by Ian Wilfred
“Morning, Gemma. Is that your phone or Dulcie’s?”
“Mine, I think Rupert.”
“Hi Dario… Yes. Oh, what a shame, but on the other hand… Not to worry, better to have the bookings than not… Yes, that’s right. I need to be back for six o’clock. Okay, see you soon.”
“Something wrong, Gemma?”
“No, not really. Just Dario to say that the website goes live today. We were going to spend the day Tweeting to try and get some more bookings, but there’s no need as next year’s fully booked already. Dario’s had an enquiry for a month’s booking, so he thinks it’s a bit pointless promoting something which isn’t available. Anyway, as I’ve got a free day now, he’s asked me whether I want to go to the beach with him. He knows I won’t be able to find an excuse not to.”
“But why would you want to say no? I probably shouldn’t say this, but it’s about time…”
“…I’ll say it for you, Rupert. It’s about time you and Dario got together.”
Dulcie didn’t mix her words and Gemma smiled to acknowledge her comment. They were both right, but there had never seemed to be a good time, something always cropped up. Gemma didn’t reply but went to make their breakfast before getting her beach things together. Dario had said he knew a small, but quiet, beach which all the locals went to.
“Okay, you two, I’m sorted now. Before I go I’ll make you another tea and coffee though. Are you sure you’re alright with getting yourselves lunch, and is it about eight o’clock that Jamie’s due to arrive?”
“Gemma, do calm down, dear. You’re only going to the beach for the day. When we mentioned about you and Dario getting together, that’s all we meant, not getting married, moving in and having a family! Now, take a deep breath and go and have some fun.”
They were right of course. Gemma did have a habit of taking everything far too seriously, but she did really like Dario and was looking forward to a relaxing day with him. However, she did take Dulcie’s advice to take some deep breaths and calm down. She grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and checked her appearance in the mirror as Dario walked through the gate. He always took her breath away, but today even more so dressed in his beach shorts and T-shirt. All of a sudden she realised that to spend the day on the beach, he’d be topless and she’d only have her bikini on.
“Hi, Dario, I’m ready now. Dulcie, are you sure there’s nothing else you’ll need?”
“No, we’re fine, thanks, dear. Off you go, and have a nice day on the beach making sandcastles and splashing in the sea.”
“My son loves making sandcastles, and we’ll do that when he arrives for his holiday. He doesn’t like the sea though, only swimming pools, but he’ll have to get used to it and this year the villa’s fully booked so we won’t be staying with Pablo.”
“That’s a shame. How long will be here for?”
“Two weeks, and I’m so looking forward to it. It will be different not staying down here, but I’m sure he’ll soon adapt.”
“You could bring him up here to use the pool, couldn’t he, Rupert. It would be nice to have a child running around the place. Come to that, perhaps you could stay here with him. There’s a guest bedroom and bathroom.”
“Yes, that’s a brilliant idea, Dulcie, and we’re not taking no for an answer.”
Dario thanked them but didn’t commit himself. He wasn’t sure about it as Mateo was rather noisy and he thought it might be a bit too much for Dulcie and Rupert. Gemma didn’t know what to say, the extra work wouldn’t be a problem for her, but was she expected to play happy families? She didn’t feel ready for that, but perhaps she was jumping the gun far too quickly. She and Dario weren’t even a proper couple.
With that, her phone rang. Mum was ringing to ask whether it was still alright for them to come over for a holiday. Gemma told her she was busy at the moment and would ring her back after speaking to Rupert and Dulcie.
“Right, come on, show me this fabulous beach, See you later, you two.”
“Remember what we told you, Gemma. Have fun!”
As they got in the car Dario asked what they’d meant about having fun. Gemma felt a bit awkward and didn’t know what to say, so she just explained how Rupert and Dulcie thought she took life too seriously. Dario smiled but didn’t make a comment. She expected him to mention their offer to stay at the villa with Mateo, half hoping he would decline because they hadn’t thought it through properly. A young child running around the villa for two weeks would certainly be far too much for them both to cope with.
