’ll be ready to give her a piece of my mind in no uncertain terms.”
Oh dear. As much as Gemma didn’t want to witness Janice’s return, perhaps it would be best if she could help calm things down a bit. She knew Rupert wouldn’t be drawn into the argument unless he really couldn’t help it, but with that, she thought of something and went to find Maria.
“Hi, Maria! Everything okay? Is Rosa around today or is she going back to Almeria? I wanted to catch her before she left.”
That was a blatant lie, but at least it was answered. Rosa was going back today as she was due to work tomorrow, and from all accounts, Maria didn’t seem to know about Jamie staying over with her. Gemma spent the rest of the morning carrying out her jobs around the villa and putting everything else to the back of her mind. Jamie had texted Dulcie to say he’d be back later in the evening as he wanted to spend the day with Rosa. Dulcie hadn’t wished to spoil his day so had decided not to tell him that his mother hadn’t returned home either.
“Dulcie, would it help if I walked down into town to see if I could find Janice? I could go to the bar I saw her in last night… Oh, I’m so sorry, please don’t be angry with me, but I didn’t want to worry you more than you already were. I saw Janice out last night, drunk and having fun with a group of British holidaymakers.”
“No doubt they were men, and as per usual she was throwing herself at them.”
“Yes, sort of.”
Dulcie wasn’t angry with Gemma for not telling her everything, but decided to give it to early afternoon and if she hadn’t appeared or phoned by then, she would walk down to the town with Gemma.
Gemma had made them all an omelette for lunch and was just clearing the dishes away when the gate opened and there was Janice looking noticeably confident and with her head held high as if nothing was amiss. She shouted, ‘Good morning’ to which Dulcie replied, ‘We have a time difference here in the villa. It’s afternoon’. Janice went to her room, returning an hour latter showered and ready for an afternoon by the pool. Nothing more was said. Rupert reckoned Dulcie hadn’t said anything as she was just relieved she had returned safely.
Gemma smiled to herself. If nothing further was said, neither Jamie nor Janice would know that each other had stayed out all night. The big question was would Janice go out partying later, but was anyone brave enough to ask her?
When Jamie finally returned, nothing was mentioned although Janice did ask him if he’d had a nice day thinking that he had gone out before she had returned. Their dinner was fine. No one drank too much and the conversation centred on the places they’d visited and the villages and waterfalls where Rosa and Jamie had spent the day. Gemma thought it all quite bizarre, just as if last night had ever happened.
Everyone helped to clear the table, Rupert loaded the dishwasher because he wanted a breather from Janice and her reformed character. That perfectly summed her up, a real Jekyll and Hyde. Dulcie suggested they sat on the top terrace as the moon shining into the sea was one of her favourite parts of the day. Jamie opened another bottle of wine and Gemma carried the glasses.
“Not for me, Jamie. I’ll be going out later. I’ve been invited to a party down in the town.”
“Whose party, Mum?”
“Oh, they’re a lovely Spanish family I met last night. I was the only British person in the bar and they made me feel so welcome. They’re having a quiet Spanish evening, and it seems rude not to take up their kind offer.”
Both Gemma and Dulcie were amazed, but kept quiet. What utter rubbish, but no one was going to stop her going and now they all realised why Janice had been behaving herself over dinner.
“That’s nice, Mum. Why don’t I come with you?”
That was not the reply Janice was either expecting or wanted, but she managed to wriggle out of it by persuading Jamie that it wasn’t his type of thing at all. She was right there though, it certainly wasn’t, and off she went to get ready for her boozy night out.
Evening at the villa was lovely. Dulcie talked to Jamie about their lottery winnings and whether they might buy a new home when they returned to England. Jamie also said that he might fly out again for the odd weekend if that was alright, but stated that Janice needn’t have to know about it. Gemma could read between the lines. She knew Jamie had Rosa in mind, but like Dulcie had said, they were both young, free and single and it was nice that they were both enjoying being together.
It wasn’t long before Rupert and Dulcie went to bed. It was still warm and Gemma wasn’t tired, so she and Jamie sat talking. He was pleased she was here to help and keep an eye on his grandmother and Rupert.
“Are you mad at me, Gemma?”
“Mad about you and Rosa? No, not in the slightest. You’re on holiday, and you should be having fun.”
