Page 58 of Embracing Us

Chapter twenty-five

Max

6 months later…

I hear Linda’s laughter echoing through the reception area from the bar. It’s ten in the morning, and she came down here to make us a decent coffee each twenty minutes ago, then never returned. The only coffee machine in the hotel is located behind the bar, and we were both desperately in need of some caffeine. Our days are as busy working, as our nights are with each other. The months running the hotel have been fun, but I’m getting close to wanting to go home and resume some kind of normality again – one that doesn’t demand our presence every day to pull pints or sweep floors.

February has brought cold temperatures and rain. Spain isn’t always warm and sunny. It has been disappointing to have to dig out our big jackets and boots. But hopefully, the poor turn in the weather will be short-lived and blue skies will resume in a matter of days. They normally do.

With spring approaching, work is underway to prepare the hotel for the summer season. Although we remain open throughout the winter, we tend to have a handful of regular guests who visit and stay for months on end. Most regulars live in England and are escaping the rain and miserable grey skies. They’ve become more like family than clients. Many I know from my years working here, but some are new. All of them appreciate the haven my aunt has created. There is no doubt that the hotel will be missed once it’s gone.

Crystal and Aunt Susan have travelled the world for seven months. They’ve visited every corner of the globe they could. Linda and I have been treated to weekly updates including full blow-by-blow reports accompanied by matching photographs. My aunt’s days have been filled with fun and laughter. Her friend has overseen the whole trip by organising their travel arrangements and assuring her required medication is delivered to wherever it needs to be.

There is no hiding from the fact, though, with every week that passes, Susan becomes frailer. Her confusion grows as the dreaded illness takes hold of her mind a little more. In recent weeks, her forgetfulness has moved from basic things such as a word or where she left her phone to more concerning events.

Crystal had called me last week, clearly upset. My aunt and her had spent the day in the cruise ship spa. They’d enjoyed a day of pampering and indulgence. When it had been time to retreat to the cabin, the receptionist had asked Susan to confirm her name as she left. She had panicked as she couldn’t recall her own name, turning to her friend and asking her what she was called.

Since that day, Crystal tells me her confidence in social situations has plummeted. The woman who was loving travelling the world has started to withdraw within herself. I suspect their trip will be ending soon and she will be starting to plan the next stage of her life. The final one.

As I walk across the reception area, the sound of a man’s voice surprises me. On entering the bar, I find my wife in deep conversation with someone I don’t know. She is standing behind the counter, each of them enjoying a tall coffee complete with frothy top. He says something, and she laughs loudly, the stunning sound I love filling the room. At the sound of my footsteps, two sets of eyes turn to me.

“Here are my boys,” she says, her voice filled with pride. “Robert, I’m delighted to introduce you to my husband Max and our son Jackson.” My son wriggles in my arms, wanting down on the floor. At almost ten months old, he is crawling at rapid speed and attempting to pull himself up on any surface he can grab. I place him down on the tiles, and he takes off on all fours at warp speed. Linda sets another cup of coffee on the counter. “This one is yours,” she says with a smile. “I was about to call you to come down.”

The man stands, then walks over to meet me and extends his hand. “Robert Dawson,” he says, introducing himself. He looks to be in his mid-fifties with close-cropped grey hair and shrewd blue eyes. The suit he’s wearing suggests he’s in the world of business but nothing about him tells me why I’ve found him in the bar with my wife this morning. “I’m sorry for dropping in unannounced,” he continues. “But I heard on the proverbial grapevine that this wonderful hotel may be going up for sale. I wanted to come down and note my interest with Susan in person, but your good lady here tells me she’s on holiday.”

“Yes, my mother is on holiday,” I reply, surprising myself with the use of the word mother. His eyes run over my face then drop down my body before returning to meet my stare. “Can I ask who told you the hotel was going up for sale?”

“I own a few establishments in Malaga. It was at a local business forum, one of the members alerted me to the potential sale. An old friend of your mother’s I believe, who was aware she had become unwell. Though, he didn’t mention her having any children.”

“Our relationship as mother and son has only been recently brought to light.” He cocks his head to one side, listening intently. Linda appears at my side and wraps an arm around my waist in support. “She hasn’t decided when to advertise the business for sale yet.”

“And you and your wife are not interested in continuing to run the business?” I shake my head. Linda and I have discussed the possibility of selling up in London and relocating here permanently. However, we are both in agreement that although this hotel holds hundreds of special memories for us – it was the catalyst for our relationship – our home and future are in London. Our careers we love are there, and it is the city we want to call home.

“I apologise if you find my appearance uncomfortable,” he continues.

“Not at all,” Linda says, brightly. “We will let Susan know of your interest in the hotel. Once we know what the plan is, we can alert you to what is happening moving forward.” His focus moves to my wife; the look he gives her is one of a man who likes what he sees. My annoyance cranks up a notch. Not only has he appeared unannounced, but he is also openly eyeing up my wife. I clear my throat and his attention returns to me.

“If you come this way, I’ll take note of your details,” I tell him and walk in the direction of the reception area. Due to the omission of the sound of footsteps behind me, I glance back over my shoulder to find him wishing Linda farewell.

“Lovely to meet you, Linda,” he says, smoothly, and lifts her hand to kiss her knuckles.

“Mr Dawson,” I snap. “If you would follow me, please.” He nods, then saunters in my direction before following me out into the lobby.

“Bye,” Linda calls to his retreating back whilst moving to detach our son from the coffee table next to the sofas.

Out in the reception area, he notes his name and contact number on a sheet of paper. A group of residents are milling around chatting with one another, then heading out of the front door on their daily walk.

“Your wife and yourself have the place looking lovely,” he says, in an attempt to create conversation. “Have you been married long?” I glance up at him from the diary I’m noting his details in so I don’t lose them.

“Under a year. We were married last July.”

“You’re a lucky man,” he says. I pause then raise my eyes to his, holding his stare fast. My skin prickles at the insinuation that this is something I don’t know. Every time I look at Linda, I count my blessings that she’s mine. The more we are together, the better our relationship becomes. She is not only my wife, but my best friend.

“I’m aware of that,” I tell him.

“It’s not often you meet a lady in her time of life so outgoing. She was a joy to speak with. I have to admit to being slightly deflated when I noticed her wedding ring.” He laughs, and I blink at him stunned by his bravado. “Her confidence is a beautiful quality,” he continues. “I wish you a long and happy life together.” He goes to turn away, then twists back in my direction. “Do call me when the hotel is available for purchase. I would be delighted to make a competitive offer on such a stunning building.” I watch him leave, his comments swirling in my mind. unsure whether to be offended he was open about his attraction to my spouse or flattered.

“Is Robert away?” Linda asks. Her sandals click noisily off the floor tiles as she enters the open space. “A potential buyer could be good news.”

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