The journey to the beach was the completely opposite direction to where Gemma thought it might be. They travelled along the main road out of Graingcia towards Almeria, the same road they had driven along on their arrival many months previously. Eventually, Dario pulled off onto a side road which led to a track and finally an area of waste ground where about a dozen cars were parked. Once out of the car, she could just about see the sea through a gap in the trees. It was certainly secluded.
Dario went to the boot of the car and took out a beach bag and a cool box. Gemma was touched to think he’d gone to so much trouble for their day. She could see a family in the distance heading down a path, so presuming that was the way to the beach, she started to follow them. Dario, locking the car, called out to her.
“Hey, stop. There’s a choice. That way leads to the family beach, but there’s a little cove about a ten minute walk away that’s so much quieter and the sea’s a lot calmer. Both beaches are very beautiful, but you choose. Which would you prefer?”
As Gemma hadn’t been to either beach before it was difficult for her to make that decision. She left it up to Dario, and thankfully he did prefer the quieter beach although it was a fair walk through the trees to get there. Eventually the pathway opened up to a beautiful sunlight scene. Gemma stood there taking it all in. She felt as though she were on a remote island surrounded by sea, sun and beach, a little paradise with very few people, but well worth the walk to get there.
“Oh, Dario! What can I say? What a breath taking view!”
“I knew you’d like it. To be honest, the family beach is just as nice, but it’s not as sheltered. Let’s find somewhere to sit.”
They walked towards the edge of the beach by some rocks and found the perfect place to stop and relax. Dario laid a blanket on the sand ready for them, and Gemma plucked up the courage to take her shorts and top off. Why did she feel so nervous? She couldn’t understand why she suddenly felt so self-conscious. Perhaps she should try and change as quickly as possible and then run into the sea. No, she was just being silly.
Dario was putting the cool box in a shadier position and prepared to take his trainers off. By this time Gemma was already in the sea. Would he follow her or just sit and watch from the blanket? Why on earth was she getting herself in such a state? Rupert was right, she should just be having fun.
Gemma started to swim out to sea. The water was so warm, clear and refreshing. Suddenly there was a huge splashing sound, and turning round she saw Dario had joined her. That made her feel so much better, and for the next 20 minutes they splashed about, swam and enjoyed each other’s company. Gemma was beginning to relax slightly, although still concerned that at some point she would have to get out of the water.
“Did I hear you say your parents are coming over for a holiday? It will be lovely for them to see where you live and work. I’ve never thought to ask, but are they happy for you to be living out here in Spain?”
“I think they’re happy with it, yes. They probably worry about what I’ll do when Rupert and Dulcie get a bit older and need more help with everything or if they were so unwell that I couldn’t cope with it all. They’ve realised that I wasn’t happy at university or the other jobs I had in England, and now because I love it here, it stops them worrying about me so much. I’m sure they’ll be more than happy for me once they see the villa.”
“Yes, I’m sure they will. I’m getting out the water now. Fancy some lunch? I have to
confess I bought it at the bakery, but I knew you’d be fine with that.”
Dario was certainly right about that. Anything from the bakery would be a welcome lunch, but first things first; she had to contend with getting out of the sea. Should she go first or follow him? Oh, this was ridiculous. She should just get it over and done with. Was he watching her walking up the beach? As soon as she got to the blanket, Gemma wrapped herself in her beach towel and wiped the water from her face, taking time to glance behind her to see Dario emerging from the sea. He looked gorgeous. No wonder she felt so self-conscious in front of him.
Two hours later, food eaten and having dried off from their earlier swim, they discussed the bookings at the villa and how relieved Pablo was that everything was going well. Gemma was far more relaxed now. It felt just like it should do, a day out with a friend, and she’d been silly to overthink things and get so worked up about being seen in her bikini in front of Dario. He still hadn’t mentioned staying at the villa with Mateo, so perhaps she should bring it up in conversation.
