The Villa of Dreams

by Lucy Coleman

  That put me very firmly in my place.

  ‘My husband, well, technically my ex-husband – but you know how these things are… two passionate people with strong opinions.’ Her tone changes, her voice containing a light-hearted laugh as if she’s confiding in me. Which she isn’t, she’s laying down the rules. ‘Reid was in need of a complete rest. There are too many people around him demanding his time.’ She flashes her eyes at me, arching an eyebrow.

  I look at her blankly. What is she implying?

  ‘He is a famous artist,’ she continues. ‘His time is precious. He is not a solver of annoying little problems other people could so easily resolve without his input. Reid is a gracious man, sometimes too gracious for his own good. And that should not be misinterpreted. It would be unfortunate if anyone should feel he had time to waste on a little… whim.’

  She is no longer looking at me, as if I’ve already been dismissed. I noticed as she delivered her little speech, her eyes were everywhere as she was constantly scanning the room. She’s talking at me about me, and we both know it, but I’m the last person of any real interest to her tonight. I feel confident at least that she doesn’t know what happened and it’s just a general warning she’s giving out. So I decide the best plan of action is to smooth over her concerns, not just because I’m here in a professional capacity, but because this is my chance to win her around. And, in doing so, make Reid’s life a little easier.

  ‘It must be very trying at times, Beatriz. Especially when Reid is so heavily involved in the preparation for the exhibition at the gallery. I can assure you that we have a whole team working tirelessly to make sure no detail is left unattended. But we will, of course, ensure that when it comes to the areas where we are collaborating across various disciplines, we obtain his full agreement. As the focus of our summer of celebration, it’s my job to make sure Reid is completely happy with the way his work is portrayed, given the unique opportunity this presents.’

  Her smile begins to wane and for one second the mask drops. Beatriz is the sort of woman who dominates a room and she’s already bored with our conversation. I take that as a good sign, that she doesn’t consider me a threat in any way.

  ‘Then you will appreciate how important it is for him to have time to recharge his batteries in an appropriate environment. Somewhere he won’t be troubled by annoying little details. While he relaxes, naturally it falls to me to help Tomas in any way I can. Did you bring the fabric samples for our approval?’

  Beatriz is leaving me in no doubt whatsoever about the role she believes she still has to play, and who am I to challenge that?

  ‘I did. They’re in the car and I’d be delighted to set up a display for you and your guests.’

  ‘Vitor,’ Beatriz calls out, beckoning to him and I realise he’s been hovering, awaiting her instruction. ‘Please help Seren to set up her little presentation. I’m assuming Filipe will talk us through it, so I will discuss that with him now. We’ll schedule it for half past eight, I think. I’m sure that’s adequate time for you to prepare everything for him,’ she instructs me, and I nod, playing my part.

  Does Vitor’s loyalty lie with Beatriz or Reid? It occurs to me that she may be aware this isn’t my first trip to Casa da Floresta, which would put me on the back foot, whatever I do or say.

  ‘Of course. Thank you.’

  With that, she turns and hurries off in search of someone worthy of her time.

  As Vitor and I head out to the car, I wonder if Reid is visiting some sort of spa facility. Did he ask Beatriz to stand in for him, or was that her own idea? Either way, it’s none of my business, I know that. Whatever is going on, it’s given her the perfect opportunity to step back into his life. She is a woman who commands attention and when she turns on the charm, she is mesmerising. But my gut instincts are screaming at me to be careful. How did someone as sensitive and kind as Reid end up with such a cold, calculating woman? I find myself shaking my head and Vitor turns to look at me, puzzled as we draw level with the car.

  ‘I forgot to ask Senhor Ferreira for the keys!’ I exclaim, cross that I let Beatriz unsettle me.

  Vitor nods his head, putting up a hand to indicate for me to stay here, while he hurries back to the house.

