by Lucy Coleman
‘Yes, I’ll hang around until closing time. The temporary signs will be put in place last thing. The trailers won’t start arriving until the evening, but we don’t want any of them misinterpreting the plans they’ve been sent and parking outside the main gates, as that would disturb the locals.’
‘And, Carolina, can you do a quick run-through of the plan of action for Friday morning, please.’
‘The site manager will give us access an hour before the gates open to the public. You are meeting with the models to walk the promenade and they can have a little practice. We can’t mark up the runway until after the monument closes at six o’clock, but I’ll make sure there are a couple of temporary markers in place as a guide. The trailers we’re using as changing facilities, and for hair and make-up, will already be in situ, so you can then head straight over to show them where they need to go.’
‘Perfect. How about the catering vehicles?’
‘They will be allowed into a cordoned-off area of the on-site car park first thing. Antero will be marking up the pitches for the marquees on the large grassy area towards the rear of the site. The crew will be allowed to begin erecting them in situ at four o’clock.’
My head is so full that it feels like it might burst, but even though every single detail is charted and is on one of a dozen last-minute checklists, I fear something will be overlooked. There’s this constant, nagging little worry that won’t go away.
‘And is everything in place for the VIPs?’
‘Yes. I believe that Tomas has arranged for one party to be picked up from Reid’s house in Sintra and a second group from the gallery. The drivers have been given their instructions and we have allocated parking spaces at the rear entrance, as it’s quieter and closer to the marquee. The people on the gate have a sheet of names and I’ve also printed out photos of our VIPs in case anyone wanders off.’
‘Well done, Carolina. Senhor Ferreira will be pleased to think that his guests will be greeted properly. They will be escorted to the bar area, where you will be waiting for them?’
‘All arranged,’ she confirms.
‘Good. Antero, will you require any additional help? I’m a little concerned that you can’t be in several places at once if there’s a problem with either the models, the lighting people, or Rafael. There’s always a chance I might get pulled away at a moment’s notice, but I will try to hover in the vicinity if at all possible.’
‘Carolina’s assistant, Inês, will escort the models back and forth to the trailers and will contact me via walkie-talkie if she needs help. But I agree, it would be wise to have someone spare we can call upon.’
‘How about Vicente, our security guard here?’
Antero nods his head in agreement, ‘Great idea. I’ll get onto it.’
‘And Yolanda Abreu’s team?’
He gives me a thumbs-up. ‘All in hand. I’m in touch with them and they will arrive at four o’clock to erect their booth. I did have a separate meeting with the site manager to discuss it, as obviously it will be more visible than the marquees. The booth will be at the end of the designated runway. His only concern is that they don’t do their soundchecks until after the gates close and that they’ll be mindful that the monument will still be open and that there are no trip hazards.’
‘I’m sorry to have sprung that on you, Antero. My thanks for getting it sorted.’ Without Antero’s help, my workload would have been impossible. He is a gem, I just wish Miguel wouldn’t keep popping up, as I don’t want to offend either of them. Antero and I have spoken about it and he’s embarrassed. Miguel turned up again at lunchtime yesterday, pretending he was passing by and he brought me a little box of rissóis de camarão, shrimp turnovers, this time. I didn’t have the heart to tell Antero as he would have been mortified and it’s hardly his fault his friend can’t get the message.
Carolina’s phone bleeps and she scans the screen, then looks up excitedly. ‘The programmes have arrived,’ she declares.
I love it when a plan comes together. The only thing making me nervous now, is that Reid flew to London three weeks ago and I’ve only had a few brief texts from him since he left. He was apologetic, without explaining what was happening, but Tomas went with him, so I know it was something business-related. Fingers crossed he’ll be back today, or at the very latest tomorrow morning, in readiness for the final briefing in the afternoon.
On the uphill walk home, I decide it’s ridiculous trying to second-guess what’s going on and I make the call that’s been on my mind all day.
‘Leonor, I’m sorry to bother you, but the final video meeting is tomorrow and I wondered if Reid will be back in time to take part?’
