‘Because I think it’s important to be together as a family and Jake is family,’ she said coolly. ‘OK, it won’t be all holiday for you. I mean you’ll be minding him and bringing him to the pool with all the other toddlers. That can be a bit wearing after a while, and there won’t be much socializing at night because the au pair will be on holidays,’ Sally-Ann rubbed it in a little, ‘but you’ll have the time with your son that you crave and so will Cal.’
‘If I didn’t go, would you be prepared to pay me what you would have spent on the holiday?’ Lenora eyeballed her.
‘So let me cut to the chase and get this straight, Lenora. You’re not really that interested in spending time with Jake, and you’re prepared to accept the money in lieu of two weeks you could spend with us so we can have Jake stay for the month.’
‘You got it in one, Sally-Ann.’ The younger woman was brittle and unemotional.
‘Some people might call that blackmail,’ Sally-Ann remarked sweetly.
‘Some people might. I prefer to call it a practical solution to our dilemma.’
‘Let me take a day or two to think about it.’ Sally-Ann picked up her bag and walked out of the hotel. She drove straight to her lawyer, and handed him her phone on which she’d taped the conversation.
‘Perfect,’ he said. ‘Let me get y’all a coffee while my secretary types this up. I’ll have it couriered to Ms Lenora, as soon as it’s done. Good work, Sally-Ann.’
‘Thanks for the suggestion!’ Sally-Ann grinned.
Lenora had caved, begging Sally-Ann not to tell Cal.
‘It will be our little secret . . . for now . . .’ Sally-Ann drawled with the implied threat that if she caused trouble, there would be a reckoning that Lenora wouldn’t want.
‘You’re quite the bitch, aren’t you, in spite of your goody-goody perfect momma façade,’ Lenora spat down the phone.
‘I fight for my kids, and I consider Jake as much my child as our daughters, now. I get that you aren’t a maternal woman, Lenora. That’s OK, but let me tell ya, seeing as we’re being frank here, your behaviour stinks. You’re nothing but a gold digger behind all the finery. Don’t talk to me about façades; you’re as fake as your tan. And I know you trapped Cal by getting pregnant. The oldest trick in the book, honey.’
‘Well at least I gave him a son, you gave him two little she-devils, and they don’t lick it off the ground,’ Lenora raged.
‘Coming from you I take that as a compliment. Grow up, make something of yourself and be a mother Jake can be proud of,’ Sally-Ann advised before the younger woman hung up the phone with a furious expletive.
She had sincerely meant that, thought Sally-Ann, laughing when she saw Jake throw his beach ball at Madison who had climbed into the baby pool to play with him. Lenora was Jake’s mother and she had no idea what a gift that was.
‘What are you laughing at?’ asked Cal who had emerged onto the adjoining balcony on what had once been Anna’s penthouse. He too had showered and was drying his hair vigorously.
‘Oh, hi,’ she smiled. ‘I was looking at our children playing down in the pool.’
‘Great isn’t it?’ He smiled. ‘Fancy a coffee?’
‘My place or yours?’ she teased. In two swift movements he’d vaulted over the dividing planter, filled with lavender, at the edge of their respective balconies. ‘I couldn’t be bothered going out and knocking on the door.’ He grinned.
‘God, be careful, you could fall!’ Sally-Ann gasped. ‘If El Presidente sees you doing that you’ll be hauled up,’ she reproved, following him into the lounge. Cal made the coffee and she put some chocolate biscuits onto a plate and they back went out to the balcony. They sat on the cane sofa chatting companionably about their plans for the rest of the week and she was laughing at something he’d said when he leaned across suddenly and kissed her full on the mouth.
‘Cal,’ she murmured against his lips. ‘Don’t.’
‘We’re on holidays as a family, a family who love one another. People who love each other kiss each other,’ he murmured, sliding his hand into the top of her robe.
‘God Almighty, Cal, don’t do that out here,’ she exclaimed.
‘No one can see us.’ He grinned at her. ‘But if you want to go inside I’d love to.’
Sally-Ann looked at her ex-husband. She’d always known this moment would come. Why would she deny herself the pleasure that she knew awaited if she led him into the bedroom? They had grown close again and he’d grown up.