  As the heat of the day begins to cool a little, I step off the drive and onto the grass. Slipping off my shoes for a moment, it’s wonderful to feel the soft, springy turf beneath my feet. Here, on the edge of the forest and with the mountains as a backdrop, it’s heavenly. But the location is so isolated, and tonight demonstrates that this house needs people, it was made for entertaining. It’s not a good environment for a lonely man who is doubting everything in his life right now.

  I stand here, trying to imagine what Reid feels when he returns home. Alone, save for Vitor, Gisela and the no doubt constant stream of people needed to maintain it, does he feel like a prisoner of his success? It’s sad to be surrounded by beauty in this stunning environment and yet this contemporary country house is little more than a smart venue for publicity events. I wonder if it’s not Reid that Beatriz wants, it’s the lifestyle, and tonight has reminded her of what it’s like to step back into the limelight. From what I’ve seen already, it’s a role she performs with ease and a sense of authority.

  Beavering away in the corner, trying to shut out the noisy chatter of the party in the background as I set up the video, I’m glad to have something to occupy me. Tonight, it’s all about networking and it’s clear that Tomas and Beatriz work well as a team.

  I begin to unpack the parcels of fabric and Vitor very kindly arranges for two of the waiters to bring in a long, narrow consul table over which I can drape them.

  Filipe hurries over to me, glancing at his watch. ‘I am sorry about the change of plan, but Beatriz is insistent. Is there anything I can do to help?’ he checks, which is thoughtful of him.

  ‘It’s not a problem. Antero produced a short video and it’s quite comprehensive. Beatriz would like to see the samples, so I’m going to set up a little display. I’m afraid with my limited Portuguese and Vitor’s few words of English, he’s gone in search of two things for me, but I’m not sure he understood what I need.’

  ‘What do you require?’

  ‘Something to lean this scatter cushion against, so that it will stand up and an item that is heavy enough to anchor these swathes of fabric, then we’re good to go.’

  Filipe gives me an encouraging smile and then hurries away, as I begin unfurling the bolts of fabric. Heads are already turning my way out of general curiosity and I need to be quick.

  A few minutes’ later, Vitor and another man appear, each carrying a small stone plinth. Filipe is close on their heels, and I can see that he’s eager to make a start. I indicate where I want the heavy ornaments placed and I quickly anchor the corners of the fabrics. A smart smoothing out of the folds and the display is done.

  ‘Wonderful job, Seren,’ Filipe comments as he stands back to admire my handiwork. I begin fiddling with the TV remote, leaving it on pause at the start of the loop. I am pleased with the result, considering it’s all been thrown together very last-minute.

  Tomas walks up to the display, turning to look at me. ‘Reid is going to be delighted when he sees this, the fabric has really brought his work to life. Excelente!’ He beckons to Beatriz and she comes to join us.

  It’s time for me to stand back and melt into the background as the three of them gather around the display. There’s a lot of gesturing with hands, as Beatriz inspects the designs and Filipe engages them both in a flurry of animated conversation.

  The other guests are now beginning to assemble in an arc around us and the show begins. Tomas introduces Filipe, who raises his hand, indicating for me to start the presentation. Beatriz might not have thought this project was a good idea at the start, but judging by her expression now, I’d say she’s on board with it.

  There is a general air of excitement as Filipe draws his polished and well-received talk to a close. He turns t
o point in my direction, his flow of words unintelligible to me. To my surprise, there is a round of applause and an uncomfortable heat begins to rise up from my chest.

  ‘Well done, Seren,’ Beatriz suddenly appears at my side, leaning into me as she speaks. ‘I misjudged the situation. I had no idea this project was your baby. This collaboration is a marvellous idea. I am happy to confirm that the designs meet with our approval.’ There she goes again. Handing out a little praise before asserting her authority.

  Instead of that half-glazed, fake smile she had earlier, she’s now looking at me with interest. As far as I’m concerned, though, Reid is the only person who can sign off on the fabrics and I wonder if she’s testing me. My instincts are telling me that she wouldn’t hold back at putting anyone in their place if they dared to challenge anything she said, so I return her smile graciously.