After a period when she was being a bit cool with me and unhelpful, things between us seem to be back to normal. I don’t feel I can quiz her too closely, but I’m hoping she’ll at least be able to give me an update on when Reid is likely to return.
‘I was about to ring you, Seren, my apologies. I have just put the phone down after speaking to Reid for the first time in five days. He is flying back via Paris, as one of the crates of paintings for the exhibition is being held by customs. It seems it has been damaged in transit. Reid is required to carry out an inspection, together with a representative from the insurance company, and confirm what, if anything, is missing or damaged. Tomas will be back in Lisbon tomorrow, so he will step in for him and report back.’
‘Oh, my goodness! What a nightmare. I’m so sorry to hear that, Leonor.’
‘It is bad news. Reid is most upset about it and asked me to update you.’
Well, it’s not what I was hoping to hear, but it explains why I’ve heard nothing from him for a while.
‘Are you coming along to the fashion shoot on Friday evening?’ I ask, casually, thinking it was remiss of me not to ask before.
‘The tickets were all sold when I went to the website and by the time I heard that the second batch had gone on sale, they were gone, too!’
‘Oh, Leonor, I’m sorry. If you would like to come along with a friend, then I’ll make a special arrangement for you.’
‘Ah, that would be marvellous, thank you, Seren. I would really love that.’
‘I don’t know if you’ll come across on the ferry, I know a lot of the ticket holders will, as the parking is limited. But if you head for the main gate, ask for me by name and the attendant will let me know when you arrive. Tchau, Leonor.’ I have no idea whether she has a boyfriend or if she’ll bring a friend as her plus-one, but I’m so glad I thought to ask. I’m surprised neither Tomas, nor Reid, thought about it.
The last stretch home is always the hardest and my legs are now complaining. I’m tired, hot and ready for a cold drink. When I turn into the courtyard, my stomach turns over. Maria is in conversation with Miguel, who has in his hands a bouquet of flowers.
‘Ah, here she is!’ Maria calls out and I try not to grimace at the sight of my unexpected visitor. ‘I was just about to make your guest a cup of coffee,’ she informs me.
‘We’re interrupting your dinner preparations, Maria. Please, do not stop on our account. I arrived back just in time.’
She smiles, shrugging her shoulders and I can see that she’s not sure what to make of Miguel, or the flowers in his hands. But she wanders off and disappears back into her kitchen.
‘Miguel,’ I say, trying my best not to sound cross. ‘How are you?’
‘Good. But Antero is angry with me and I wanted to apologise. These are to say sorry. And to assure you that I meant no offence. I can’t help that I like you.’
Agh! Just when I was about to get angry, he disarms me yet again, as he passes me a ridiculously large bouquet of hand-tied roses.
‘Forgive me, I need a long cold drink and a sit-down,’ I reply. I take the flowers from him and tuck them unceremoniously under my arm.
Inserting the key into the lock, I swing open the door. This conversation isn’t going to be easy and it’s best done out of sight of any curious onlookers.
‘I
’ll show you through to the rear garden and then I will grab some drinks, okay?’
Miguel certainly isn’t complaining, and instead, to my dismay, he looks delighted.
I place the flowers on the coffee table in the sitting room and walk him through the bedroom, sliding open the patio doors indicating for him to take a seat on the bench.
‘I’ll be five minutes,’ I say, leaving him to it.
Heading back to the kitchen, I stuff the, admittedly gorgeous-smelling, roses into a glass vase and make up a jug of mango juice and carbonated water. Grabbing two glasses and placing everything on a tray, I compose myself and go out to join him. But he’s nowhere to be seen and then I notice the shed door is open and I am unable to suppress a heavy sigh. I decide to sit and wait for him, while I pour myself a refreshingly cold drink. It hits the spot and I close my eyes, too tired to care about what my intruder is doing.
‘Antero did not say you were so skilled!’ Miguel’s voice disturbs my few moments of peace and quiet. ‘Why do you work in the gallery when you could be exhibiting?’
