‘An anthropologist, every few years he tries to convince my clan to talk about our history but they always refuse. He and I meet in secret so he can learn about the artist because she is of great interest to him.’
‘And also to the art historian at the university. She recognised her work instantly,’ said Charlotte.
‘Yes, some paintings remain but only small parts of her life story exist. It is very strange your grandmother has her painting because the artist did not sell her work. When was your grandmother born?’
‘In 1920. Why?’
‘Interesting. It is around this time that the artist in my clan stopped painting. My clan has a favourite song that is a siguiriyas about sorrow and losing the passion to create because of losing two loves—young and old.’
‘Isn’t a lot of flamenco about this?’
‘Yes, but this song always reminds me of this artist.’
‘Why?’
Leila shrugged. ‘I do not have the words to explain. I just feel a connection here.’ She placed a clenched fist over her heart.
Charlotte placed her fingers around the glass of water, enjoying the coolness against her warm skin. ‘You’re the second person today who thinks S—, that the artist has a connection to my grandmother.’
‘If there are two of us who believe this, then perhaps there is truth. Oh!’ Leila grabbed Charlotte’s arm and water spilled over the table. ‘Maybe we are related?’
‘I didn’t think of that!’ Delight rippled through Charlotte at the thought, then it was quickly quashed when she realised it meant she could also be related to Cristina. ‘Thank you for sharing and I promise, only Mateo and Abuela will know about this conversation.’
‘I hope I have been of help.’
‘Leila, you have been a wealth of information. Thank you.’ Charlotte hugged the small-boned woman and wondered how on earth they could be related when their physical differences were so extreme.
‘They are about to start.’ Leila cocked her head in the direction of Mateo, Cristina and the other performers.
Mateo caught them looking and he casually sauntered over to their table, guitar in his hand. Leaning in close to Charlotte, he said, ‘I will play tangos gitanos first. Listen and you will hear the roots from Africa and the Caribbean. You should try palmas with this, you know, the hand clap. It is two four-count sets with accents on the second, third and fourth counts in the first set, then on the second and third, fourth in second set. Clap on the and also.’
‘It sounds complicated.’
‘Leila will help.’ He nodded at Leila who grinned like the cat who got the cream.
Mateo went back to the group as an older woman joined them. They took their places on stage and the crowd quieted, as if sensing something magical was about to happen.
Mateo played a light tune, one she recognised as the falseta, the beginning of the song. His fingers moved with dexterity across the strings and his whole body engaged as the notes rose and fell in quick succession. Cristina let out a cry and stamped her foot, placing her balled hands on her hips. The older lady opened her mouth and a beautiful, strong voice reverberated around the room. Cristina’s feet worked rapidly, the heels tapping out a complicated rhythm. Charlotte tried to listen for the beat Mateo had mentioned, but she got lost.
Leila started the palmas, keeping perfect rhythm with Cristina’s footwork. Leila nodded at Charlotte but she shook her head, scared she’d make a fool of herself. The confidence she’d experienced at the community had disappeared and instead, insecurity had surfaced. It was especially strange because with this new knowledge of possible ties to gitanos, Charlotte would have thought she’d have had a stronger connection with flamenco.
Mateo’s face glowed. A flutter of heat zapped through her. When he made love would his dark eyes shine, his gorgeous lips smile, and his fingers work magic like when he played flamenco?
Oh, god. This is getting out of control.
The singer started a new verse then Cristina commenced the lengthy footwork section. Mateo continued playing, watching Cristina with an eagle eye, working with her. As hostile as the woman had been, she had talent mixed with something else Charlotte couldn’t name.
With a final flourish Cristina stamped her foot, held her head high, her arms forming a perfect arc. The audience shouted their appreciation, whistles hurtling across the room and piercing Charlotte’s ears. The group launched into two more palos, neither of which Charlotte recognised, but she was content to take in the performance and ogle one very lovely flamenco guitarist.
The set finished, the audience roared again and the group took a break, standing at the bar and guzzling soft drink and water. Mateo and Cristina bent their heads together, deep in conversation.