“You know Rupert and Dulcie meant it when they said you and Mateo would be welcome at the villa, don’t you? They do love having company and I think it would be good for them to have a little boy to play with.”
“It was lovely for them to offer, and I know he’d have a fabulous time. In fact, we both would. The pool and the lovely large grass area would be ideal for games, but there’s another thing I have to consider before making a decision.”
“Oh, what’s that?”
“You, Gemma! Would you feel comfortable with me being there because I know things have been a little awkward between us lately? I was hoping we’d get to know each other a lot better, but then there was that silly misunderstanding about Maya in the restaurant. I don’t know what more I can do to win you over, but I need more, Gemma. I want us to be a proper couple. There was a time when I thought you wanted that too, but is Mateo the problem here, or is that you just don’t fancy me? I just don’t want to put too much pressure on you at the moment. Can you understand that, Gemma?”
“Oh, you’re not putting pressure on me at all, but there is a big problem.”
“I knew it. I’m sorry, Gemma.”
“No, Dario. It’s me who has the problem. I fancy you like crazy and I don’t want to mess it all up. I’m so sorry I’ve been like this…”
With that they fell into each other’s arms and for the first time Gemma felt better. However, she couldn’t help thinking Rupert was wrong. He’d told her to go and have some fun with Dario, but she wanted more – marriage, a family, and more importantly, the happy ever after.
Chapter 44
Ever since their day on the beach, Gemma had floated around the villa. She was in love! But like everything in her life, nothing was straightforward. Jamie’s visit had gone well, he had finalised things with the solicitor, but it had been a lengthy process involving lots of comings and goings with visitors and paperwork.
Rupert and Dulcie were now the owners of the villa and had decided not to demolish the old house at the back. They hadn’t yet come up with a plan for it, but if they renovated it and sold it, the new owners would have to keep crossing their garden, which was a far from ideal situation.
Gemma had hardly stopped cooking since Jamie’s arrival, there had been no time to see Dario at all, and now things were about to get even more complex. Her parents were coming for two weeks, followed by Dario and Mateo. Gemma was wondering whether she’d ever get to sleep with Dario. That was something she wanted most of all, but with her mum and dad around, and then Mateo, she really couldn’t see that happening for a while.
“You must be so excited about seeing your parents today, but Rupert and I have been thinking. What if they don’t like it here and persuade you to go back to England with them? Anyway, I get the impression you’d refuse because now it’s not just us that are keeping you here, is it?”
“You’re right, Dulcie. I’d really miss the beach. Isn’t that what you meant?”
“Very funny! You know I wasn’t, but all jokes aside, I’m really happy for you and Dario.”
Gemma wasn’t aware that it was so obvious that she was in love, but Dulcie said from the minute she walked in the gate after being to the beach, she and Rupert could tell. Gemma hadn’t stopped smiling – not that she was ever miserable – but it was more than likely her parents would notice it as well.
“Rupert and I can manage without you doing all the cooking while your mum and dad are here. We’re quite okay with fending for ourselves, you know. So do feel free to take time out to show them around Graingcia, the beach and all the quaint little villages nearby.”
“To be honest, I think they’ll be just as happy staying around the pool. Dad’s had a hard time at work recently, and Mum says that he needs a good rest lying in the sun. And, I can assure you, you won’t be fending for yourselves at all. Have you two mess up the kitchen? You must be joking.”
Once she had sorted out Dulcie’s breakfast, it was time to write out a shopping list. Rupert had insisted on a barbecue and then they’d play the rest of the holiday by ear. It would be nice to take Gemma’s parents to some of the lovely little restaurants, and she knew that her father would love going to El Polio, but the big question was whether to mention Dario to them. Then there was the subject of Mateo!
But before any of that, today she was meeting Dario. It wasn’t a proper date as such, but he was taking her shopping, so she’d see him for a couple of hours before her parents arrived. As Jamie had done, they too were hiring a car from the airport. Gemma had just finished getting ready when Rupert appeared.
