by Ian Wilfred
“Morning, dear. Well, update us then, tell us all about the holiday apartments. Do you have any photos?”
“Sorry, no photos, Dulcie, as it’s not quite finished. We spent most of the evening putting the wardrobes together, but they do look good now. The final look won’t come together until tomorrow when the furniture arrives from Madrid and that’s the most exciting part. Today was a bit too much like hard work, what with assembling wardrobes, ironing the bedding and putting all the kitchen things in the cupboards and drawers. I think the headboards made from recycled wood from the old doors will really add a touch of character. I’m not sure whether Dario gets my ideas for the courtyard swimming pool area, but we’ll see. Anyway, it’s the big unveiling for Pablo tomorrow.”
“We can’t wait to see it, can we, Rupert? It was late when you got back last night. I was up reading last night, and heard you come in.”
“Yes, we went into Roncia for a pizza and I have to say it was the best I’ve ever had. The three of us might like to go there some time. Oh, and another thing, Dario wants me to meet his son.”
“There’s no harm in that, is there, dear?”
“Well, I don’t want to get attached to Dario, let alone his child, and then have to say goodbye to them both in October.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it too much, dear. Just enjoy yourselves and take each day as it comes. So much can happen before October anyway. Now, don’t fret about us today. We’re quite capable of being left to our own devices, so go and get stuck into getting everything ready for Pablo. Oh, and if I were you, I’d just tell Dario it would be nice to meet his son.”
Gemma didn’t answer. She just went through a few things with them with regard to their food in the fridge and asked them whether they needed anything else as she would probably be late home again. She had made her mind up – the day would just be about getting the apartments ready. There would be no socialising, no going out for a meal or drink afterwards.
She stopped off at the bakery en route to the old town to buy some savoury and sweet pastries to keep them going throughout the day. As she neared the entrance gate to the complex, she noticed an old farmer’s truck parked outside and Dario taking the old doors from the back of it. It would be good if he spent the day cleaning and sanding them down, as then she could spend the day arranging things indoors and there wouldn’t be any awkward conversations.
“Morning! Those doors look fabulous. I’m so looking forward to seeing them finished and in the rooms.”
Dario said good morning and then spoke in Spanish to the man with the truck who was helping him carry the doors. They both burst out laughing, talking in Spanish so Gemma had no idea what was going on. Later Dario explained that he was the farmer and he couldn’t understand how they could both be so excited about the old doors. If he’d have had his way he would be burning them, but now he was sorry he didn’t have any more to sell, being that there seemed to be a couple of fools keen to buy them. Gemma could see the funny side of it, but went into the main house to store the pastries out of the sun.
“And what do you think, Gemma?”
“Sorry, I don’t understand? The doors are lovely.”
“Not those doors. The first completed door!”
“Have you put it up on the wall already? Oh, I’ll have to go in and see it.”
They both headed for the first room where Dario had already screwed the door to the wall. Once the bed was made and the cushions were in place, they both agreed the room would look stunning with its new feature headboard. They giggled with excitement at the thought of how an old door transformed into a headboard could be so exciting, but it was more than that. It was about refurbishing a dilapidated holiday complex and creating a stunning, modern up to date enterprise.
“Gemma, this little project is an example of life. People get set in their ways and just plod on day after day, year after year, failing to embrace life rather than setting goals and moving forward. You’re an example of how it can work. You left university and went to work for Rupert and Dulcie. You’re brave, but not all of us are. It’s shown me that sometimes it’s worth taking a gamble. I’m so proud of Pablo too. Not everyone his age would have the guts to do what he’s done with this place.”
“You’re right, and it’s the same for Craig, too, as after taking Rupert’s advice he’s gone back to England to make a fresh start in life. Hopefully, he’ll find a career which he loves and in time a new relationship which, I would like to add, won’t be with me. I knew Craig when I was at primary school, and I’m hoping we’ll remain friends in future. Now, let’s crack on. You’ve got doors to clean up, and I’ve got boxes of kitchen things to wash and put away.”
