One Summer in Spain

by Ian Wilfred

  “Right, I’m off now. Are you sure there’s nothing else any of you need while I’m out?”

  “No, thanks, Gemma. You will be back for dinner won’t you? I’m serving it at eight o’clock if that’s alright with everyone.”

  They all said that was fine, but secretly smirked to each other. Gemma had checked to make sure there was enough in the fridge should Janice’s menu go wrong, but something told her it would all be perfect, just as her behaviour had been.

  The chemist in Graingcia was open late, so Gemma decided to go for a swim and sunbathe and spend a few hours on her own. She would have loved to see how Pablo was getting on, but that was best left until Dario was away. He had retweeted some photos of the villa which the first guest had posted on their Twitter page and he had updated the availability for the rest of the year. The only vacant weeks were the last two weeks in November and the first week of December. The venture had been a success and Gemma was pleased for them both.

  The afternoon passed by quickly. Gemma enjoyed her time relaxing on the beach and even braved the sea for a swim a couple of times. She’d also signed onto a few Facebook accounts for Graingcia with the hope of finding a class to learn Spanish. She really did need to improve her language skills, especially now that she would be in Graingcia permanently, and it could even be something to do with Dulcie.

  It was now nearly six-fifteen, time to go the chemist before heading back up the hill to the villa and discovering what culinary delights Janice had cooked up. She also had to change clothes and get ready, it would all be a farce, but Rupert would probably make it an amusing evening.

  Just as she was coming out of the chemist a car pulled up beside her. She could see it was Dario and had to think quickly. Would he know that Nico had been talking to her? He’d know that she would have been busy with Jamie and Janice’s stay at the villa, so it was likely he wouldn’t think anything between them had changed.

  “Hi, just finished for the day. Fancy a drink?”

  “Sorry, Dario, but I need to be back up at the villa for eight o’clock and as much as I would have preferred to avoid it, it’s more than my life’s worth to be late.”

  “That’s an hour and bit and I can drop you up. Come on, half a beer won’t hurt.”

  It would be interesting to hear what he had to say about going to see Maya though, so Gemma agreed. She needed to act calmly and not let him see that anything was bothering her, but once in the bar she could hardly get a word in as Dario was full of excitement about the bookings, the visitors and how they were loving the villa. Gemma was pleased for him, but was eager to find out if he’d come up with an excuse for going away. It wasn’t long before she had her opportunity.

  “Oh, by the way, I’m going up to see my parents and my little boy for a few days, but I’ll be back for when the visitors check out and the new ones arrive.”

  “That will be nice for all of you, It’s important to see as much as Mateo as possible. Children grow up so fast. Those years will never be replaced, so you don’t want to miss out on it all, and you’ll always have to talk about the future with Maya.”

  “Yes, I agree. I don’t want to miss him growing up, but then I don’t like having conversations with Maya although I have to because his future is most important to me.”

  Gemma wasn’t getting anywhere with this, and as much as she wanted him in her life, she was beginning to understand that just as she’d originally thought, a relationship with Dario would never be straightforward and she ought to say goodbye. She didn’t want a lift up the hill to the villa and still had time to walk up before dinner. She made an excuse, telling Dario that the walk and fresh air would do her good, and that she’d see him when he got back.

  Forcing a smile for the others sitting outside when she arrived back at the villa, she changed into a nice dress, applied some make up and made sure she was on time, giving Janice little to moan about.

  “You look lovely, Gemma. Now what can I get you to drink? There’s a nice big jug of sangria, but I can get you something else if you prefer.”

  “No, that’s fine, thanks.”

  Janice poured Gemma a glass, topped up everyone else’s and returned to the kitchen to refill the jug. Gemma knew Rupert was waiting for her to be out of earshot before saying something.

  “Well, this is the first act. I presume there’ll be an interval. You normally get one when you go to the theatre to see a farce.”

  They all smirked but no one commented on it as they all felt as if they were walking on egg shells. One wrong word and Janice might flip.

  “There you go, a fresh jug. Please help yourselves while I just check on dinner.”

  While Janice was in the kitchen they discussed the purchase of the villa. Apparently it came with an old house located behind it which should have been demolished by the builders. It was not in a habitable condition and would need a lot of work and money spent on it. If it were to be knocked down, again an expensive option, everything would have to be brought through the grounds of the villa, which would be quite an upheaval.

  “Have you seen the place, Gemma? Rupert and Dulcie haven’t, so perhaps we could go and investigate it tomorrow.”

  “Yes, I found it by accident one day. It’s all overgrown and the house is boarded up. There’s no way a vehicle could get down the path, so yes, I agree, everything would have to come through the villa grounds. Here’s Janice with the dinner.”

  Everything was going well. The tomato and mozzarella salad starter with warm bread and a nice glass of pinot looked lovely. Janice was putting the final touches to the main course, and Gemma noticed Jamie looking quite serious.

  “Gran, I think we ought to be on our guard. Mum must be up to something. All this isn’t like her at all, as unless she’s had a secret drink in the kitchen, she hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol. When we’ve seen her like this before, she’s always moody and quiet, but experience tells me this is a bit worrying.”