‘Sit down, Miguel. We need to have a frank talk.’ If I encourage him by making polite conversation, he’ll probably take that as a positive sign. It’s kinder to leave him in no doubt at all that he’s wasting his time.
He shrugs his shoulders. ‘I know, I crossed the line. But how often does one meet someone as interesting as you? If I give up without trying, then I will hate myself forever.’
I pour Miguel a glass of fruit juice and pass it to him as he sits down next to me.
‘I’m seeing someone.’
‘Oh. A serious someone?’ he asks, frowning.
How do I answer that?
‘It could be serious, but I can’t commit to a long-term relationship right now. As I told you, work is my life, while I establish myself here in Lisbon. And if I’m not working, I’m creating. Please listen to what I’m saying, Miguel. Following me around isn’t going to change anything between us. We can only be friends.’
‘But if it isn’t going to happen with this serious someone, then there is still a chance for me?’
‘No, you’re missing the point entirely.’ I raise my eyes to the heavens and he can see that I’m beginning to lose my patience with him.
‘Is that a firm no, or a no as in not now?’
‘It’s a firm no, I’m afraid.’
He leans back against the bench, the glass in his hands untouched. ‘You break my heart, you know that? You likely break his heart, too. Am I banned from coming to the event on Friday evening? I have a ticket.’
‘I can’t ban you, but for me it’s a work event, Miguel. I’m there in a professional capacity and I hope you will respect that.’
‘I understand, Seren. And the flowers are a real apology, not simply a reason to grab your attention. But you can’t blame me for trying one last time, can you?’
I guess I can’t.
‘I am flattered, Miguel. But there’s no point in giving you false hope. Persistence isn’t going to change my answer. I’ve come to Lisbon to realise a dream and I can’t let anything get in the way of that.’ It’s not strictly true, I suppose, as Reid is a temptation which I’m failing to ignore, but could I let myself get dragged off course?
‘Having seen your work, I can understand what you are saying. You should be creating art, not promoting it. But if there’s ever anything I can help with, just as a friend, Antero has my number.’
Miguel didn’t need to say that, and it’s a kind gesture. He is a good guy, it’s just a pity he’s… what? At times, he feels too young for me, but then I realise that we’re probably of a similar age. And then I remember that Reid once said that he’s too old for me, but age is just a number when two people have a strong connection.
‘That’s most kind of you, Miguel.’
‘I hope you find what you are looking for, Seren. Having lived in London, I know how different things are and how strange it can be at first. You know, until you get settled and get to know a few people outside of work. Maybe that’s the reason why I find it easy talking to you. But you seem to feel at home here and I can see the change in you each time our paths cross. I would like to go back to London to visit sometime. I would have stayed, but a broken heart prevented that, and I had no choice but to accept that, without her, this is where I belong.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that, Miguel. Time is a great healer and the right person will come along.’
Miguel finishes his drink and I see him to the door. I can’t help feeling his disappointment is partly my fault for not making my situation crystal clear that day we first met at the Time Out market.
‘Do you need a lift back?’
‘No. I drove here. It’s not easy to jump on the ferry carrying flowers,’ he grins at me and I believe we can be simply friends.
As I watch him walk away, it occurs to me that it’s true when they say home is where the heart is. I have no idea why my heart feels it belongs here, but it does.
The vibration from my phone on the kitchen worktop filters through and I rush back inside to grab it.
‘Hi, Judi. How’s the packing going?’
‘Everything is on hangers until the last minute, you know me. I don’t do creases. We do have a problem, though. Claire has had an ear infection which has now affected her sinuses and the doctor has advised her not to fly. She’s already been off work with it for three days and now they’ve doubled her antibiotics.’
What a blow. I was so looking forward to the three of us having some time together as, after the party on Saturday, I’m off work for an entire week.
‘Technically, the tickets we bought are non-refundable, but I’ll find out if ill health is a get-out clause. The other option is to ask around and see if anyone else is free and up for a break at short notice, what do you think?’