“Morning, Rupert. Tea and toast is on its way. It’s a bit breezy out. You might need a hoody on.”
“Thanks, Gemma. Whoever would have thought it? Me, in a hoody at my age! But they are perfect, aren’t they? Is her ladyship up yet?”
“She’s been up a while, had breakfast, and is on the side patio with her book. You go on out and I’ll bring you your tea.”
“Oh, and one more thing. Why don’t you invite Dario over for dinner? It would be good for him to meet your parents. I’m sure he’d enjoy it, and come to think of it, why not Pablo too?”
Gemma didn’t know what to say. She knew her parents would take to him, so why shouldn’t she invite him. She gave him a quick call to pick her up and he suggested they go for a coffee and a pastry before doing the supermarket shop, which Gemma was more than happy to do. She mentioned him coming up for the barbeque and he said he was fine with it but would check with Pablo.
“There you go, one coffee and two pastries.”
“Why two, Dario?”
“Because if we sit here for an hour, you’ll only end up getting another, so you might as well have it here ready.”
This was lovely. Dario was so excited about meeting her parents and said that Pablo would also be coming. Gemma just needed to rethink the extra numbers for dinner. She would put money on it that Rupert would hand over the barbecue duties to Dario which would be far less dramatic. She was also starting to get excited about her parents’ visit as hopefully they would now see how happy she was and stop worrying about her.
“By the way, I’ve told Maya that Mateo and I will be staying at the villa but didn’t go into any detail about us. She doesn’t tell me what goes on in her life, who she sees and it works well for us. But there is one problem, Gemma. There is one day that I’ll have to work as there’s too many airport runs for Nico to manage by himself. Do you think you could look after Mateo for me? It shouldn’t be more than six hours.”
“Of course, no problem, but do you think he’ll be okay with it?”
“I’m sure he will be. I can’t wait for you to meet him, Gemma. Thank you so much for all this. So many women would have run a mile from a guy with a kid, but there aren’t many women I’d want to share my son with anyway. In fact, there’s only one, and that’s you. I’m so excited just being with you, and I know this may sound wrong, but in a way I want your p
arents and Mateo’s visits to be over really quickly, so it can just be the two of us again.”
She couldn’t agree more, but sitting there drinking coffee, eating pastries and day dreaming wouldn’t get the shopping done. Plus, she still had a few jobs to finish before her parents arrived, but Dario was right – they had so much to look forward to.
“Lunch is served, Dulcie. Poached egg on toast just as you like it, and scrambled egg on toast for you, Rupert.”
“Aren’t we a nuisance, dear, never having the same thing, but that’s down to Rupert being difficult.”
“Neither of you are difficult, but eat up before it all gets cold. By the way, my mum’s just sent a text to say they’ve boarded the plane and it’s on time. If they can get through customs quickly, they should be here between eight and nine o’clock. Dario and Pablo are coming over at nine, so it won’t be too late to eat. I’m so looking forward to this, Dulcie. Thank you so much for inviting my parents over. It’s so kind of you.”
“Kind? It’s the least we could do after all you’ve done for us. We love having visitors to stay and they’re more than welcome.”
“You might not be so keen when you have a little boy running around the place.”
“We’ll be fine. He just needs to wear himself out. I’m sure we’ll all get on well.”
The flowers which Gemma had bought for her parents’ room looked lovely. She knew they’d like the villa, but hoped they’d be able to relax and not find it all overwhelming and upmarket for them. Rupert would make them feel at ease, she knew that, but her parents had never been anywhere like this before, so to begin with it probably would be rather daunting.
“Hello! How was the journey? Welcome to Graingcia.”
There were lots of hugs and kisses, and telling Gemma how well she looked even before they’d got through the gate. Gemma helped her dad, Brian, with the cases, while her mum, Linda, got the hand luggage from the car. This was the moment Gemma had looked forward to for so long – her parents seeing the villa. She held open the gate for them to enter.