by C. K. Martin
‘Did it work out?’
‘It did for me. I had three months when the pressure was off. I could get the apartment up straight and I could learn the ropes a bit better. I’d been doing okay, but only if no-one really came in and put me under any pressure.’
‘And him?’
‘Have you seen the place? I still have no idea why you’re here. The closest he got to chatting up a girl was someone who had come to visit her elderly mother who had retired to the sunshine. He was an optimist though. Plus I always gave him two days off in a row so he could go to one of the towns further up the coast and party the night away. I’m sure he got in his fair share of romance in the end. Just not from my bar.’ Hayley tipped the paint over, filling the tray. For a second she was lost in concentration and Kate just watched her, thoughts jostling for position in her head. The more she knew about Hayley, the more she was fascinated by her.
‘You must’ve been really brave to just do all that on your own. How old were you?’ it was an innocent question, but Kate saw Hayley’s shoulders tense for a second.
‘I was twenty-four.’
‘Wow. That’s the same age I am now. I couldn’t imagine doing anything like that.’
‘And I couldn’t imagine travelling the world.’ Hayley stood and handed her the tray of paint. ‘But like I said before, we’re different people.’
‘I can think of one thing we have in common,’ Kate couldn’t resist a playful smile. For a few seconds there was no response and she panicked that she’d misjudged it. Then Hayley smiled, albeit reluctantly, in response.
‘We shouldn’t talk about that.’
‘Why?’
‘You know why. Besides, you never know who might be outside listening. I don’t want Pablo to overhear.’
‘You weren’t worried about him overhearing that night.’
‘Stop it! Now start painting or we’ll never be finished. Pablo will keep pestering me for help until the whole hostel is complete and as much as I would like to, I can’t keep having days off just to save his arse.’
‘Yes boss.’
Kate took her paintbrush and dipped it into the tray. It really had been years since she’d done anything like this. Some of her old friends from school had moved into their own houses or apartments by now. Settled down and opened tins of paint. A few of them even had kids already. Most of them were working the nine-to-five and laying down roots. Whenever she talked to them, even via email, she could sense a mixture of envy and pity at the life she was living.
At some point, they all expected her to grow up and come home. Even her parents were starting to wonder. They had stopped worrying she was doing all kinds of things for money and they knew she was sensible, but somehow it didn’t seem like a real life to them. She had stopped trying to explain it to them. One day, she knew, she would have to go home and see them.
When that happened, they would expect her to stay. Then she would have to break their hearts again by leaving. It was all too painful. Now she was half a world away and home seemed ever more distant.
They painted in a comfortable silence for a little while. Kate was surprised to find it therapeutic. Even though she was always outdoors, she did very little practical work with her hands these days. She was always partially hidden behind a camera lens or a computer screen. This, she decided, felt like real work.
Damn, she sounded like her father.
‘So do you have to go to the bar tonight? To work?’ Kate asked when the silence became too much and her own thoughts became ominous.
‘I don’t have to. If we’re done here early then I might. I had no idea how long this was going to take, so I thought taking the whole day was best. You’ve seen Pablo. Bathrooms could turn into something else at the drop of a hat.’
‘He does seem to have difficulties with attention.’
‘It’s just his way. The Spanish building process isn’t the most efficient in the world. He’s brought a lot of his bad habits with him.’
‘Is that what he is? By profession?’
‘A builder? Yes, amongst other things.’
‘I’m almost too scared to ask.’
‘Oh he’s a Jack of all trades, master of some.’ Hayley chuckled. She stepped back to admire her handiwork around the sink and Kate realised that they were almost touching. Her breath hitched automatically. An inch more and their skin would connect.
Hayley, however, seemed unaware, engrossed in her story and the quality of her brushwork. ‘He’s a good guy to know. If he can’t do it - at least to an approximately good job - then he’ll know someone who can. In the years I’ve been over here, I’ve watched him try his hand at everything to earn some cash.’
‘Is that why he’s brought this place? As an investment?’
‘Partially, yes. Things have been tough on this part of the coast. The economy hasn’t been the greatest. The big hotels have taken a lot of the money that used to flow to the locals. Pablo is lucky, he speaks good English and a smattering of German too. But some of his brothers? I think they struggle. He tries to help them out where he can.’
‘He sounds like a good guy.’
‘He is. His parents are too old to work now, so I suspect he’s doing his bit to help them survive as well. He doesn’t talk about it much, but you live here long enough, you start to know these things.’
‘What about you?’
‘What about me?’
‘Do you intend to stay here forever? If the economy is that bad?’
‘I’m happy here. I can survive financially. What else do I need?’ Hayley shrugged. It sounded overly simplistic, but Kate could almost understand. She was living the reverse lifestyle but the underlying principle was the same. She did what she loved and she made it work for her.
It really was a shame that their basic needs were the same and yet diametrically opposite.
‘Don’t you find it too quiet?’ Kate couldn’t help but push.
‘Why would I?’
