One Summer in Spain

by Ian Wilfred

  Lunch was light, as most of them had already had a full cooked breakfast. Gemma had prepared a meat platter as well as cheese with lots of salad and fresh bread, followed by sweet pastries from the bakery, which Dario picked up on his way back from getting the balloons. As she was taking the cling film off the platters, Dulcie appeared.

  “There’s one less for lunch, dear. Janice needs to pop down to the town to get a few things and Pablo’s offered to give her a lift. Looks like we were right there.”

  Nothing more was said on the subject, and no one else had picked up on it. Craig and Jamie insisted that they take over the clearing up, and get the drinks party ready for later in the evening. They did say they’d been given instructions from Rupert and as he’d be inspecting everything, it was important they got everything right.

  Gemma didn’t need telling twice; she knew Dulcie and Rupert wouldn’t let her work all day, fetching and carrying, cooking and clearing up after so many guests. So it was time to sit down and enjoy the afternoon sunshine. Linda and Brian had left to go back to their apartment before the evening celebrations started, and both Rupert and Dulcie had gone for their afternoon siesta. Jodie helped the boys clear everything away and Dario and Mateo were in the pool.

  Just as Gemma was getting settled, she could see Maya walking towards her. Although they’d been getting on well, this was the first time they’d been alone together. Everything had always been fine apart from one occasion when Maya had questioned the way Dario and Gemma were bringing Mateo up.

  “Hi, good to see you having a break, you’ve not stopped working all weekend and I feel so guilty that I haven’t done anything to help.”

  “No problem. You’ve got Mateo to see to. Look at the two of them in the pool. I don’t know who’s the biggest kid. Dario’s such a great father.”

  “Yes, he always has been, and now Mateo’s got a wonderful mum in you, Gemma. I’m so pleased for you both as I can tell you’re so happy together.”

  “We are happy, thanks, but you’ll always be his mum, Maya. I’m just his dad’s girlfriend.”

  “No, you’re not. You’re more of a mum than I’ve ever been. I feel like a nice aunt who turns up now and then with presents and sweets. Sometimes I do feel guilty, and other times I want to chuck everything in and head back to spend all my time with him, but at the moment everything seems to work well for all of us, wouldn’t you agree?”

  Gemma agreed. She had taken on a motherly role with Mateo and at first felt awful when she had to tell him off, but he did need to learn right from wrong, not that he was ever badly behaved by any means. Maya smiled and said he was a very lucky boy to be surrounded by so much love here in Graingcia. Yes, he was spoilt by Rupert and Dulcie, but Dario was good at keeping him on track and disciplining him when needed. Maya also explained that she couldn’t really cope with being a mother. Gemma thought this was rather sad, but didn’t think it was her place to say anything.

  “You know, Gemma, there was never any love between Dario and myself and Mateo was really the result of a one-off. Then both our families took over and we didn’t get much of a say in things. I have to say that both my family and Dario’s have been marvellous. It wasn’t easy for them, but they’re happy with how things have turned out, not just for Mateo, but for Dario too.”

  “Thank you, Maya. It’s lovely of you to say that.”

  “I mean it, Gemma. I have to admit I’m jealous of you, but it’s not about you and Dario at all. It’s more what you have, and the way you just ooze love, the way you look at each other, and how your faces light up when you see each other. To think that my little son lives with so much love around him makes me happy, it really does.”

  Chapter 54

  This was it! The highlight of the weekend, Rupert’s big dinner party. Looking out from the top bedroom window, Gemma could see people starting to mingle on the top terrace. Jamie and Craig had everything organised and both looked so smart in their suits and ties. Jodie looked gorgeous and as Linda and Brian walked in the gate, Gemma was surprised to see her father wearing a suit. Maya then came out with a very grown up Matteo. Gemma felt herself welling up again, so was so proud of him.

  “Come on, Gemma. We’d best go down to the terrace. You look beautiful, but why the tears?”