  Tomas and Filipe are already circulating, and they must be delighted by the response tonight. And yet the man himself, whose hard work and talent has inspired this, isn’t here to receive the kudos. It seems wrong, but I know he wouldn’t have enjoyed what is no more than a sales pitch and I’m sure by the end of the evening several of the paintings on display will have new owners. Mainly down to Beatriz’s desire to prove she’s back and she means business.

  On the journey home, Filipe very kindly gives me feedback about tonight’s event and the sort of questions people were asking. Interestingly, he confirms that Tomas has asked for a meeting with all three directors to discuss the possibility of forging even closer links.

  ‘You mean a permanent display?’

  ‘That would not be possible as the artwork is on loan only until the end of September. Anything that remains unsold will be shipped off to Reid’s next big exhibition in the autumn. It is in France, I believe. No, Tomas is interested in developing a closer working relationship with Bernadette Brodeur’s company. Beatriz is of the opinion that this is an opportunity that should not be missed. She was impressed, Seren, and she is now very keen to get involved and take some of the pressure off Reid. We will consider the possibility of the gallery expanding our gift shop to permanently carry a range of soft furnishings and developing some new designs over the coming year.’ He sounds pleased.

  ‘That’s a great idea and I’m sure Bernadette will be delighted that there is potential to take this forward so positively,’ I reply.

  While that’s true, I can’t help wondering whether Reid is even aware of this development. It will look odd, though, if I ask the question as this is well outside of my remit.

  It’s dark now and Filipe’s focus is firmly on the road, but as he tilts his head to glance in the mirror, he looks at me for a brief second. ‘Great work, Seren, and please thank your team for their diligence. The video presentation was excellent, and I think we should consider putting it up on the website, what do you think?’

  ‘Antero worked hard to get it finished in time and I’m sure he’ll be delighted to sort that out on Monday.’

  ‘He has IT skills?’ Filipe queries, sounding surprised.

  ‘Yes. He’s been a real asset in so many ways.’

  As the car draws to a halt in front of Maria’s house, Filipe jumps out to retrieve my briefcase from the boot. He sees me to the door, thanking me for ensuring everything ran so smoothly before bidding me a very warm goodnight.

  The moment I step over the threshold and close the door behind me, I kick off my shoes. My calf muscles are aching and I’m glad I only wore low heels, because anything higher would have been purgatory. The adrenaline is still racing around my body and I know it’s going to take me a while to unwind. A light tap on the door surprises me and I wonder what I left behind in the car as I pad towards the door.

  ‘Sorry to disturb you.’ It’s not Filipe, it’s Reid, and my heart instantly begins to hammer inside my chest.

  I quickly stand back, allowing him to enter and then look out to check no one is around.

  ‘Are you okay? I’ve only just arrived back.’

  ‘I know, I was parked further down the road, watching. I saw Filipe drive off.’

  We stand looking at each other, awkwardly.

  ‘I was about to make a cup of coffee. Will you join me?’

  He nods, following me into the kitchen. ‘I’m on my way back to the house, but I wanted to check that you were okay first. How did it go tonight?’

  I can see how exhausted he is and yet his first thought is concern for me, which is touching. Does he feel that his absence might have been misinterpreted tonight? Or that he let me down in some way, which would be utterly ridiculous.

  ‘I’m fine and everything went very well indeed. Tomas had it all under control, so you can relax.’

  ‘Was Beatriz there?’

  I pause, turning around to look at him. ‘Yes.’

  ‘Damn it! I guessed as much.’

  So, he wasn’t a part of that decision, then.

  ‘You’d better take a seat. You look exhausted.’

  As I finish making the drinks, I hear him drag out a chair and softly sigh as he sinks down onto it.

  ‘It’s been a tough couple of days, and I wanted to explain myself as I can’t imagine what you must think. After what happened, the timing was the worst. I meant what I said, Seren, I had no intention of hurting you, but my life is in a total mess.’

  I place the mugs on the table and take the seat opposite him.

  ‘You must be tired, too,’ he continues, studying my face. There’s a sadness to him that wasn’t there the last time we were together.

  ‘Tired, but not sleepy, if you know what I mean. Do you want to tell me about it?’