“Thanks, Gemma. I’m not like this at home, you know. The opposite, in fact, I’m very serious and quite shy. I suppose being out here has helped me to leave that side of me behind. It’s strange how that happens, isn’t it? Even Gran and Rupert are different here, but it doesn’t seem like you’ve changed. You’re still the sensible one, the one in control of everything who never throws caution to the wind or goes wild. You wouldn’t dream of having a holiday romance, making love on the beach and falling into the arms of a Spanish guy at the drop of a hat, would you? No, it’s great you’re here to keep us all in check.”
Chapter 22
‘The sensible one!’ Jamie’s comments remained in Gemma’s mind. She did feel sensible, and while the remark was taken as a compliment, something within her hankered for a carefree lifestyle. Wouldn’t it be lovely to not have a care in the world? Making love on the beach, staying out all night and partying would seem to be the things holidaymakers like to do. Saying that though, ending up like Janice wouldn’t be wise. No, it was best to stay sensible.
Jamie and Janice were preparing to leave, their holiday was over, and they were returning to the UK. In some respects, it was sad for Dulcie as she had enjoyed spending time with Jamie, but the last few days had been very draining. Janice had continued to go out and get drunk, and Jamie hadn’t stopped shouting at her. It would be lovely to get back to normality and slow the hectic pace down a little.
Rupert and Dulcie were looking rather tired, but in little more than four hours the villa would be theirs again. Janice and Jamie’s flight was a late one, so they planned to leave after lunch. Rupert had insisted on a barbecue and Gemma had prepared the food in advance for him.
“Oh, Gemma, I never thought this day would come. I’m worn out! I know that sounds awful as it’s my own daughter I’m criticising, but it’s been non-stop and I’m exhausted. At least Jamie’s had a good time and he’s promised to pop over again before the summer’s out.”
“That’ll be nice for Rosa too.”
“Not really. Apparently, Jamie said that was only a one-off, a one night stand. They’ve no intention of seeing each other again. They’ve finished their packing now, all ready to go, so let’s get the barbecue organised. Are you ready to stand there while Rupert gives the impression he’s the master of the hot coals?”
They both giggled. Rupert and his barbecues would always be one of the memories to take away. He hardly knew how to light it, and he’s certainly never cleaned one out, but that said, letting Rupert believe he was in control was fun.
So, Jamie wouldn’t be seeing Rosa again. That was something of a surprise to Gemma, as she thought that to be the reason behind Jamie wishing to pop over again during the summer. The one thing they were dreading would be Janice saying she wanted another holiday. All she needed was her air fare – and that was something Gemma didn’t want to consider.
“Right, Mum. Have you checked you’ve packed everything? Thanks again, Gran and Rupert for such a lovely holiday, and thank you too, Gemma, for waiting on us hand and foot. It’s been a lovely couple of weeks, hasn’t it, Mum?”
“O
h yes, Jamie, these past few weeks have opened my eyes to many things. I’ve got a lot to ponder on.”
They all ignored Janice’s comment, which didn’t go down too well as she was obviously awaiting a reaction. Why couldn’t she just thank her mother for allowing her to have a holiday in such a wonderful villa? It would also have been good if she apologised for some of her outspoken behaviour, even a simple thank you would have sufficed, but no, that wasn’t going to happen.
“Come to think of it. I might have left something hanging on the back of the bedroom door. Would you go and check for me, Gemma?”
Gemma gave the others a look as if to warn them not to say anything as Janice was clearly now putting on an attention seeking act. She obeyed the instruction and went to check Janice’s room, but within seconds Janice followed her. Gemma had expected some form of verbal retaliation after witnessing Janice’s drunken behaviour at the bar, so was quite ready for her outburst.
“You think you’re so smart, don’t you, worming your way into their lives, pretending to look after them. I know your game. You’re only interested in their money, aren’t you? I know there’s far more to all this than anyone’s letting on. Wouldn’t surprise me if they own this place. I’m going to get to the bottom of all this and I’m telling you now, the first thing I’ll do is get you to pack your bags and disappear.”
Gemma noticed Rupert in the background, his face blushed red ready to shout. Dulcie was also clearly upset by the way Janice was talking and Jamie was just standing there motionless, shocked by his mother’s rudeness. Janice was rooting for an argument, but Gemma refused to be intimidated. Rupert headed back to the kitchen, took a bottle of wine and some glasses and went over to the shaded terrace.