‘There really aren’t many things to do here. I mean, I think I could be occupied for a couple of months, but then what? Surely you want to do more than just work?’
‘Is that how you see me? Some kind of workaholic?’
‘I’ve met enough bar owners along the way. They’re all workaholics in some form or another.’
‘I have regulars. Locals. So it might seem like work to you, but it’s like a big social event for me. Day after day. I don’t need activities to keep me occupied. When you’re older you’ll understand.’
‘Ouch.’ It was the first explicit confirmation of Kate’s suspicions. The age difference really did bother Hayley.
‘What?’
‘I can’t believe you just pulled the age card on me.’
‘I’m sorry, but it’s true. The older you get, the more you see things in a different way.’
‘Some would say that I’ve already seen more things than you. Had more experiences.’
‘That’s different.’
‘How?’ Kate turned to her. They had both stopped painting. There was a hint of challenge in her voice and she knew it.
‘When you’re twenty, twenty-five, you think you know who you are. But you don’t. It takes time to figure this stuff out.’
‘God, I don’t think I’ve heard anything so condescending in ages.’
‘I’m not trying to be. I’m just pointing out the facts.’
‘You don’t know me.’
‘And you don’t know me.’ Hayley sighed and took a step back. The sink stopped her and Kate realised how close they had become during their disagreement. It had threatened to spill over into an argument and Kate couldn’t understand why. Hayley clearly didn’t want it to escalate any further. ‘I’m sorry. Look, I’ll keep my opinions to myself.’
‘I don’t want you to keep your opinions to yourself. I want to hear them. You’re right, I don’t know you, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to know you.’
‘But-’
‘But that
means I have the right to disagree as well. Two people can disagree with each other and still be friends, right?’ Kate knew she should step back to give the other woman space but she stood her ground. Underneath the paint fumes, she could smell the sweetness of Hayley’s skin and faded perfume.
‘Of course.’ Hayley smiled but there was something about her that looked... defeated. That was the best Kate could come up with. Damn this woman was infuriating. She’d never met anyone so hard to read.
‘Good. Then let’s carry on painting and I promise you I’ll show you that just because you think I’m young and inexperienced, I know more about myself than you think. Deal?’
‘Okay.’
‘Good, it’s a date.’
‘Wait? What?’ Hayley looked panicked again.
‘Don’t worry, no strings attached. We can just talk. I’ve got something to prove now.’
‘After what happened between us before, do you think that’s a good idea?’
‘I can trust myself. Can you?’ it was meant to be a joke, but it somehow fell flat. Hayley hesitated too long. No response came. For some reason, that didn’t feel like a good thing. Kate knew she had to diffuse the situation. ‘Look, I’ve got a special pass to Parque Natural Granadilla. Come with me.’
‘I didn’t think it was open yet?’
‘It’s not. They’re planning to open to the public in a few months.’
‘So why can you get in?’
‘It will make sense when we’re there. But it’s legit. Totally above board.’
‘If you say so.’
‘It is. So how about we make a deal? I’ll take you in with me and you can get a sneak preview of what it’s going to be like.’
‘And what do I have to do?’
‘As the owner of the best bar in town, I’ll leave you in charge of bringing the food and drink. We can have a picnic. I’ll show you more about myself. Then you’ll see I’m not really the immature backpacker you don’t seem to be able to get out of your head that you think I am.’
‘I never said that.’ Hayley at least had the good grace to look embarrassed.
‘Yeah, you did. Not using those exact words, but close enough.’
‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you and I clearly have.’
‘You haven’t offended me. You’ve given me a chance to prove to you that there’s more to me than meets the eye. What more can I ask for than that?’
I guess.’ The reluctance was still there, but the agreement was good enough for now.
‘Good. Your tapas were delicious.’ With that, Kate turned back to the painting. It felt like a victory of sorts.
She heard the soft sounds of brush on wall behind her a few moments later and allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief. She’d been given one shot to prove herself. To show Hayley who she really was and that she was worth taking a chance on.
What happened in a month when it was time to leave again, a little voice asked her? Why was she going to all this trouble to convince Hayley when all she was going to do was walk away and leave them both broken hearted? She pushed the voice away. Emotions weren’t rational. They weren’t meant to be. All she knew was that she ached to feel Hayley’s skin against her own one more time.
Everything else faded into nothing in comparison to that need.
Chapter Seven
Hayley checked her watch for the umpteenth time. Kate had suggested they meet at the hostel early afternoon and Hayley could drive them to the entrance of the park. Hayley had been surprised at the suggestion. She’d assumed that with the daily temperatures getting hotter as they progressed towards summer, Kate would want to set out first thing in the morning to make the most of the cool part of the day.
She reflexively checked her watch again, despite logically knowing only thirty seconds had passed since the last time she’d looked. It was a disquieting feeling, this waiting for something you had no control over. From the moment she’d agreed to go, part of her had been kicking herself for saying yes.
