by Giselle Fox
“There’s not much swimming here in town, but further down the beach and out on the islands there are some beautiful spots.”
“Great!”
“I do most of my sunbathing on my balcony with a cocktail in my hand,” Alice said casually.
Cate laughed. “Sounds like a terribly hard life.”
They made their way up narrow flights of stairs to the third floor. “So here we are. Don’t let me forget to give you a key. Are you still a morning person?” Alice asked.
“I usually get up early, if that’s what you mean.”
Alice laughed. “Well I still don’t. But there’s enough to see around here if you’re up earlier than me.”
“Perfect. I’m happy to do some exploring on my own.”
Alice flicked on the hall light and pointed to a doorway across the hall. “You’re on that side. You have a little balcony but it’s not quite big enough for a lounger. Believe me, I’ve tried.”
Cate poked her head in the door of the little room and sighed. “This is a lot nicer than I was expecting.”
“It’s cute isn’t it,” Alice smiled as she looked around. “Anyway, the sheets are clean. I have another pillow if you like two. Towels are in the bathroom on the shelf so just help yourself.”
“Thank you,” Cate said. She put down her bag and wandered out into the hallway again.
Alice was in the kitchen. “Can I get you anything? Want a glass of water before we head out?”
“I can probably wait,” Cate said.
“Well, why don’t we head to Yolanda’s now then?”
They walked back down the hill and around one of the winding streets to a lower point on the hillside. Alice pointed to a little stucco building ahead.
“There’s Yolanda’s. It has great food, it’s cheap and cheerful and it’s open for breakfast. Everyone comes here.”
“It’s adorable,” Cate said. There were colorful lanterns hanging around the edge of a low wall. The building itself was painted a Mediterranean blue with red and white details. The windows and doors were wide open and music drifted out over the quaint little street. When they stepped inside, Cate eyed the patio that looked out over the water.
“And there’s the gang,” Alice said as she walked over to one of the inside tables.
A graying but nice looking fellow stood up from the head of the table and held his arms out. “You must be Cate. Alice has been telling us all about you. Welcome!”
Cate held out her hand but was immediately pulled in for a double kiss.
“I’m Ambrose, my dear. This is Calvin, Sheila, and Esme and Stanley Bloom,” he said as he gestured around the table.
“Hello everyone,” Cate said.
“Hello,” they all said back.
Alice swung around the back of the table and patted the bench beside her. “Sit.”
Cate sat and looked around at the interior of the place. It was as charming inside as out. Something delicious smelling was wafting from the kitchen.
“You must be parched. How long was the trip?” Ambrose asked.
“Ten hours altogether, including the layover in Panama City,” Cate said. “And yes, I’m dying for something fruity and cold, preferably with an umbrella.”
“Well, we shall see to that,” Ambrose said and held up his hand to the waitress. She came over right away.
“Cate, this is Yolanda, owner of this fine establishment. Yolanda, this is Cate. She’s come all the way from Chicago to taste one of your margaritas.”
Yolanda gave her a warm smile. “Welcome, Cate. I will ask Lexi to make one up for you right away.”
“Thank you. This is such a lovely place. I’ve heard wonderful things about it already.”
“Thank you so much,” Yolanda said. She looked over at Alice. “Can I get you something?”
“I’ll take a margarita too,” she said.
“A double?”
“Sure, why not,” Alice grinned.
“Just a single for me,” Cate said.
Yolanda nodded and left them.
“So,” Calvin said. “So… is this just a holiday or are you down here on reconnaissance for your next big life change?”
Cate laughed. “Who knows? From what I’ve seen so far, I’d be open to the idea. Really, I just needed a holiday and I haven’t seen Alice in years.”
“Eleven years,” Alice interjected.
“So I thought, why not? I booked it last minute. Actually, very last minute. I’m glad I did. It’s so charming.”
“It is,” Sheila agreed.
“What do you do, Cate?” Stanley Bloom asked.
“I’m an insurance estimator.”
Stanley nodded. “A good industry to be in.”
Cate looked from face to face. “I’m assuming you all live here, is that right?”
They all nodded.
“It must be so interesting.”
“It has its moments,” said Ambrose.
“So tell me, did you all retire early or do you work remotely?”
They each looked at one another and laughed over who would talk first.
“Well,” began Shelia. “I am a painter. I definitely work. I relocated to where the sun was shining and the living was a little more affordable. I have a show in LA next month. I’ve been keeping busy preparing for it.”
“I would love to see your work sometime if you’d care to show it,” Cate said.
Sheila picked up her drink. “Sure, why not? I don’t get much interest from this crew anymore.”
There was a chorus of groans around the table.
“I love seeing what you do,” Esme said cheerfully.
Cate noticed that Sheila didn’t respond. “And what do you do, Ambrose?” she asked.
Ambrose sat up in his chair and clasped his hands in front of him. “I am, or was, a journalist. Spent many years as a foreign correspondent in such fine places as Kandahar, Baghdad, and Bosnia .”
“My goodness! So you’ve seen a lot, then.”
“This is a much calmer environment,” he smiled. “But I still write op-ed pieces from time to time. When someone wants to pay.”