‘What is Mateo’s relationship with your sister?’ Charlotte asked.
‘It is no more. She is dead.’ Leila looked down at the table, a heavy cloud hanging above her.
‘Cristina?’
‘Oh!’ Leila’s lips morphed into a sad smile. ‘No, my other sister. She died some years ago.’
‘Mateo didn’t mention you had another sister.’ Which led Charlotte to wonder why he hadn’t said anything. ‘I’m so sorry for your loss, Leila.’
‘Do not be sorry. Sometimes the world is cruel, yes? It takes away people who we want to stay forever.’
‘Very true.’ Charlotte’s mind turned to her grandmother in hospital. Spain might as well be on another planet, it seemed so far away from Australia.
‘I miss her every day,’ Leila sounded wistful. ‘This is why I do not like this refusal to remember past loved ones. How can I forget my sister? She was my best friend and they want me to pretend she did not exist? It does not make the sense to me.’
‘This is why you want to do the family history?’
‘Yes.’
Charlotte looked over at Mateo who must have sensed her watching. His grin went all the way to his eyes.
‘I hope you can stay in Granada for longer,’ said Leila.
‘I wish I could but I have to get back as soon as possible.’ She’d already checked availability for flights home and they were wide open.
‘It is a shame you cannot stay but I understand. You have your life in Australia.’
‘Yes.’ The word sounded strangled. She’d adapted to Granada like churros to chocolate sauce and it saddened her to think she’d have to leave it all behind, especially Mateo.
‘You know, this is the first time in years I have seen Mateo happy. He has the likes for you. Please, I hope you can visit another time soon.’
‘I hope so.’ And she meant every word.
Mateo kissed Cristina on the cheek, shook hands with a few of the men, then sauntered over as she and Leila stood to greet him.
‘We have finished now. You have had a good night, yes?’
‘Wonderful, thank you.’ A deep sympathy for Mateo and Leila overwhelmed her as she tried to comprehend the horrendous pain of losing a loved one.
Leila wrapped her arms tightly around Charlotte, pulling her close so she could whisper in her ear. ‘Even if we are not related, you are still a sister of my soul.’
‘Thank you.’ Charlotte hugged her ally tightly before throwing money on the table for Pedro, who gave her a salute and a cheeky grin. Cristina had conveniently disappeared but Charlotte chose not to let it bother her. Now she had some clues about Mateo’s story and his connection with the clan, she could understand Cristina’s behaviour—as long as she didn’t jump out of the shadows clutching sharpened knives.
CHAPTER
15
‘You have been very quiet,’ Mateo said as they crossed the road to reach her hotel. Although the night was warm, the street was deserted and devoid of the bright lights of the restaurants that had now shut for the night.
‘Sorry, I’m a little distracted.’ Charlotte adjusted the shoulder strap of her handbag.
They halted at the base of the stairs to the hotel and Mateo gestured for her to go first.
‘Señorita.’
‘Gracias.’ She moved past, then stopped to give him a peck on the cheek. ‘Gracias for everything.’
‘It is nothing.’ He waved his hand in a nonchalant manner.
‘Really, Mateo, it means a lot. You’ve introduced me to people who have helped find parts of a puzzle I never knew existed. I really appreciate what you’ve done for me.’
‘How could I resist helping you?’ His wide smile sucked her in once more.
‘How so?’ she asked, trying to ignore the electricity zapping through her body at his nearness. If he made an advance, she wouldn’t resist. Or maybe she shouldn’t wait, maybe she should—
‘Charlotte Kavanagh, must I spell it out for you?’
‘Uh …’
‘Maybe this will help you comprehend.’ He leant in and hovered for what seemed an eternity. She inched closer and Mateo pressed his lips against hers, folding her into his strong arms. She tilted her head back, his warm body sliding against hers. Bliss washed over her as she melted into his embrace, wishing the moment would last forever.
Mateo gently pulled back.
