Payton thought about what Jackie had said, about maybe following in her father’s footsteps and getting into digital marketing. It was definitely something to consider. She wouldn’t be tied down to one location. She could split her time between New York, London, and Benalmadena, or she could sell one of the apartments and live somewhere else.
It would give her time to do what she really wanted, without worrying about draining her savings account. She could finally take photos and create art without the pressure of making a living out of it. Whatever challenges she’d face starting an agency, it was still so much more appealing than going to work at her mother’s law firm or any law firm for that matter.
Payton’s flip flops gently slapped against her feet as she followed the pavement, entering the marina area where dozens of expensive yachts were docked. Restaurants, shops and bars were to her right and behind the boats on her left, several apartment blocks rose out of the water. Payton remembered wishing her father had bought one of those when he’d brought her to Puerto Marina for the first time. She loved the idea of living in a building that felt like it was surrounded by water, but now she was glad that he’d gone with the two bedroom that was just a ten-minute walk from here.
Puerto Marina was bustling with tourists and locals, eating or having a few drinks in the sunshine. As delicious as the food smelt, she knew this was a tourist trap, and that there were far better places to eat if she kept going, including Jackie’s tapas restaurant.
Payton adjusted the strap of her black sling bag, the weight of her phone and journal causing it to dig into her bare shoulder. She’d get some lunch and write down some ideas, get all those thoughts running through her mind out of her head and onto paper.
She found Sun and Sand easily, the sky-blue building standing out among the row of restaurants and bars. Most of the seating was outdoors, but that was normal here. Almost every one of the white square tables was taken. Yellow umbrellas provided some shade from the sun which was directly overhead now.
Payton slid her shades onto her head as she weaved through the tables, finding a free one in the corner. A waiter appeared with a menu and a dish of green olives. She took out her journal and started writing down everything she was thinking, about how amazing it was to be here again, but also how hard it was. She flipped to a new page when a business idea popped into her head.
The waiter was back, and she ordered a glass of white wine and three kinds of tapas, small dishes that were almost like starters or snacks. She tapped her pen against the lined pages, trying to pick up where she left off, but she gave up for the moment and sat back, taking a sip of wine. Her eyes fell on Jackie who came out from behind the bar along with a muscular man with salt and pepper hair, tattoos covering both arms.
Payton darted her eyes away when Jackie wrapped her arms around him. She distracted herself by rereading what she wrote, ignoring the burning sensation in her chest. She stole another glance, and Jackie’s hand was running up and down his arm. It was intimate, as if she was comforting him, and Payton felt her cheeks burn when Jackie’s eyes landed on her.
They were both looking in her direction now, and Payton froze. Jackie turned her attention back to the taller man, and then they were making their way towards her. Payton closed her journal, shoving it in her bag, and when she looked up, they were both standing beside her table.
“Payton, hey,” Jackie said, her eyes glistening. “This is Oliver. Oliver this is Payton, Luke’s daughter.”
Oliver extended his hand, and Payton shook it. “I’m so sorry,” he said in a thick London accent. “About your father... I’d been thinking about him these last few weeks, wondering when he’d be back,” he cleared his throat. “I’m just so sorry.”
Payton nodded, looking up at him. “I’m sorry that you weren’t told, that you didn’t get the chance to come to the funeral. We were so caught up in the shock of it all. We didn’t think to come out here...” Payton sighed. “Thank you for being such good friends. He loved coming here, to Benalmadena, to this restaurant.”
Oliver smiled. “He was one of our best customers, and he always sent people to us. He was so generous,” Oliver said, running a hand through his thick hair. “Ugh. Blimey,” he said, brushing away a tear. “I never cry.”
Jackie’s hand was around his waist, pulling him into her, and Payton couldn’t remember the last time she felt this uncomfortable, and she didn’t even know why. These were her father’s friends, her father’s neighbor. They looked like they were a couple, and Payton had no issues with PDAs, so why did she feel like being anywhere but here?
“How’s Angela?” Oliver asked.
“She’s good. Okay. The same as me, I guess. Just trying to keep going. She’s still in London, in the flat they bought together.”
“I don’t know if I could stay there,” Oliver said with a sniffle. “Too many memories. I’d probably have to move out. Anyway,” Oliver said, taking a deep breath. “I’m glad she’s doing okay. We’ll let you enjoy your meal which is on the house, by the way.”
“Oh, you don’t have to-” Payton started to say, but Oliver waved her off.
“I insist,” he said, giving her a warm smile.
“Thank you.”
Jackie stayed beside her table when Oliver left, but Payton couldn’t seem to relax. Jackie’s dark hair was tied up in a messy bun today, and her arms looked amazing in the white tank top she was wearing. A silver pendant resting just above the dip in her tank top caught the afternoon sun, and Payton tore her eyes away.
“I knew he wouldn’t take it well,” Jackie said, her eyes still on him as he left the restaurant and walked along the boardwalk. “But he knew Luke in London. I don’t even know how far they went back. Luke helped him with his first restaurant, with the advertizing and everything.”
“Really?”
Jackie nodded, and the waiter was back with her food. “Enjoy your meal,” she said with a smile, and then she was gone, chatting to a couple a few tables over.