  “Don’t worry, Jamie, love. I’ve seen it all before too, and there’s nothing she can say or do that will upset me.”

  “I know the three of you know her so much better than I do, but maybe she has turned over a new leaf and wants to make it up to you all. Her way of apologising perhaps?”

  “One meal’s not going to do that, Gemma. I’m her son and I’ve put up with all her troubles for as long as I can remember.”

  “Perhaps she has more in mind than just one meal.”

  The three of them looked at Gemma ready to say something, but it was too late as Janice entered with a huge dish of lamb cutlets follow by potatoes in a cream and leak sauce and a selection of vegetables. It smelt and looked gorgeous! She then poured out a bottle of red wine. Dinner was lovely and they all commented and congratulated Janice on a wonderful meal. However, when Rupert commented that she could cook every night, the penny suddenly dropped with Dulcie. She realised what all this had been about.

  “That was beautiful, Mum. You excelled yourself there and I couldn’t eat another thing.”

  They all agreed, although Janice hoped they all had room for her dessert. As she insisted on clearing everything away by herself, Rupert whispered, “So is the bomb going to explode now?”

  “No bomb, Rupert. She’s making a point without having to say a thing.”

  “Have I missed something, Gran? Did I fall asleep?”

  “Neither you nor Rupert gets it, but Gemma does, don’t you, dear. Shall I explain or shall I ask Janice. One thing’s for certain, it’s not happening!”

  “Explain what, Mum?”

  “This game you’re playing, Janice. I’ve had enough of all this, so let me get a few things straight. You’re welcome to stay here for as long as you like while you’re not drinking and making a fool of yourself. But, and it’s a big but – you will not take over Gemma’s job, do you hear me? Gemma will be the one taking care of us, and that’s the end of the subject unless Rupert has anything more to add.”

  Rupert didn’t open his mou
th, but Jamie did.

  “Mum, tell me this isn’t what you’re up to.”

  “You don’t need her here, Mum. There’s nothing she does that I can’t do. It’s an easy job. It’s clear to me that she’s not to be trusted, she’s got you two old biddies wrapped around her fingers.”

  “Mum, you’ve done it again! I’m hardly surprised you’ve messed up, but I’ll tell you something. There’s no way I’d allow Gran and Rupert to live here if Gemma wasn’t caring for them.”

  Chapter 39

  The next few days were most awkward and unpleasant. Janice and Jamie argued a lot, Rupert kept out the way and Dulcie was quieter than her usual self. Gemma tried to carry on as normally as she could. Meal times were problematic, but thankfully, Gemma didn’t have to sit with the four of them.

  She had, however, involved herself with the dilapidated old house on the land behind the villa. It was far too difficult for Dulcie and Rupert to get to, and Janice showed no interest in it at all. Jamie and Gemma had put on their old jeans and trainers to protect themselves from the overgrown shrubbery, brambles and sharp branches and gone to investigate from the gate behind the villa. It was like entering a different world. One side, sleek, modern and inviting, and on the other uninhabited and left to deteriorate. Gemma knew what to expect, but Jamie had only seen some plans from the solicitor, and as they were in Spanish it all meant nothing to him. She had tried to explain the poor condition of the old house, but nothing prepared him for the real thing when eventually he climbed over the habitation to reach it.

  The windows and the front door of the house were all boarded up, but at the rear was a tiny door which had been wedged open. Carefully making their way through, they could tell that at some point someone must have broken in, not that there was anything to steal. The house was a mere shell, apart from a bath, toilet and sink, and a tap on the wall of the kitchen. It was quite creepy, and Gemma would never have gone in alone.

  Jamie was rather disappointed. He had hoped that it would be accessible by car, but soon realised that the only entry point was from the villa. He didn’t say a lot on the way back, but Gemma could tell that he was deep in thought. Did he have plans for the place? Surely he wouldn’t want it for himself, he wasn’t in Spain often enough, and there was plenty of room in the villa with Dulcie and Rupert. Once back at the villa, nothing more was mentioned.

  Gemma was quite looking forward to the rest of the day as she and Rupert were going to Melencia. She’d told him all about the lovely coastal scenery and the paella and suggested they both go out on the bus for the day. Rupert, never a fan of public transport, agreed as after the bus left Ceola it was far less crowded. It was Maria’s day off, so first things first, Gemma had a few chores to complete before going out.

  “Morning, Gemma, what shall I wear for our day out? Bright and colourful perhaps? You said a lot of people go there to fish, so should I find a waterproof smock to blend in?”

  Gemma and Dulcie couldn’t stop laughing, this was the first amusing comment in days. Dulcie was quite disappointed not to be coming along to Melencia too, but she thought it wise to stay home to support her grandson. Eventually they persuaded Rupert to wear something comfortable as it would be hot on the bus. Shorts and T-shirt would be fine. Gemma made him his tea, Dulcie some coffee and headed off to sweep and mop around the pool area so she wouldn’t be around if Janice came into the kitchen. She could have sworn that at least one bottle of gin, if not two, had disappeared over the last few days, so it was likely that Janice wouldn’t be up too early anyway.