  “I’ve never known love like this, Dario. This weekend has been so special, and not just because it’s Rupert’s birthday. It’s everybody being together. There’s nothing I want more in life than what I have now. Just hold me please, and tell me my life’s not a dream which is going to end.”

  “It’s never going to end. It will only get better and better, I promise you that.”

  They stood in silence for a couple of minutes entwined in each other’s arms. Gemma wondered how life could get any better than this. It was just so perfect. The silence was broken by Mateo shouting up at the window for them to come down. Dario planted a huge kiss on Gemma’s lips and off they went just at the same time as Dulcie and Janice walked out onto the terrace.

  Pablo had just arrived, also wearing a suit, prompting Dario to remark that he wasn’t even aware his grandfather owned one. Jamie was taking photographs as Craig poured the champagne. In some respects it seemed a shame to break up the evening by going to the restaurant in Roncia, it was all so lovely. Dulcie walked towards Gemma.

  “Dulcie, you look absolutely gorgeous I know that dress looked stunning when it arrived, but now you’re wearing it, it looks amazing. Now, I suppose we have to ask the inevitable question. What colour will be Rupert be wearing? I know he’ll have a suit and tie as he said all the men had to wear suits tonight, but I’m going for yellow. Why are you smiling, Dulcie? You know what he’s going to wear, don’t you?”

  “Yes, dear, I do, and you’re nearly right, but I think you’ll be shocked.”

  There was no way Dulcie was spoiling the surprise, not even to Gemma. He would be making his appearance in a few minutes. He had set a schedule and he would be sticking rigidly to it. Gemma looked at Dario and couldn’t help herself. He looked so dashing in his suit, she just had to kiss him.

  “What was that for?”

  “Because you’re so special, but you know that, don’t you?”

  “Yes, special because I have you in my life.”

  All of a sudden there was a cough. Gemma instantly recognised it as Rupert’s way of letting them know he was about to appear, and yes, it was a shock, but a good one. There he stood in the most fabulous black suit, white shirt and yellow tie. Gemma mumbled to Dulcie how wonderful he looked and she replied saying that looking like that she wouldn’t have to walk a few yards behind. Everyone was complimenting each other on their outfits as they drank their champagne. Janice then made her way over towards Pablo, straightened his tie and brushed something off his shoulder. Yes, this was certainly something to keep an eye on but not tonight as this was Rupert’s evening.

  The gate opened and in came the minibus driver to take them all up to Roncia. Dario went around and locked everything up as Jamie and Craig carried all the glasses into the villa and the ladies fetched their handbags. Mateo was so excited about going in the minibus and was so well-behaved. From now on the evening was in Rupert’s hands and neither Dulcie nor Gemma had a clue what he had planned.

  Once up in Roncia, the minibus dropped them off at a convenient point for them to walk the little narrow streets to the restaurant. Everyone stopped to look at Rupert which of course was just the reaction he was looking for. Gemma was slightly embarrassed, and Dario kept his head down, not welcoming the extra attention the group were getting. Each couple either walked hand in hand or with the woman holding onto the man’s arm, and there was Pablo, as proud as Punch, with Janice on his arm. Enough said!

  As they got to the door of the restaurant, the staff gathered outside to greet them. Gemma noticed there was a sign on the door saying that the restaurant was closed for a private function. She was surprised about that, as surely they wouldn’t make enough money with just their little
group. However, as they walked in, and were handed a glass of bubbly, she could see exactly what was going on. Rupert had invited others to the restaurant too.

  The place was packed solid. Gemma noticed Maria and her daughter, Rosa, Nico, who looked very smart but uncomfortable in a suit, the owners of El Pollo and quite a few people from Rupert’s coffee mornings, including Dorothy and Sid. Gemma couldn’t help but go over and warn Craig, but he’d already spotted them and was telling Jodie the whole story although probably omitting the kiss with Gemma. From what they could see of things, they were going to have an evening buffet rather than a sit down meal, and everything looked lovely.

  “Dulcie, did you know about this? I can’t believe how much effort everyone’s gone to. Look how smart they are. This has taken some organising, but then we are talking Rupert here.”