‘Wow,’ she breathed, a little unsteady on her feet.
‘How is your comprehension now?’ He moved closer again.
‘I’m comprehending very well, thank you.’ She placed her hand on his chest. ‘There’s just one thing.’
‘¿Sí?’ He tried to kiss her but she squiggled away.
‘Cristina …’ She didn’t say anything more because she instantly regretted opening this can of worms. Charlotte glanced at the doorman and receptionist inside her hotel. They didn’t bother hiding their interest in the goings-on between their guest and Mateo. ‘Maybe we should discuss this inside.’
‘This is some devious plan to get me into your room, yes?’ He winked.
‘No!’ It came out with more force than she’d intended.
He held his hands in the air as if defending himself. ‘I was making the joke.’
‘Sorry. Come on.’
They climbed the steps and the doorman rushed forward, opening the door. Charlotte smiled her thanks, not meeting the doorman’s eyes, and they made their way to the elevator, all the while a nervous energy zapping through her system. Entering the lift, they stood shoulder to shoulder, their fingers entwined, the small space filled with … something. Lust? By the way her skin had grown so sensitive, she suspected this was the case.
The lift doors parted and they walked to her room, stopping out front while she swiped the key card. It clicked green and she turned to him and said, ‘Don’t worry about the Cristina stuff. It’s none of my business.’
‘It is obvious you feel it is. I am okay with this.’ He trailed his hand down the side of her face. ‘My book, it is open.’
‘That’s not the case with most people.’
Moving into the room she was grateful she’d covered up the painting earlier that day as she didn’t want Mateo to see the object that had caused her so much internal conflict.
Mateo sat on the bed and rested his hands behind him. She doubted it was a ploy to get her to jump on him as he didn’t appear to be the kind of guy who resorted to such tactics but, man, seeing him on that mattress—
‘Now, about this reference to Cristina …’ Mateo raised an eyebrow.
Deliberately sitting on the chair instead of the bed, she said, ‘I’ve just figured out why she doesn’t like me. She’s just being protective and I totally understand.’ Charlotte wished she would keep her gob shut. ‘Don’t listen to me, I’m just waffling.’
‘Ah,’ Mateo drew his brows together, his smile disappearing. ‘Leila told you of Alicia.’
‘I didn’t know her name and I don’t know the story. I only know you lost someone you cared about. I’m just … sorry, Mateo.’
‘Sorry for what? Her dying was not the fault of you.’
‘I’m sorry that we’re now talking about this. I don’t want you to feel sad.’
‘I am sad for her a lot of the time, but I have learnt to live with this feeling. It has been four years and like Leila, I miss Alicia every day, but I cannot change what is meant to be. Unfortunately, the time for Alicia on this earth was very short.’ His voice held great sorrow but he appeared to want to talk.
‘Please, don’t feel you have to tell me everything. I won’t be offended if you don’t want to.’ Though she wanted to know more because, despite the short time they’d known each other, Charlotte had grown to care for Mateo.
‘I cannot talk about Alicia with her clan because of their beliefs and I cannot talk about Alicia to Leila because she gets very upset.’
‘But talking about our innermost feelings helps us process so many things. Even if it’s as simple as saying that the world can be horribly unfair and there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason about events that happen to us. Or the ones we love.’ Where did this spring from? For someone who willingly admitted she lacked confidence in voicing her feelings, she seemed awfully good at telling others to do so.
Mateo drew his brows together, deep in thought. ‘Sometimes it is better to keep things to oneself.’
‘Sometimes.’ She tilted her head to the side. ‘But what’s the point in having friends if you can’t talk to them about how you feel?’ Charlotte felt like a hypocrite because even though she had friends, she couldn’t honestly say she felt comfortable revealing her innermost feelings.
Mateo stared at an empty corner of the room. In a quiet voice, he said, ‘Maybe it is time.’
‘For?’
‘Maybe it is time I discussed the accident.’
‘Accident?’ Her heart went out to him.