  She was just wiping down the sun loungers when Jamie appeared, looking for the book he’d left by the pool. Gemma had already found it and had left it in the lounge for him.

  “I’m so sorry about all of this, Gemma, and I can’t make any excuses for her this time. It’s all very sad really, but I don’t know what else I can do to help her. I’ve lost count how many times myself, Gran and Rupert have got her out of situations, put her back on track but every time she messes up again.”

  “But this time she looked genuine, and with the meal and wanting to look after them, it does worry me slightly. Perhaps I should have given her a chance too. It might be just what she needs and also good for Dulcie as well.”

  “No, trust me. Going out one night a week will soon turn into two and then three, and then before you know it Rupert and Gran would be having to go food shopping for themselves. I really can’t see her making sure they’ve got everything they need. She won’t be able to change her life that much, you know.”

  “There must be something or someone who can help her. I’m sure no one wants to keep messing their life up like that. She’s not a kid, Jamie. I know it’s none of my business and that I’d be the loser if she had been given a chance, but I do feel a bit guilty about things.”

  “Well, don’t. If anything, it should be my mother apologising to you.”

  Gemma fully understood what Jamie was saying, but she did still feel sad about the situation. Was there anything she could do to help Janice? Surely there must be something that could put her back on track and get Jamie and Dulcie to trust and believe in her.

  “Changing the subject, Jamie, you haven’t said any more about the old house. What do you think’s the best idea for it being that all the rubble would have to come through here if it was knocked down?”

  “It seems wrong to knock it down, doesn’t it? Okay, it does need such a lot of work and time spent on it to make it habitable again, but the structure’s sound and the roof’s okay. It just needs renovating really.”

  “You’re right, and once a pathway is cleared to link it to the villa it could be lovely and if your mum…”

  “Stop right there, Gemma. No, I don’t think we should mention it again, and certainly not in front of my mother.”

  That put an abrupt end to the conversation. Time to get ready for her day out with Rupert.

  “You know, Gemma, the bus isn’t that bad after all, and to be honest I’ve spent most of my life travelling on buses.”

  “Just wait, Rupert. Most of the people get off at the next stop and then the view becomes spectacular. You’re in for a real treat.”

  Gemma was right. Once they had left Ceola, there were only four other passengers left on the bus, and because of the narrow winding roads, it had to go slowly, giving a wonderful view of the coastline. Rupert was impressed.

  “Only another five minutes, Rupert.”

  Rupert didn’t answer, he seemed miles away, in a little world of his own. The bus drew to its final stop, turning round to head back and letting its remaining passengers off. Gemma was pleased to note it wasn’t as breezy as the last time she’d been in Melencia.

  “A little walk or a coffee first, Rupert?”

  Rupert seemed to have snapped out of his daydream and suggested a coffee followed by a walk and then the fabulous paella which Gemma had been praising. They walked along to the end of the row of restaurants, the view from around the corner was far more picturesque, and as it wasn’t windy, a lot nicer. They found rather an odd little café, full of locals inside deep in conversation and holidaymakers outside. They ordered two coffees and two sweet pastries.

  “It's so lovely, Gemma. Thanks for suggesting we spend the day here.”

  “It’s Pablo you should thank, it was his recommendation and I’m so glad he told me about it.”

  “Talking of Pablo, what’s happening between you and Dario? I noticed how happy he was when we told everyone we’d be staying here. His face lit up, and I’m sure that wasn’t because Dulcie and I will be the new owners of the villa. Oh, and when is his son coming to visit?”

  Gemma felt she could tell him everything Nico had told her and how she felt that the renovation had given them a false view of their relationship. They were just friends and that was the way it probably should stay. The red flags had been there since the beginning, so she had to reconsider her life here in Spain now that she knew she wasn’t going to be returning the Engl
and.”

  “When you look at it like that, Gemma, it’s the same for Dulcie and me, a friendship that couldn’t progress. I don’t want to sound morbid, but we’re both getting to the end of our lives and the decision to stay here is probably the last big thing we’ll ever have to decide on. We’ve discussed it at length and we’ve had to face facts. The question we’ve had to answer is whether we’d be happy living alone here should something happen to the other. We’d both prefer to be here where the weather’s nice. If we were back in England the winter months would be so lonely. Whatever the time of year, here you can always sit out in a café; have a coffee and a chat to people.”

  “That’s a sensible way to look at things. I think with all this fuss over Janice staying, I’ve not given it a lot of thought.”

  “That’s what you have to do, think it through carefully. You’re only in your twenties, you’re away from your parents and you’re a housekeeper to two oldies. Six months was one thing, but it’s completely different now. Obviously it goes without saying that we’d miss you if you decided not to stay. We’d understand, we really would, but you do have to think about what you want out of life, whether it’s here in Spain with us, Dario and his son, or to go back home to England.”

  “I know and I never imagined having to give it any thought until the incident with Janice kicked off. Perhaps she should be given a chance as I think that was more than a performance the other night. I really believe she meant it. What if it’s her way of saying sorry for all the years of drama she’s put you all through? I know Jamie thinks it’s all an act and she wouldn’t stick to it, but supposing she could? She would have missed out on an opportunity and that might make her even worse.”