It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy Kate’s company. Over the years of so many different people walking into the bar, all colours, all nations, all ages and shapes and sizes, she’d somehow never met anyone quite like Kate before. It excited her and worried her in equal measure.
Kate clearly had something to prove. She was fun, but wasn’t that how most things started out? Fun could cross the line to dangerous very quickly.
This wasn’t a date, she reminded herself. It was just two people getting to know one another. Perhaps to become friends. Like she was with Pablo.
No, whatever was going on between her and Kate, it was nothing like what she felt with Pablo.
Sod it, she thought, as the urge to check her watch again made her arm wave as though she had some strange neurological twitch. She would head up to Pablo’s. It didn’t matter if she was early. She could always talk to him if Kate wasn’t ready to leave.
Anything had to be better than driving herself mad with anticipation and fear.
#
Despite having a car, it wasn’t very often that Hayley drove anywhere other than directly to the nearest city. Even then, she only did it for business when she absolutely had to. Everything she needed she could get in her small town and despite the years of living here, she never quite felt safe on the winding roads. Muscle memory from learning to drive in England made each journey one of self-doubt.
The story of her life at the moment.
Kate had been quiet on the drive, letting her concentrate. She spoke mainly to give directions from the map she was following on her phone. Although Hayley knew of the park and its recent upgraded natural heritage status, she didn’t know where it was other than vaguely north of the town. She was grateful for the help and had been overcome with relief when they had pulled into the dusty makeshift car park.
‘Are you sure it’s okay to be here?’ Hayley peered out of the window. ‘No entry’ warning signs were posted all over the fences. A digger was parked just inside the perimeter, but there were no other signs of life.
‘Relax. I wouldn’t bring you here if it wasn’t. We’re just early, that’s all.’
‘I still don’t understand how you’re expecting to get in.’
‘I told you, I have a special pass. Oh look, that’ll be him.’
‘Who?’
‘The guy who’ll let us through the gate.’ Kate opened the door and climbed out to greet the dusty red truck that had pulled up from the other end of the gravel lot. ‘You grab the food. I’ll go and talk to him.’
With that, the door slammed and she was gone.
Dammit. There was no turning back now. She still wasn’t entirely convinced that this was all above board. She climbed out the car and was instantly hit by the dry mid afternoon heat. It felt different to the warmth of the coast. There, she was used to the cool breeze rising from the ocean, even on the hottest of days. There was wind here too, but it felt more like being blasted by a giant hair dryer. She double-checked the bag for water. She had two bottles. Kate’s backpack also had more in each of the side pockets. That was good. Although the trip seemed ill-advised, Kate was at least prepared with the basics required for survival.
Her stomach clenched. She was heading into the middle of nowhere with a young girl she barely knew. Everything she knew told her that it was the wrong thing. This would have gotten her into so much trouble before. So why was she doing it?
A moment of panic and she nearly climbed straight back into the driver’s seat. She could say she felt unwell. Say there was something important she’d forgotten. They’d have to return. Kate could even get a ride back with the stranger in the truck if she wanted.
It was with that thought she realised she’d tipped over into irrational again. How could she allow her to do that? Wish it on her even. Had she lost her mind entirely?
Hayley took a deep breath and grabbed the bag. She reached over and pulled Kate’s backpack towards her, surprised by how heavy it was. What could
she possibly need that weighed so much?
She hoped it was more water. Possibly also sunscreen. It had to be a good ten degrees warmer inland than she was used to.
As she pulled the bag free, Kate reappeared at her side. ‘Let me take that.’
‘Thanks. What do you have in there anyway?’
‘Just my gear. Come on, he’s going to show us the way in. Then we’re on our own for a few hours.’
‘Getting in is one thing. How are we going to get back out?’
‘He’s supposed to come back for us, but I told him not to worry about it. I don’t think the prospect of heading back out here appealed to him much. No one is trying to get in here yet anyway. If someone really wanted to, they could climb the fence over on the other side of the car park.’ She pointed to where the fence stood just behind a three-foot high rock. ‘It’s more of a deterrent than anything else. He’s going to leave the padlock on but unlocked. We can just lock up ourselves when we’re done.’
‘That doesn’t sound very official.’
‘Who cares? If he doesn’t want to do his job properly, then that’s not my problem.’
‘Aren’t you forgetting something?’
‘I don’t think so?’ Kate turned back to her, confused.
‘What if someone else comes along, spots that the padlock isn’t closed and decides to shut it?’ Hayley felt proud of herself for pointing out an obvious danger.
‘Then we just climb the fence. Come on, where’s your sense of adventure?’
‘I haven’t climbed a fence since I was a kid.’ Back then, it was to get out of tight spots too, but she didn’t feel the need to tell Kate that.
‘I know you keep banging on about how old you are grandma, but I think you should be able to manage it. Gracias,’ she said to the man who was holding the gate for them. He was wearing a cap emblazoned with the name of the construction company, but that was about the only connection Hayley could see to the parque.