“And Calvin?” Cate asked.
“Retired early. I taught mathematics at Colby College.”
“How interesting!”
“We’re both numbers men,” Stanley said loudly and laughed.
Calvin looked down into his drink.
“And what did you do, Stanley?” Cate asked.
“I also retired early but I was in the financial sector.”
“Which part?”
“I was a vice president and head of the equity derivatives business for JPMorgan Chase. But… there were a lot of us with that title. I wasn’t that special.”
“Oh,” said Cate.
Everyone was silent until Ambrose cleared his throat. “Well then, here’s your drink.”
“The single margarita for you,” said the husky voice at her shoulder.
Cate looked up into the face of an attractive, dark-haired woman. “Thank you,” she said.
“You’re most welcome,” said the woman. She reached over Cate and placed another glass in front of Alice. “And the double for you, Alice.”
“Thanks,” Alice said without looking up.
“Can I get anyone anything else?” the woman asked.
“I think we’re fine for now,” Calvin said.
“Just let me know,” she said.
Cate watched her walk back behind the bar and turned back to the table.
“She’s American?”
“She sure is,” Calvin grinned.
Sheila slapped his arm.
“What was that for?” he grumbled.
“You’re always ogling.”
“I’m not ogling,” Calvin said and smiled over at Cate. “I was admiring.”
“Do you all live in the building?” Cate asked.
Everyone nodded.
“Ambrose lives down the hall from me at the front of the building. Sheila is on the backsid
e in the big suite,” said Alice.
“North facing light,” Sheila added.
“The Blooms are on the ground floor,” Alice continued.
“We’re the newest additions,” Esme jumped in. “We’ve got to work our way up.”
“And Lexi, who just delivered your drink, lives in the attic above us all,” finished Ambrose.
Cate looked back behind the bar. “The attic? I didn’t realize there was an apartment up there.”
“Don’t get Ambrose started on that, he may never stop,” Alice chuckled.
Ambrose sat forward in his chair again. “What Alice is referring to is one of the greatest injustices of this century. The fact that I was passed over for the best apartment in the building, nay - the whole town, when I’ve clearly been living there the longest. It’s only fair I should have had first crack at it, don’t you agree?”
“I...” Cate stammered, not wanting to weigh-in one way or the other. She glanced behind the bar again.
“He’s totally not over it,” Alice said to her. “I’m not sure why you even want the place, Ambrose. I bet it’s an oven up there.”
“Well, I at least deserved the right of first refusal,” he said.
“Yolanda manages the building,” Alice said to Cate.
“So she gave preference to one of her employees,” Cate said.
“Anyhoo!” said Sheila. “Shall we order some food? I bet our new friend has heard enough building gossip for now.”
Alice took a long sip of her drink. “That’s more like it! Ever since I had my little chat with Yolanda.”
Cate gave her a puzzled look.
“Well, I think Lexi was skimping on the booze. Yolanda had a talk with her, obviously,” Alice whispered.
“I’ve noticed it too. They have been stronger,” Esme agreed and picked up her glass.
Cate sipped her drink and had to suppress a cough once she’d managed to swallow it down. “It’s good,” she said, relieved that she’d only ordered a single. “That definitely has tequila in it.”
After a good meal and a lot more conversation, Cate felt her energy level begin to fade. The group had gotten a lot louder as the drinks continued to arrive. Cate had declined after the second round but watched as her friend got tipsier as the night progressed.
“I might head back to your place,” Cate said quietly. “But stay if you want. I’m just feeling a little worn out. It’s been a long day.”
“Are you sure? I can walk you back,” Alice said.
“Is it safe here? To walk, I mean?” Cate asked.
“Oh gosh, it’s as safe as anywhere,” Alice said.
“I’m fine, then. I know where I’m going and I have a key. Stay. Have fun.”
Alice thought about it for a few seconds and smiled. “Okay. You go on ahead. I’ll head back after I finish this one up. ”
Cate left money on the table. “That should be enough to cover everything.”
Alice grabbed the bills and stuffed them back in Cate’s hand. “No, this is on me. It’s your welcome dinner.”
“Thank you,” Cate said.
“You’re welcome,” Alice giggled.
“Nice to have met you all,” Cate said as she stood up.
There was a chorus of moans.
Cate smiled. “I am exhausted. I’ve been up since 3 am if you can believe it.”
“Well, tomorrow is another day,” Ambrose said.
“Enjoy the rest of your evening,” Cate said and pulled herself from behind the table.
Cate headed for the door and nodded to Lexi as she passed by the bar. “The drinks were delicious. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Anytime,” Lexi smiled. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
CHAPTER THREE
Cate walked back up the winding road to Alice’s street. When she’d finally made it up the three flights of stairs, she felt completely done. After a cool shower, she went into her bedroom and opened the balcony doors. She lay on her bed in the dark. It was hot and incredibly humid and there was no breeze from outside. Even still, she felt happy. It had been great to see Alice again and the friends from the building had been a colorful bunch. She smiled to herself and let her thoughts drift.