  “I didn’t have a clue, dear, but I did think something was afoot when he told me about the black suit. It’s not like him, it doesn’t make him stand out enough and you know how he loves being the centre of attention.”

  This was no ordinary buffet, but more like a five star spread. The restaurant owner banged a table with a spoon, asked for silence and introduced Rupert who was going to make a speech. Gemma went to her bag, feeling the tears welling up in her eyes again, and needing a tissue, but before he even said a word Dulcie took her hand tightly as her eyes were full as well.

  “Ladies. Gentlemen, and of course not forgetting young Mateo. I’ll keep this short and sweet. Thank you all for coming here tonight and making such an effort with the dress code. That makes me so happy. Also, thank you for all the lovely birthday messages and presents, which mean so much to me. When it was suggested that I might like to celebrate my birthday, I didn’t really know how or even if I wanted to, but there was something I really wanted to do because it means so much. I wanted to thank people for the last couple of years I’ve spent here in Spain. We’ve had an unbelievable welcome to the Graingcia community, but it goes further than that.”

  Rupert took a moment to clear his throat. Both Gemma and Dulcie couldn’t hold back the tears. They knew him so well and, as he hadn’t finished yet, this was obviously a speech from the heart. He took another deep breath.

  “You see, this isn’t just about me. I’m part of a very special family; the best anyone could ever wish for. Some of the family live with me here in Graingcia, and others come and go. Janice and Jamie, I’m so proud and happy that you’ve been part of my life for so many years, and it’s always special when you come to visit. Gemma, what can I say? If it hadn’t been for you, we would never have been here and our lives would have been so much poorer for it. Then to fall in love with Dario, who arrived with the apple of our eye and someone who gives us so much joy, day in and day out, young Mateo.”

  Gemma knew what was coming and had great difficulty holding back the tears, as were many people in the restaurant. Rupert too was emotional, but had to carry on.

  “You see, when I talk to people, I use words like ‘us’ ‘our’ and ‘we’ and that’s because I would be nothing without this woman. If it wasn’t for her, I doubt I’d even be around, she’s my rock, my best friend and my other half, and we both thank you all for making us feel so welcome. Thank you, Dulcie, for so much love spanning more than fifty years. Now, enjoy the evening, drink, eat, and celebrate the wonderful life we’ve all found here in Graingcia and Roncia. Thank you.”

  Chapter 55

  Gemma had had a poor night’s sleep despite being exhausted. It had been a night to remember, but an emotional one too. What a party! The buffet food had been out of this world, and the music and dancing had brought everyone together in a special way. Most of all, Rupert, generally loving being the centre of attention, was happy to take a step back and let everyone understand just how important they were to both himself and Dulcie.

  “Hi, Gemma, you’re up early. What a lovely night we had.”

  “Hi, Craig, yes, we did. You’re up early too. Couldn’t you sleep either?”

  “No, not really. I’ve only been dozing for most of the night. I knew coming over here for the weekend would be nice and it would be fun to celebrate Rupert’s birthday with him, but I didn’t stop to think how special it would be for me. I know that sounds like I’m only thinking of myself, but my life changed so dramatically after meeting Rupert and Dulcie. It wasn’t just meeting Jodie and having her in my life now, but all the exciting things we have to look forward to.

  “Rupert and Dulcie changed my life for the better. Well, I didn’t have much of a life, did I? All I did was work. Anyway, that time doesn’t bear thinking about, it’s all in the past, but they showed me how I could grow and have such a wonderful life that I’d be both happy and proud of myself. Oh, sorry, Gemma, I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

  “It’s okay, Craig, I’ve been such an emotional wreck all weekend, I’m surprised there’s any more tears left to flow. I have to agree with everything you’ve said there, and I feel exactly the same. I didn’t have any confidence in myself before I met them. All you hear is how you have to plan your future, aim for this or that, otherwise you won’t achieve anything. That might work for some people, but it didn’t for me. All those years spent worrying about not having any plan for my life and then these two pensioners come into my life so randomly, and all that gradually disappears. Now I’ve got a lovely life, and one I’ll never take for granted. I feel so blessed to have all this.”