‘I’m just glad of the company and I’d hate to see Claire lose out financially. Aside from that, how are things?’
‘Good.’
‘You sound happy.’
‘I’m steering clear of the family as there’s another row brewing. My nan warned me, luckily, so I hope it blows over by the time I’m back in the UK. How about you? I bet it’s crazy there.’
‘I’m nervous but excited, too. Honestly, if anything goes wrong, it’s down to bad luck, not bad planning. My team and I have all the details nailed, but my fingers are crossed.’
Reid will make it back in time, I know it. He wouldn’t let me down, as he’s the person everyone will want to talk to, while Rafael puts on a spectacular show.
‘It’s going to be so good to see you again and have a real heart-to-heart.’
I know what she means. So much has happened here and it must be the same at her end. She hasn’t said much about Alex, but I know she was disappointed to have to walk away from her feelings for him.
‘Guess we’ll have a few late nights then. Please tell Claire I’m sorry to hear her news and I hope she gets well really soon.’ I unsuccessfully stifle a yawn. ‘Sorry, I’m dog-tired and I need to fall into bed.’
‘Two days and, what, fourteen hours? But who’s counting,’ she chuckles down the phone line. ‘Sleep well, lovely!’
After a quick shower, I slide between the cool cotton sheets, only to find that sleep doesn’t come. My head is too busy processing information. When my phone pings, I try to ignore it, as it must be almost midnight and I need to get at least a couple of hours’ sleep. But a second ping, shortly afterwards, has me reaching out. I sit bolt upright. Both messages are from Reid.
Are you awake?
Reid’s second text has a ring of disappointment to it.
Guess not. Sleep well and I’ll call you tomorrow, I promise.
I immediately press the phone icon and the seconds pass, agonisingly. When Reid picks up, he sounds slightly breathless.
‘Why aren’t you asleep?’
‘Why are you checking? My mind won’t shut off. You’re not exercising, are you?’
He la
ughs. ‘No. I’ve just run up an entire flight of stairs in about three seconds to grab my phone and it winded me.’
‘There was no need to rush, I would have hung on a bit longer.’
‘I know, but the thought of hearing your voice took over. I impressed myself, though, as I took the stairs three at a time. See what effect you have on me.’
I tut at him. ‘You know I’d have answered the phone to you at any time of the day, or night.’
‘I didn’t want to be an unnecessary distraction, as I realise how hectic it must be at your end with the weekend fast approaching. It’s been a crazy time with all sorts of unexpected things happening here. I’m sorry you had to chase Leonor to find out what was going on, but every time I was about to phone you, something else cropped up. I’ve only just arrived back at the house where I’m staying, hence my desperate text.’
‘Leonor said you will be flying back via Paris.’
‘Yes. There was an accident and it sounds as if a couple of the paintings we sent over in preparation for the exhibition in the autumn are badly damaged. I won’t know for sure until the morning. I’ll be flying back later in the afternoon, which is why Tomas flew straight back to Lisbon, to take my place. So, don’t worry, he’ll relay everything to me.’
‘Don’t concern yourself about it. We can catch up when you’re back and rested.’
There’s a rustling of papers and the sound of movement. Then a soft sigh, and I imagine Reid sinking down onto a sofa, or the bed.
‘I signed the contract on the apartment in London, yesterday.’
‘You’ve sold it already?’
‘Yes, to friends. Mark and Philippa live in the same building and contacted me the moment they heard it was going up for sale. They’ve been looking for something bigger and intend to rent out their old apartment. That’s why I flew over with Beatriz, as there was a lot to sort out.’
‘Beatriz has been with you?’ My heart sinks in my chest, but I’m also annoyed at myself for questioning him.
‘Only for a week. I was intending to sell the flat fully furnished, but when I told Beatriz about my plans, she said there were some items she’d like to have shipped over to Lisbon. It was easier to let Philippa and Beatriz sort that out between them.’