‘Come on then,’ she agreed, taking his hand. ‘A holiday romance.’
Later, deeply, sensuously, satisfied she lay in her ex-husband’s arms. She had it all now, Sally-Ann thought. Great kids. Her business. Her independence and her divorce. And the pleasure of being with Cal, no strings attached. Life couldn’t get any better.
Cal lay, limbs entwined with Sally-Ann’s. He was where he wanted to be at last. Home! He would woo her until she married him again, and judging by this morning’s lovemaking that day wasn’t too far away, he thought smugly. And this time he’d never fool around with anyone . . . ever! Sally-Ann was his gal, and she’d be adding the Cooper name right back alongside her own.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
August
THE AGM
Jutta was unaccountably nervous as she drove under the iconic white arch into Marbella. She’d made this journey hundreds of times, and she could never remember feeling so tense. It hadn’t helped that Eduardo had phoned three times in as many days telling her that one could never be quite sure how such meetings could go. An incorrect parking space number, or apartment number on the title deeds, one missing tax payment, the smallest detail could derail a closure, and until the notary had actually handed over the cheque she must not count her chickens, and she must let him know the instant the meeting was over and she had the deeds in her hands.
‘I will, Eduardo, be assured of it,’ she said with a calmness she did not feel.
So much depended on this morning’s business going right. Far more than she’d anticipated when she’d taken on El Presidente as a client. It was very fortunate for her that the AGM for La Joya was taking place today. Eduardo was preoccupied preparing his annual report and she could sense that he was distracted, which suited Jutta down to the ground. She didn’t need extra pressure from him; she was under enough with her own problems.
She was so stressed, and so exhausted she could sleep for a week. Felipe had returned home from Cyprus and she’d flown to Germany at the weekend to spend time with her father, who hadn’t travelled south to stay with them for his annual summer holiday because of a continuing problem with gout. A blessing in disguise for her; a big irritation for her sisters.
‘Three days isn’t a very long visit, daughter,’ Oskar moaned when she told him that was as long as she could stay.
‘I know, Papa, but it’s my busiest time, and I can’t leave Alicia for too long. We might visit in the autumn for longer,’ she’d tried to pacify him, beset by guilt.
‘Don’t think about it,’ she told herself driving into the multi-storey car park in Marbella. Just concentrate on what you have to do. A knot of anxiety formed in her stomach, adding to the faint queasiness she’d felt all week. There was a tummy virus going around Alicia’s playgroup, and a bug was the last thing she needed.
This was one day she’d be glad to see the back of, Jutta sighed, giving her hair a comb and tracing some nude lipstick over her lips.
‘Relax, Eduardo; you have given the community your very best, you have ensured that you would follow up on your election promise to reduce the maintenance fee arrears. You can do no more. If you are not voted in, so be it. It’s an enormous amount of work for you, mi esposo. I thought you bought this apartment to take a rest from work, not take on more.’ Consuela poured her husband a second cup of coffee, which he always permitted himself to have with his breakfast while on holidays.
‘Thank you, mi querida,’ he responded gravely, touched by her loyalty and kindnes
s. ‘I really don’t deserve you.’
‘What a nice thing to say, Eduardo, you never said that to me before.’ Consuela smiled at him, and he felt like the biggest cad in the world.
‘It’s true,’ he said reaching across the table to squeeze her hand.
‘Beatriz and I’ll be there to support you, and so will Gabriel,’ Consuela assured him.
‘Yes it’s good to have a wing man,’ Eduardo smiled. His cousin had informed him only the previous night that most of the Madrileños would be voting for him again, and quite a few of the other owners who were pleased at the firm stance he’d taken on arrears. There were of course his many detractors, encouraged he was sure by Constanza Torres, but after her warning to him he’d decided that prudence was the best path to follow in her particular case. He would certainly look for Facundo Gonzales to become a full-time concierge, but his plan to finally get Constanza replaced would be put on hold.
It wasn’t only the AGM that was making Eduardo edgy. Later, this evening, when it was over he’d arranged to meet Jutta in the Don Carlos to get the keys and title deeds of his new penthouse. He’d asked her to buy two bottles of champagne and put them in the fridge, and a selection of savoury snacks so that he could invite his wife, aunt and mother – or real mother and real aunt he thought wryly – and his cousin and his wife to a little celebratory gathering. Jutta had assured him, in his phone call to her about the matter the previous day, that she would indeed do as he asked.