No wonder her father loved coming here, and not just to Sun and Sand but to this area in general. Everyone was so friendly and the pace of living relaxed. What a change from London and New York.
The scent of garlic and shrimp left her mouthwatering as she looked at each dish, from the octopus salad to the fried shrimp to the sardines, not knowing which to try first, finally settling on the salad.
Payton knew coming back to this part of the world would be tough, but it wasn’t sadness that she felt. It was almost jealousy, of all these people who knew and loved her father, who might have spent just as much time with him over the years as she had. It was like he had this other life that she hardly knew anything about, but at the same time, it was comforting, hearing about her father from a new perspective, knowing that he was well loved by more than just her and Angela.
Speaking of Angela. She’d better check in with her. Angela had always been good to her. Payton was almost eighteen when they’d started dating, so she’d never been that stepmother that had to try and replace her actual mother. Angela was only ten years older than her, and they’d always gotten along. Their relationship was more of a friendship than anything else, and right now, Payton was being a shitty friend. It had been more than a month since she’d spoken to her on the phone and at least three since they’d seen each other.
Payton could spend a few days in London and catch up with her, although the thought of leaving this lovely sunshine for cold and dreary London wasn’t exactly appealing. She could invite Angela here. She could probably get away for a long weekend.
Payton finished the salad and moved on to the shrimp. She’d give Angela a call later and try and organize something.
Payton caught herself looking at Jackie again and darted her eyes away before Jackie could notice. She was extremely attractive. There was no point in denying that. Her black hair fell a few inches below her shoulders. Her tanned legs were on display in shorts that showed off her figure. Her arms were toned, too, and Payton
returned her focus to the food in front of her. Crushing on her new neighbor and her dad’s friend wasn’t going to get her anywhere. She should probably check out the local gay scene and find someone that she actually had a chance with.
Chapter Six
Jackie would have loved to be sitting at home, on her couch, in front of the TV with a glass of wine, but she knew she had to cheer Oliver up. He’d been walking around in a daze since she’d told him about Luke two days ago.
She got it. She felt it, too, but Oliver was getting married in two weeks. He couldn’t slip into a depression over this, and his fiancé, Alvaro, thought the same thing, which is why she was sitting a table with the two of them, surrounded by empty glasses. Music pumped out of the speakers in the corners of the room, and the tiny dance floor on the other side of the bar was full. Rainbow flags were pinned to the walls along with erotic photographs and paintings.
It was a unique bar. That was the only way Jackie could describe it. There was a relaxed vibe during the day with lunch and tapas being served, but after ten o’clock there was more of a night club atmosphere. The rainbow disco lights came on. The music was turned up. The upscale wine menu was replaced by one full of shots and cocktails.
They were sitting outside, away from the DJ, the dance floor, and the thumping dance music, where they could actually have a conversation, although for once, Jackie almost wished she was inside. Tonight wasn’t exactly going to plan. They were supposed to be cheering Oliver up, but every so often, he’d remember something about Luke, and then he was practically in tears again.
“No wonder he didn’t reply to the invite,” Oliver said. “He was dead!”
Alvaro and Jackie shared a look. It was time to cut Oliver off. They’d started off perhaps a little too quickly, going for shots and then cocktails, although Jackie and Alvaro hadn’t drank theirs nearly as fast.
“I emailed him again,” Oliver said with a sigh. “I called him. I just thought he was busy. Life is short, innit?” he asked, his words slurring.
Alvaro stood up and came around the table to Jackie. “I’m going to get him a mocktail this time,” he said in accented English. “Same again? Gin and tonic?”
“Please,” Jackie said, giving him a reassuring smile as he went to the bar.
Oliver was still talking to Jackie. “I know I’m always telling ya that you’re young. I’m young. That fifty is young, but it’s not really, is it? I mean, Luke was younger than me. He was only forty-five.”
Jackie glanced behind her. Alvaro hadn’t even ordered yet.
“Payton looks like him,” Oliver continued. “They have the same smile. She’s a good person. I can tell. We should have invited her,” he said with a bit of enthusiasm. “She probably doesn’t know anyone in Benalmadena.”
“Did you know she was gay? From Luke?”
Oliver nodded. “He came to me for advice. She came out to him when she was fifteen. He’d just gotten divorced, and he was trying so hard to be a great parent. He didn’t know what to do. Not that he was homophobic. He just didn’t know if she was confused or what, but I reassured him, told him to be there for her, that I had realized I was gay around that age.”
Jackie nodded. “You’re right. We should have asked her to come out tonight.” The words had just left her mouth when she found herself looking directly at Payton, their eyes locking from across the bar. She was waiting to be served, a few people over from Alvaro.
Jackie finished her gin and tonic as Alvaro came back with their drinks, but he was gone again a minute later, chatting with some friends at the next table. Hopefully, Oliver wouldn’t notice that his drink had no alcohol in it.
She did agree with Oliver. They should have asked Payton, but now that she was here, Jackie wasn’t so sure if she should invite her over to their table. Oliver could start down memory lane again, and he would mean well, but she could see it being a complete disaster. She didn’t want to upset Payton by talking about her father every time they saw each other.