  “And you have Dario too. At one point I was jealous of him, you know. Now I catch him looking at you, and the smile on his face even if you’re not looking at him is something else. If we can have just a little bit of what Rupert and Dulcie have between them, I’ll be very happy. Okay, there might have been more between us, but what we have now is a special friendship and one which I do value.”

  Craig was right. There had been a time when things between them could have been different, but their strong friendship now was far more important to them both.

  “Oh, look, who’s this? Did I wake you up, Mateo? It’s far too early to be playing with a ball.”

  “It’s never too early for football. I’ll play with you.”

  “Okay, Mateo, but don’t wear Craig out. You go and play with the ball and I’ll make Craig a coffee.”

  As she was waiting for the kettle to boil, Gemma went through her list of things for the day. The main thing was to get Rupert out the way as everyone was rehearsing for the party later. Janice and Maya had arranged to do the catering, which was nice as it gave Gemma a welcomed night off. Thinking about Janice, Gemma was surprised she actually came back to the villa for the night and hadn’t gone off with Pablo after the closeness and dancing at the restaurant. Everyone would have noticed they were a couple, As she was making Craig’s coffee, she could see that Dario was up too, and also kicking the football around.

  “There you go, boys, two coffees and an orange juice for you, Mateo. Don’t make too much noise out here because some people are still asleep.”

  Gemma sat watching the three of them playing together. It made her content, not that she was ever unhappy as there was nothing in her life that could be improved upon, but she was pleased that everyone was getting on so well together. Maria was now coming through the gate even though Rupert had tried to persuade her to take the day off after such a long night, but she appreciated the job, she knew everyone at the villa and wanted to look her best. With that, the football hit Gemma on the head. Mateo thought it was funny.

  “Right, enough of these games. I’ve got work to be getting on with.”

  “Gemma, a quick word. After the little thing for Rupert, but before the food’s served, we’ll go and get changed. We won’t spend all the evening in these clothes, we’ll go and put something smarter on.”

  “I haven’t given it any thought, Dario. I just presumed we’d wear the same things all evening. Is it worth changing?”

  “I think we should. Why don’t you put one of your nice dresses on?”

  Gemm
a wondered what that was all about. Dario seemed a little on edge, he must be worried about something. Perhaps it was something to do with having so many people around or being concerned about his grandfather’s relationship with Janice. She needed to crack on with her duties for the day though and first on the list was to sort out the costumes. Although Dulcie had said she would do it, Gemma thought she would surprise her by doing it herself.

  Fetching the key from where Dulcie had hidden it from Rupert, she headed off to the store room. She couldn’t believe how much stuff they’d bought since moving here. A lot of it was toys for the pool which Rupert had bought for Mateo, but there was also a huge box with a ribbon on it. Opening it up, Gemma found it to be empty, absolutely nothing was inside it, but one of the sides seemed to drop down. All very strange, perhaps Rupert had ordered something and got the measurements wrong. Moving on to the box of clothes, Gemma took each one out of its plastic cover and hung them all on coat hangers. Wow, they were so brightly coloured.

  Half an hour later and with the job completed, Gemma returned to the villa to see who wanted breakfast. Everyone was up, so the quicker they were fed, the quicker she could divert Rupert’s attention.

  “Hi Dulcie, just to let you know I’ve hung all the outfits for tonight up on hangers.”

  “You weren’t supposed to go in the store room. No, I don’t mean it like that, but I was going to do it so thank you. By the way, once the little surprise for Rupert is over, I think we should change into something smarter. Perhaps you should wear one of your lovely dresses.”

  Another mystery. Why shouldn’t she go into the store room, and that was the second reference to her wearing a lovely dress. How odd. Gemma put it all to the back of her mind to get Rupert his breakfast and then Dario would take him to Pablo’s. Once out of the villa, Dulcie would get everyone practicing their speeches. Gemma smiled at the thought of everyone in their costumes. Even Mateo had one.