She was such a competent woman. A woman you could trust to do a job very well indeed. All her clients spoke highly of her. He intended to ask her to take on the management of his old apartment, which he would use for rental purposes to pay off his new mortgage. It would be difficult seeing her in the flesh, so to speak. They had only spoken on the phone since their torrid encounter two months ago. He was as nervous as a schoolboy at the thought of being in her company again.
Idiota, Eduardo cursed himself mentally, buttering another slice of toast. If he didn’t develop an ulcer after this day he would never suffer from one. He hadn’t felt this anxious since he’d taken his law exams all those years ago.
‘. . . And crucially, this year under my guardianship, the arrears to the community have been halved, the planting has been upgraded, measures are underway to protect our grounds from coastal erosion and a painting scheme to freshen up the outside paintwork will commence once the main holiday season is over. If you care to honour me again by electing me to be your president I’ll do my best to further enhance our community. Thank you for your attention and cooperation.’ Eduardo graciously acknowledged the acceptable smattering of applause that greeted his speech before striding down to join Beatriz and Consuela in the front row.
‘Excelente. Well done, very good speech,’ Beatriz approved, her eyes glittering with pride.
‘You should be well pleased, you were very impressive, Eduardo,’ Consuela smiled at him, and he felt warmed by her praise. Whether he was elected or not, he’d done his best, he could do no more. As had happened at all the previous AGMs, the vote was taken by a show of hands, and the results added to the proxies. A Scandinavian owner, and his old enemy and fellow countryman, Pablo Moralez, were up against him. He would like to win against Moralez in particular. But it was now in the hands of the owners.
Discreetly, not wishing to appear rude to Beatriz and Consuela, he glanced at his phone and saw the message he’d been waiting for.
All is well. The deal is closed. Would it inconvenience you terribly if we met at La Joya instead of the Don Carlos? I have to deliver a pre arrival shop, as my staff member who was supposed to do it has phoned in sick. I’ll let you know when I’m at the apartment. J.
PS good luck at the AGM.
In a way it suited him better to meet in La Joya, Eduardo decided as he swiftly texted back.
That’s great news. Yes we can meet here. Thank you for your good wishes.
He hesitated a second and wondered should he end it with E, but decided against it. Too intimate. From now on their dealings would be strictly businesslike and professional. He pressed send and slid the phone back into his pocket. Whatever happened he was now the proud owner of the best penthouse in the complex. He couldn’t be more pleased.
Anna was surrounded by well-wishers, as the meeting broke up for a tea break. She was touched by the generosity and the warmth of their welcome; many who stopped to chat she’d only known to say hello to.
There were a lot of new faces too, and familiar ones missing, couples who had sold up because of the downturn, she remarked to Sally-Ann, who was glowing and tanned and so healthy-looking she could have been a model, Anna complimented her.
‘Thanks, darlin’,’ she whispered. ‘Maybe it’s because I’m back in the saddle. Cal’s been riding me ragged,’ she confided.
‘Ah, Sally-Ann, I’m delighted for you.’ Anna hugged her. ‘I always hoped you two would get back together.’
‘Don’t y’all worry now, I won’t be waltzing down the aisle; this is strictly friends with benefits. I’m a divorcee now and I intend staying that way. No man’s gonna put a ring on my finger again and hog-tie me.’
‘Somehow I doubt you’ll ever be hog-tied,’ Anna laughed and turned as someone tapped her gently on the shoulder. ‘Oh, Señora De La Fuente, how are you?’ she asked politely.
‘Señora MacDonald, I just wanted to offer you my condolences. I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband,’ the attractive Spanish woman said with earnest sincerity.
‘Why thank you very much,’ Anna responded warmly. ‘I came with Sally-Ann today. Have you met?’
‘How do you do, Señora,’ Sally-Ann held out her hand. ‘Very nice to meet you,’ she smiled.
‘And you too,’ the other woman smiled back.