Dario quickly took the hint, and Gemma began work by removing all the old empty cardboard boxes and packaging and putting it all in the old bedroom of the house. Pablo and Dario hadn’t decided what they would do with that. Turning it into a new bedroom would involve a lot of time and money as it would mean creating a new bathroom, but for now it could suffice as a storage place for the rubbish.
Three hours later and most of the china, glasses and cooking utensils were neatly stored in the clean cupboards and laid out as they would be for guests. Time for coffee, Gemma thought, but certainly not from the new mugs she’d got from Ikea. No, the mugs which had been boxed up for disposal were adequate, so she found a tray, made coffee and took it together with the pastries outside to Dario, who had been working hard outside in the heat of the yard.
“Snack time! Coffee and pastries, and I think I ought to bring you a bottle of water. Don’t want you suffering from dehydration, do we? How are the doors coming along?”
“Ask me the same question in twelve months’ time when it’s all finished! I know they’ll look good, but it’s just such hard work.”
“It doesn’t matter if you can’t finish them all before the guests arrive. They can be done over a longer period if need be. By the way, have you and Pablo decided when to open for guests and what prices you’ll charge?”
“No, we haven’t got that far really, but I think we’ll have finished in about a week. Actually, I’ll need your help later today, Gemma. You know I told you about the lorries that travel around Spain selling outdoor furniture? Well, I saw one on the way here this morning, had a word with him and he’s coming to Graingcia this afternoon? Do you think you could help me choose suitable furniture for the external areas?”
“Depends what they have. Not if it’s cheap and cheerful plain white plastic. We don’t want to buy just for the sake of it. Okay, I’ll leave the bed making till later, and mark out where the furniture should go. Don’t forget, there’ll be a maximum of twelve guests, so there needs to be room for them to all sit out together, plus sunbeds and an eating area.”
All this was far more difficult than Gemma had initially thought, and that was without knowing the measurements of the furniture beforehand and understanding where the sun would be brightest at certain parts of the day. Perhaps it would be best to have lightweight furniture so guests could easily move them around, but would a travelling lorry have exactly the type of stock she needed? It was worth a try, and being that the site wouldn’t be able to open without sufficient seating, she had to explore quick and easy options.
An hour later, and Gemma was becoming very frustrated with trying to use boxes as pretend chairs and tables to try and mark out a plan for the outdoor seating area. Out of the blue, she then had a brainwave. Why on earth hadn’t she thought of it earlier?
“Dario, can I ask a favour? I’m not totally sure I know what I’m doing, but could you move your car to the right of the gates? Actually, do you have to bring your car in at all? I’ve been thinking. It would all stay so much cleaner if cars were parked outside the gates, as it would stop all the dust from flying up.”
Dario moved his car outside as well as the large bin beside it. That could easily go outside the gate with a little fenced off area built around it to hide it from view. Gemma stood back
and assessed the area where the car and bin had been. It would be perfect for a new seating area. All she needed was some large planters and ornamental palm trees.
“One more question, Dario? Does the lorry have planters on it?”
“Not sure. Ah, so you’re thinking this could be a feature seating area. Yes, that would be good because as it’s away from the bedrooms, it’s an extra area for people to have a bit of privacy from their friends and family. You’re so clever, Gemma.”
“Or perhaps it’s that I like spending Pablo’s money!”
Gemma continued with her planning. Now she had more of an idea of the dimensions of land to fill, the actual size of the furniture didn’t matter so much. The concreted paving area was not in the best condition, but would look so much better when everything was in place. Gemma removed all her makeshift props and boxes and returned to the bedrooms to finish off the bed making and finishing touches when a sudden blare of loud music outside signalled the arrival of the furniture lorry.
“The lorry’s here, Gemma. Climb in!!”