“Oh,” Oliver said, almost spilling his drink. “There’s Payton. Hey,” he said, waving his hand to get her attention. “Payton!” He came dangerously close to falling off his chair.
Payton gave them a smile as she got closer to their table. “Hello,” she said, tucking a lock of blond hair behind her ear. She was dressed casually in dark wash jeans and a white tank top.
“Hi,” Jackie said, praying that Oliver wouldn’t keep talking about Luke.
“Do you want to join us?” Oliver asked.
“Uh,” Payton said, glancing between them. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“Don’t be silly!” Oliver said, pulling out the chair beside him.
“If you’re sure?” Payton asked, meeting Jackie’s eyes.
“Yeah,” Jackie said. “Of course. We were just saying that we should have asked you to join us tonight.”
“Oh, really?” Payton took a seat across from Jackie. “Is this the place to be?” she asked, looking around her at the crowded outdoor area and the packed bar inside. “I just picked it because it was the closest gay bar to my apartment.”
“It’s our regular,” Oliver said. “Your father even came here a few times.”
Payton smiled. “Really? I mean, I know my dad wasn’t homophobic, but what’s the attraction of going to a gay bar when you’re straight?”
Jackie shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Oh,” Oliver said, standing up. “Alvaro’s waving me over. I’ll be back in a minute.”
“So, what are you doing here?” Payton asked.
Jackie stirred her drink with the straw. “What do you mean?”
“I’m just surprised to see you two here.”
Jackie’s eyes narrowed. Surely, she wasn’t that drunk, but she was having trouble comprehending what Payton was saying. “Why?”
“Like I said... I don’t understand the fascination for straight people. Not that I want to exclude anyone. I’m not saying that. I just can’t understand what the attraction is. You probably spend the night getting hit on. Both of you, and then you have to tell them that you’re married or whatever.”
“What?” Jackie asked, leaning forward to rest her forearms on the table. She must have missed something.
“You and Oliver. You’re together, right?”
“No,” Jackie said, a smile tugging at her lips. “Why would you think that?”
Payton’s eyes widened. “Oh, shit. Sorry. I don’t know,” she said in a rush. “You just seemed really close, at the restaurant. You have a restaurant together. You’re here together tonight. I don’t know. I assumed...”
“He’s my best friend.”
“Sometimes, I really don’t think before I speak,” Payton said, running a hand through her hair.
“That’s Alvaro,” Jackie said as Oliver came back with him, holding hands. “They’re getting married in two weeks.”
“Oh my God. I’m so embarrassed,” Payton said, taking a drink. “I can’t even blame the alcohol,” she said, looking down at her wine glass. “I’m not even tipsy.”
“It’s fine.”
Jackie introduced Alvaro and Payton, leaving out the mix up.
“It’s really nice to meet you, Payton,” Alvaro said without sitting down. “But I’m afraid, we’re ready to call it a night.”
Jackie gave Alvaro a smile. “Text me when you get home.”
“Sí, lo prometo,” Alvaro said with a wink before saying goodbye, his arm around Oliver’s waist. Jackie knew she was being overprotective, but there was an attack on a gay couple just last week, and she’d sleep better tonight knowing that they made it home okay.
“So,” Payton said when it was just the two of them. “Did I mention that my gaydar’s shit?”
Jackie smiled, taking in the crowd around her, looking anywhere but at Payton. Jackie didn’t know how trustworthy her gaydar was anymore. She usually couldn’t be bothered moving from being attracted to someone to doing something about it, so it never matter
ed.
“Where’s the wedding?” Payton asked, taking her away from her thoughts.
“Hmmm?”
“Where are they getting married?”
“Marbella. Have you been?”
Payton nodded. “I spent a few days there with my dad the last time I was here actually. Is it going to be on the beach?”
“Yes. They’ve been planning it for almost two years, but that was probably the first thing they decided on.”
“Was my father going to go?”
“Yes,” Jackie said, bringing her glass to her lips and taking a sip of her gin and tonic. “Oliver was just talking about it, but I’m glad Alvaro brought him home. He was getting a bit emotional about it, and I know he’s taking it hard, but... I don’t want him to upset you. We all knew your father, but we don’t need to bring him up every time we’re with you.”
“No. Well, I know what you mean, but it’s nice... Hearing about this other life he had that I really didn’t know much about. I wonder if Angela’s going.”
“Well, she was definitely invited, but if the invite went to your father, maybe she doesn’t want to show up without him... I don’t know. I’ll talk to Oliver about it tomorrow, but I know that they would want her there.”
Payton nodded. “I spoke to her this morning. She’s doing okay. Christmas is easily her favorite time of the year, and last year... No one was in the mood last year. Not even her. But she was talking about when she’d go pick out her tree and what day she was going to start decorating, so that’s a good sign.”
Jackie shook her head. “It’s seven weeks away. Time is flying.”
“Yeah. I don’t know how to feel about it. I mean, I’m not really a big fan of the commercialism, and when I was a teenager it was hard only being with one of my parents, but my dad loved it. Angela met her match there. One was as crazed as the other,” Payton said with a lopsided smile.
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