‘As you may know, Sally-Ann bought our penthouse, about which I am delighted,’ Anna explained. ‘She persuaded me to come today and it was nice to catch up with old friends and acquaintances. I couldn’t bring myself to go back to La Joya.’
‘How very understandable,’ the other woman said kindly. Her English was good. Anna couldn’t help but think how much more genuine and sincerely warm Consuela was, compared to Jutta’s hard, cool personality.
Anna had met Jutta in the square in San Antonio the previous week, and the German woman had barely stopped to speak to her, she was in such a hurry. Clearly now that Anna was no longer a client, Jutta didn’t have time to waste talking to her. Eduardo De La Fuente was a fool to risk his marriage to a lovely woman like Consuela for the likes of Jutta.
‘The anniversary is soon, is it not?’ Consuela asked.
‘How thoughtful of you to remember. Yes it’s next week. My daughters are flying over. My son is in Canada so he won’t be here. We’ll attend Mass. And after that I may not come back to Spain for a long while,’ she said sadly. The closer she got to the date of the anniversary the harder to bear she was finding it.
‘France is very beautiful. You should go there. I’ve been visiting with my cousin. We are following the trail of Mary Magdalene. It is so very interesting.’ Consuela took a sip of tea.
‘How lovely. Yes I’ve been to France a few times with my girlfriends; only for long weekends though, so I didn’t get to see as much as I’d like to.’
‘Have you been to the Languedoc?’
‘No, it was Provence and the Cote d’Azur we were in.’
‘The Languedoc is very magical and mystical and so beautiful. I have the names of some nice hotels that we’ve stayed in. Family run, we were made very welcome, I could email them to you if you’d like, should you ever decide to go,’ Consuela offered, as the secretary announced that the AGM would resume.
‘How very kind of you, here let me find a pen and paper and write down my email for you,’ Anna said.
‘Don’t worry, it’s on my husband’s computer I’m sure, in the La Joya file, I’ll ask him for it. Take very good care of yourself.’ She patted Anna’s arm.
‘And you t
oo,’ Anna said, touched by her compassion.
‘I hope she never finds out what a shit that husband of hers is,’ Sally-Ann murmured as they walked back into the event room. ‘He doesn’t deserve her. I wonder if he’ll get re-elected.’
‘Let’s go see,’ Anna said lightly. If not for Sally-Ann she would have slipped out of the room and gone back to her hotel and cried. Meeting everyone again had been overwhelming and she wanted to be alone.
‘With the highest vote, once the proxies were counted, and by a margin of five votes I am pleased to announce that Eduardo De La Fuente has been re-elected president.’
A beam of pleasure broke across the Spaniard’s handsome features and Anna saw him look down at his wife, and realized with a jolt that there was love in his gaze. What would possess a man to turn to someone like Jutta Sauer if he loved his wife? Had Austen ever cheated on her? She hoped not. She felt he hadn’t, but men looked at infidelity differently to women, and Eduardo, at this moment, certainly looked as though his wife was the most important woman in his life. For Consuela’s sake she hoped so.
‘Sally-Ann, would you mind if I went back to the hotel? I’m a bit low today,’ she whispered.
‘Of course not, darlin’. Shall I go with you? I shouldn’t have made you come,’ the other woman said contritely.
‘I’m glad you did, actually. I feel now I’ve really said my goodbyes and cut my ties with Spain. Once the anniversary is over, I won’t come back. It’s time for pastures new.’ She leaned over and kissed her friend on the cheek. ‘Go back to Cal and be happy with him, the way that suits you,’ she said firmly. ‘Happy riding!’
Sally-Ann laughed. ‘I’ll call y’all tomorrow, but if you need me, if you’re upset, ring me, won’t you?’
‘I’ll be fine,’ Anna said. ‘See y’all.’
Walking back to her own hotel, along the narrow meandering cobbled streets, her heart was lacerated with grief. This was the way of it, she’d come to realize. Some days she would think she was doing really well – the couple of days with the girls had been a tonic and she’d felt a bit like her old self again – and then out of the blue the tidal wave would sweep right back in and she’d be back at square one. Someone had said to her at Austen’s funeral that grief was like a tsunami at first, but gradually the waves would weaken and lessen until they only lapped around the edges of your heart now and again.
Orange Blossom Days Page 39