  His fingers lightly dance against the heat of the mug in front of him. He’s on edge and I sit here, watching his every move and the subtle changes in his expression. Those dark grey eyes have shadows beneath them, but he’s wired, too. When the tiredness hits him, like me, he’ll sink into a deep sleep, but that could be hours away.

  ‘My daughter, Ana, ran away. Beatriz rang me in hysterics, saying she thought she’d run off with a boy she knows at school. I simply jumped in the car and headed to Porto, of course, and shortly after I arrived, I discovered that Beatriz and Ana had a big row, about an hour before she disappeared.’

  I sit quietly, watching his expression and I can see he’s been through hell.

  ‘I was ready to call the police, but Beatriz wanted it hushed up and left it up to me to find her. While Ana has led a sheltered life in many ways, we’ve never kept the dangers the real world can present from her. She’s a typical teen, starting to push back against Beatriz’s rather strict rules, but she’s not usually rebellious. From what I gathered, she was angry after what ended up being a shouting match with her mother. When Beatriz went to speak to her after she’d calmed herself down, Ana was gone.’

  ‘But you found her? She’s okay?’

  ‘Yes. Early this morning. It was one of the last places I tried, and I feared if she wasn’t there, then I don’t know what I would have done next. A school friend of hers lives a short train ride away and it was a bit of a long shot. When I knocked on their door, the parents said they hadn’t seen Ana, but fortunately they invited me inside as I was in a bit of a state. It was obvious when they called Sofia down to talk to me that she was hiding something. They were shocked and very apologetic, assuring me that if they’d known Ana was under their roof, they would have called Beatriz immediately.’

  ‘Ana went to some lengths to ensure she wasn’t discovered right away then. You must have been frantic.’

  ‘I was and it was hard not to think that maybe something bad had happened. Ana simply wanted to make a point, which is what she succeeded in doing. It scared Beatriz, and it terrified me. She’s not happy and something has to change. What exactly, I don’t know yet, but she realises she can’t pull a stunt like this ever again. I rang Beatriz straight away, but when Ana and I arrived back at their house, she wasn’t there. I had no idea she’d driven to Lisbon. I took Ana to stay
with her aunt and I didn’t want to just leave her like that, so I stayed for lunch. And then the two of us went for a long walk and we talked for a while. I asked her about this boy Beatriz mentioned and she laughed, sounding scandalised. “He’s just a friend, Dad. I mention his name when Mum is being impossible,” she told me. I laughed and it seemed to ease things between us, the fact that I didn’t tell her off. I told her that this has been a wake-up call. In future, if she’s upset about anything at all, I made it very clear that I need to be involved.’

  ‘That’s a great outcome, Reid. What a horrible time, though. A parent’s worst nightmare.’

  ‘One I don’t want to relive, ever. As soon as I arrived back in Lisbon, my first thought was about you. I was surprised that it was Filipe who dropped you home, tonight. I expressly asked Tomas to arrange for a car to collect you and drop you back home.’

  ‘When Beatriz invited Filipe along, he suggested we travel together. The party went well and it triggered lots of interest, so you can relax on that score.’

  ‘She’s been busy, then,’ he comments, sounding cross. ‘I bet Beatriz worked the room as if she still belongs there. I hope she wasn’t rude to you in any way. She can come across as quite condescending at times.’

  ‘She was… polite and said that the collaboration was a marvellous idea.’

  ‘Well, that’s something, I suppose. Tomas wouldn’t have invited Beatriz to attend without checking it was okay with me, first. I can’t even begin to imagine his initial reaction when she turned up. Making amends with Ana after their falling out should have been her first priority and I bet he was shocked, to say the least.’

  Reid is so tired he’s just voicing his thoughts out loud and I sit quietly, sipping my coffee as he rambles on.

  ‘Tomas was sold on your project from the start, but when Beatriz heard about it, she wasn’t happy. Of course, she wasn’t speaking to me, until she needed help. Ironically, this little episode with Ana seems to have worked in her favour.’