Gemma had no idea she needed to climb in the lorry. She naively thought the driver would just offload the furniture to show her. She was also surprised to see the size of the lorry. It was a juggernaut, the type of vehicle used to deliver goods to supermarkets. The driver didn’t speak English, which Gemma considered a good thing as that meant he wouldn’t be able to talk her into buying anything she didn’t want.
He opened the rear shutters of the lorry to reveal planters of all sizes and an assortment of chairs, tables and furniture in various colours, shapes and styles. Dario helped Gemma up into the vehicle to have a good look at the stock. It was just like an Aladdin’s cave of furnishing treasures. Should she go for plastic chairs and cushions or wicker sofas? Using Dario as an interpreter, the driver moved some coffee tables out of the way to find items in big blue plastic bags. They seemed lightweight, so Gemma assumed they were cushions.
After moving a lot of furniture within the lorry, the driver asked Dario to help him with some bigger boxes stored at the rear. They lifted them out into the yard and when they’d taken the tops off of the boxes, Gemma was delighted to see a two seater sofa in a sandy colour. The plastic bags contained the two seat and back cushions. Perfect!
“Will this do, Gemma?”
“What do you think? Ask the driver how much one would cost.”
They chatted for a while and eventually Dario told her that it would be 80 Euros. A matching chair would be 50 Euros and a suitable coffee table 40 Euros. This was all very good value, Gemma thought. With the addition of brightly coloured cushions, she could picture the finished look and was happy to go ahead with the purchase, especially when the driver said they could have the set for 160 Euros.
Dario asked the driver whether he had four sets and for him to give a total price.
The driver’s face lit up when he heard that. He had five sets on the lorry, so was delighted to be able to sell four sets for a total of 600 Euro. Gemma now turned her attention to the pots and planters, although she hadn’t given thought to Dario’s budget. This would have to be a cash transaction with the money available now. Fortunately, the driver agreed that Dario could go to the bank to withdraw money, so while he did so, Gemma made the driver a coffee and selected suitable planters.
“I can see you can’t wait to get everything out of the boxes to position them over this concrete floor.”
“I’m keen, yes, but it can be left until tomorrow. I’m going to finish off the bedding, and when you have a spare minute, Dario, I’ll show you where the pictures and mirrors need to go.”
“Whatever you say, boss! But I must get back to the headboards. If I can finish two today I’ll be more than happy.”
Gemma laughed at him for calling her the boss, but she had to agree that they were a good team. She paused to think for a while. She’d miss Dario when she returned to England as well as the holiday complex which she’d devoted so much time and effort to, but at least she’d be able to see the first group of holidaymakers arrive to enjoy the fruits of her labours.
“Last mirror up and I’m worn out. I daren’t look at the time, but I’m happy to continue working if there’s any more jobs left on your list.”
“You cheeky thing, Dario, and what’s wrong with having a list? If it wasn’t for me and my lists, the kitchenettes wouldn’t have even come out yet. Anyway, it’s half past ten, and my question is – does that pizza restaurant do takeaways? I’m starving!”
“Yes, they do, and even better, I can phone an order through.”
Gemma had one more set of bedding to iron and then it was just the towels to unpack, although that could easily wait until tomorrow. Dario ordered the pizza and packed his tools away while Gemma finished off the ironing. To be honest they really only had to get one room finished to show Pablo as the others would all be decorated the same. With the refurbished headboard, new bed with its bright new bedding and cushions, mirrors reflecting the vibrant colour scheme into the room, the overall effect was breath taking. The chairs would finish it off perfectly. Fuelled by adrenalin, neither Gemma nor Dario could wait for the whole project to be completed.
Dario went to collect the takeaway and a bottle of wine, while Gemma quickly unpacked one of the sofas, plumped up some cushions and placed them neatly on the seats, and then put a coffee table in front of it. She lit a couple of the tea lights she’d bought at Ikea and then brought out a couple of brand new plates and two wine glasses. Standing back to admire her efforts, she took a breath of relief. It looked fabulous, but had she created a romantic scene and was it really the right thing to do? Too late. Dario’s car pulled up in the drive.
