Page 53 of Under His Sheets
He came over and shook my hand. “Let me introduce you to some of my guests. This is Ambròs Vidal, who you may have met at Frederick Douglass.”
I shook hands with the man, who had a super intense gaze. He nodded at me, but did not smile.
Ferrer then introduced two music producers, an FC Barcelona fútbol player and his bodyguard, and an older man who was an art dealer.
“Molt de gust. I appreciate the invitation.”
Ferrer put a hand on my shoulder. “We are happy you are here and are looking forward to hearing what my boy has been working on as well. But we also wanted to speak to you about the purpose for tonight’s gathering, so you are not taken by surprise.”
Vidal turned that gaze on me again, and I had to fight to not take a step back. This was the first time I’d been this close to him. He had an air about him that unsettled me.Please don’t let them see me sweating.
“Parles català?”
“I’m afraid I only know a few phrases. My Spanish is only a little bit better, my apologies. I don’t suppose any of you use American Sign Language? I’m quite fluent in that.”
The men all chuckled, including Vidal, but the humor was gone after a moment.
“Bé.” Ferrer said, clasping his hands in front of him. “We have gathered here tonight, a group of influential people in Catalunya. Our goal is to raise funds for the legal defense of our leaders who have been persecuted since Madrid took from us the ability to decide whether we want to have a referendum. Catalunya is one of the wealthiest states in all of España, and we are tired of carrying the rest of the country. We want to be in charge of our own destiny. I would think an American would understand that.”
I swallowed and pretended I wasn’t sweating like mad. “I can definitely see the appeal.”
Ambròs Vidal frowned and directed that steely obsidian gaze on me. “There are people in this community who would punish those of us who speak out for independence. They are actively trying to take away our voice. I would caution you to take care who you listen to.”
Paolo patted me on the shoulder again and I had to concentrate on not stumbling. Who I listened to? Had they been watching me? Did they know?
“Enough of this heavy stuff,” Paolo said as if in warning to his friend. “Tonight we celebrate having a music teacher finally for our children, and we officially welcome you to our community.”
I put on a brave smile. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Now, the rest of you go find the bar and tapas. I need to speak to Randall for a moment alone.”
The other men left, with the exception of Jaume, who remained in the doorway.
“Vale. You are ready to play any of the songs? And you will accompany Pere?”
“Yes. I’m prepared.”
“Molt bé. And to sing?”
I shrugged. “If you like.”
He nodded again. “Wonderful. I had a question for you, though. When you put down the name Alonso on the RSVP, I thought perhaps it would be the gentleman in custodial services at Frederick Douglass. Do you know him?”
My mouth was a damn desert.“Our janitor Alonso? Not really. He doesn’t speak English, and I haven’t really been able to communicate well with him.”
He stared at me for a long time. “What a coincidence, then, that you happen to bring another Alonso. Interesting.”
“It is! I didn’t know Alonso was such a common name here. I metthisAlonso before I came to work at Frederick Douglass. I don’t know him super well either, but we’ve been out a few times.” I hoped that would derail his interrogation and getmyAlonso off the hook. I hated that he wasn’t here with me, but I was beginning to think it was good that he wasn’t.
“Well, if you do happen to have a run-in with Alonso the custodian, ves amb compte. He is not who he says he is.”
“Noted. I’ll keep that in mind.”Shit.I didn’t know what else to say to that. “So, what time did you want to play?” I asked Paolo. Change of subject completely.
He looked at his watch. “I think we will still have guests coming in over the next hour, so how about we plan for eight forty-five?”
I’d been hoping to be out of there before then, but I should have known. “Whatever works for you.”
“Vale. Let us go and mingle and hope your date has not run off.”