‘Yes.’ He placed his palms on his thighs and pushed his hands back and forth. Mateo didn’t speak for a long while but Charlotte remained quiet and still, giving him as much time as he needed to summon courage. Eventually, Mateo cleared his throat. ‘First, you must know that when I was young I had no interest in flamenco, but a friend took me to see Alicia perform. The moment I saw her I knew we would be together.’ He took a deep breath. ‘You must understand that although we are of the same nationality our worlds were very different and we had resistance from both sides. A modern day Romeo and Juliet, in a way.’ He swallowed hard and Charlotte reached for the bottled water beside her and passed it to him. He took a swig. ‘Thank you.’
‘And thank you, Mateo, for being so open.’
His lips almost twitched into a smile of acknowledgement. ‘Her love for flamenco inspired me to pick up the guitar and that is when I found a piece of me I did not know was missing. We made a great team.’ He sighed and stared at the closed curtains. ‘Alicia was a daredevil. She lived for adventures, including dangerous ones like the …’ He put his arms above his head and frowned, as if struggling for the word.
‘Parachuting?’
‘She had planned to do it. Alicia loved speed—motorbikes were her favourite.’ He relaxed his arms by his side.
‘Did she die doing something adventurous?’
‘Alicia, she did many dangerous things but it was a silly accident that killed her.’
She wanted to give him a hug but didn’t know how he would react given the current topic of conversation. Bloody hell, since when had hugging become so complicated?
He sniffed then said, ‘I had gone to the community to meet with El Jefe to try to convince him once more that I was not a bad influence in Alicia’s life. Just as I arrived I saw Alicia and her cousin in the field. He had a cart and horse, very old-fashioned but that is what he liked, and the horse was very angry. They tried to calm him down but it ran and the cart knocked Alicia down … and … and …’ Mateo brought his hands to his face and he bowed his head.
Charlotte edged forward on her chair, unsure whether he wanted comfort or to be left alone. Deciding to go with her gut, she got up then sat on the bed next to him, placing a hand on his back and rubbing gently. ‘If you need to stop, it’s okay.’
‘No.’ He straightened his spine and took a
deep breath. Staring at the floor, he said, ‘It is good to talk about this. I will continue.’
Charlotte rested her hands in her lap and she wondered whether he’d stalled because it took him so long to start again.
‘When Alicia fell to the ground the horse ran and the cart …’ He sucked in air then let it out slowly. ‘The horse broke free and the cart fell on her.’
‘Oh Mateo, I’m so, so sorry.’
‘Do not be sorry, it is—’
‘Not my fault.’ She smiled and he wrapped his fingers around hers.
‘She was alive but the cart had her pinned on the ground. Her cousin, he was with the shock and did nothing, so I found the strength to lift it off her.’
‘That must have been incredibly heavy.’
‘I had to save her but …’ He squeezed her fingers so hard pins and needles stung her. ‘She survived, but the injuries … they were very bad. The doctors said there was nothing they could do.’
Resisting the urge to tell him again how sorry she was, Charlotte extracted her hand from his and put her arm around his shoulder. His body relaxed under her touch and he leant against her.
‘I never left her side when she was in the hospital and that is when the clan realised I loved her with all my heart. Everything changed then. They accepted me into their world but it was too late for me and Alicia.’
‘Are you upset that it took something like this for them to finally accept you?’
Mateo moved away and locked eyes with her. ‘No. It is their way. The clan and I did not understand each other but Alicia and flamenco brought us together. For that, I am thankful. The Giménez clan are my family now.’
No wonder he connected so much with flamenco. Perhaps that kept him tied to Alicia. ‘I appreciate you sharing something so painful with me.’
As he puffed out his cheeks the light caught his glassy eyes. ‘You have a very good ear for listening, Charlotte Kavanagh.’
‘Why thank you, Mateo Vives.’ The heavy cloud that had hung above them lifted. ‘Back in a moment.’
She dashed to the bathroom and returned a few minutes later to find Mateo’s head bowed, hands covering his face.
Under the Spanish Stars Page 17