Had she done the wrong thing, overstepped the mark perhaps? As Dario walked back in with the takeaway, Gemma noticed tears in his eyes.
“Are you alright? I just thought it might be nice to…”
“Yes, I’ll be okay. I’m just so overwhelmed by all you’ve achieved over the last month or so. We’ve been so lucky to have you come into our lives to rescue us like this. You’ve saved us from losing our business, and I’ve just got a bit emotional.”
“Oh, Dario! Thank you for trusting me and allowing me to help you. I’d never, ever have thought I’d have the confidence to do this, and if I’d have stopped to think it all through properly beforehand, I probably would have had second thoughts. I’ve been more than happy to help you and Pablo, but enough of all that – I’m starving. Let’s eat.”
“First things first, Gemma…”
With that, Dario leant towards her and kissed her; she suddenly realised how much she was waiting for that to happen.
Chapter 33
Yesterday had been a most tiring day, and as the furniture was due to arrive at Pablo’s later in the afternoon, Gemma took time out to sit by the pool and reflect over things. The sun was just rising from behind the mountain peaks and all was peaceful and beautifully tranquil.
As much as she enjoyed her responsibilities looking after Rupert and Dulcie, this was always one of her favourite times. The opportunity to be the first one up, enjoy a quiet coffee and a time to count her blessings. This morning she had other things on her mind. Last night had been the end to a perfect day. Good food and drink, and of course the kiss. Walking back to the villa, she couldn’t help thinking how lucky she was. Everything seemed to have fallen into place, she had the perfect life.
“Morning, Gemma, dear. Do let me see the photos.”
“Sorry, no photos today, Dulcie. I’m waiting for the furniture to arrive from Madrid before I take any. I was saying to Dario that the first thing you’ll ask is to see the photos, so he suggested you and Rupert popped down to see it all for yourself. You won’t need photos then.”
“Perhaps another day. We don’t want to be a burden, as I’m sure we’ll just get in the way.”
“Dario insisted, but it won’t be finished till about six o’clock. Pablo’s coming at five, and I think it’s only fair that he sees it all f
irst.”
“Okay. Well, I’ll tell Rupert when he gets up. We’d love to come over and then we can go into Roncia for a meal afterwards.”
“That’s great. I’ll join you as no doubt Dario and Pablo will be busy planning their next move.”
“But won’t they need your help?”
“No, all my work will be done by then. Anyway, Dulcie, I’d best get ready as I’m off to unpack all the new outdoor furniture later.”
Gemma was hoping Dulcie was right and they would need her help. She still had many ideas for the holiday apartments, but realised it was Pablo’s business and as he'd run a successful complex for many years, she needed to respect that and step back a bit until asked.
“Morning, Rupert. Want a cup of tea?”
“That would be lovely, my dear. Any photos yet?”
“I’ll leave Dulcie to explain that while I make your tea.”
With one thing and another Gemma was later leaving the villa than she originally intended, but there was still plenty of time to get everything done before Pablo arrived as well as a quick stop at the bakery for her favourite pastries. As usual, Dario was hard at work when she got there. He had taken all the furniture out of the boxes and placed all the seat pads and cushions on the seats. All that needed to be done was set them out in an attractive layout, a way in which everyone would be able to join in conversations and relax together.
“Good morning! Hope you don’t mind, but I’ve taken them all out of the boxes already. If truth be known I’d do anything to avoid doing the doors. Dad sent a text to say the lorry will be here between one and two o’clock, traffic permitting, which is good. So what’s on your list today?”
“Coffee is at the top of it, closely followed by a second one while I try and visualise how this will look. It’s a shame we don’t have the palms for the planters yet, but at least we can put them in place.”