However long later, she woke and sat up in her bed. She’d left her bedroom door open but still hadn’t heard Alice return. When she checked her phone she realized she’d been asleep for well over an hour. She went out to her balcony and looked out over what she could see of the little town. She was on the side of the building. Below, she could see Alice’s car. She looked around to the other buildings, the smaller houses, and shops that lined the street further on. Behind were the same lush green hills that they’d passed in the car on the way in. She could smell the ocean and could see a little wedge of it through a gap in a row of houses. Even in the dark, it was lovely.
She pulled a little wooden chair from her room and decided to sit awhile and take it all in. She heard a noise up and to her left. When she looked up, she saw a figure climb up onto the ledge of the turret at the top of the building. She realized it was Lexi.
“Hello,” she called.
Lexi settled herself and waved down at her. “Enjoying the view?”
“I was hoping for some air, but… the view will do too. Finished work?”
“I am,” Lexi said.
“I would love to see what you can see up there. But I don’t think you could get me out on that ledge. Aren’t you scared?”
“No, it’s quite safe. As long as you don’t fall, of course.”
Cate laughed.
Lexi laughed too. “Heights aren’t for everyone.”
“No,” Cate agreed. “I don’t mind heights as much as the lack of a railing.”
“Railings are a good thing,” Lexi said and smiled down below her.
Cate heard a noise behind her out in the hall. “Well, I think Alice is finally home.”
“Have a good night,” Lexi said.
“Oh, I’m not going in just yet. I’ll just say hi.” Cate went back through her bedroom and found Alice standing at the kitchen sink.
“Hey,” Alice said. “Want some water?”
“Sure.”
Alice was wavering a little on her feet. “Who were you talking to?”
“Lexi,” Cate said. “She’s sitting up on the roof.”
Alice rolled her eyes and then shoved the glass of water into her hand.
“What?” Cate asked.
Alice brushed past and walked straight into Cate’s room. She closed the balcony doors.
“What did you do that for? It’s hot in here,” Cate said.
“You’ll get used to it,” Alice grumbled.
“But I don’t want to get used to it. I want some air. What’s the big deal?”
“Her!”
“Her? You mean Lexi?”
Alice nodded furiously.
Cate could tell that her friend had had one too many margaritas but couldn’t see where the problem was otherwise. “She seems nice. What’s she going to do?”
Alice opened her eyes wide.
“What does that mean?” Cate flashed her the same wide-eyed look.
“It means she’s bad news.”
“She can probably hear you, you know,” Cate said in a hush. “Why do you think she’s bad news?”
“Trust me, okay? I know.”
Cate looked at Alice a little closer. It was obvious she thought she knew something, though Cate had no idea what it was. “Fine. I’ll wait until she’s gone. Then I’ll open the door again.” She intended to do no such thing but Alice didn’t need to know that. The room was practically dripping with humidity. She said goodnight and shut her bedroom door then waited a few minutes until she heard the door across the hall shut too. She went to the balcony and opened the doors again.
“Hi again,” said Lexi from her perch. She hadn’t moved.
“Hi,” whispered Cate. “Alice thought I should keep the door closed.”
&n
bsp; “And you didn’t, I see.”
“This heat is a lot to handle. I was in snow this morning.”
“Snow,” Lexi said. “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen any of that.”
“You live here all year round?”
“I do,” she said.
“I can see why there are so many expats here. It’s very nice.”
“What brought you here?”
Cate thought about that for a moment. “Well, the short answer is that I had some banked vacation time and seriously felt like I needed to take it before I lost the plot.”
Lexi chuckled. “And the long answer?”
“The long answer is that I’ve always wanted to do something on the spur of the moment. Something like dropping my very respectable job and my very respectable life and just doing something wild.” Cate sighed. “The idea of coming here seemed a lot wilder when I booked my flight at 1:30 in the morning a few weeks ago. Now that I’m here with my old college roommate in this very safe and quiet town...” she sighed. “I don’t know what I was expecting. It’s very nice, please don’t think I’m complaining.”
Lexi smiled and nodded. She shifted off her turret and climbed her way carefully down the old clay roof tiles, with one hand on the sloping roof beside her.
“God! I can’t watch,” Cate said. “If I tried that I would end up...” She swallowed as she looked down over the railing of her balcony.
“Don’t look if it’s going to freak you out,” Lexi said. She sat back between the slope of the two roof lines and managed to make it look comfortable. “That’s better. I can see you now,” she smiled.
Cate could see her too. Very well. Her dark hair was cut just above the shoulders and hung in shaggy waves around her face. Her arms and legs were chiseled with definition. Her smile, and most of all her eyes were warm and friendly.
“So, you came here looking for adventure,” Lexi said softly. She played with the edge of a clay tile as she looked at Cate from beneath her bangs. She smiled gently.
“I did,” Cate admitted. She sighed. “We’ll see how tomorrow turns out.”
“So where did Alice take you today?”
Hearing Lexi say her friends name so casually was a little strange. She remembered to keep her voice down. “We didn’t have time for much. Just the restaurant. She wanted me to meet her friends.”
“They’re fixtures at Yolanda’s.”
