Page 10 of Reckless Intentions
“Hola yourself, and yes, I’m here. This place is amazing, Caro.”
“It helped to know a couple of estate agents. We got it at a knockdown price, an elderly couple desperate to sell it because they couldn’t get over here anymore.” Caro broke off to shout at someone her end. “Sorry, Gavin’s being a dick with this delivery. How were Mariella and Trent? He’s a bit gorgeous, isn’t he?”
“I didn’t really notice, to be honest.” The lie slipped off Olivia’s tongue with ease.
“I think he’s got some single friends though,” said Caro. “You should get together with them while you’re there.”
“Caro, I’m not here to hook up with someone. I’m here to work!”
“Have you had chance to check on The Roca Bar yet?”
“I haven’t even unpacked.”
“What? You called me before doing that? Who are you and what did you do with Olivia Cole?”
“Ha ha, very funny.” Olivia stalled. It was true though, she would normally have ensured that everything was straight and sorted before even considering calling Caro. Perhaps this was her opportunity to let go and enjoy herself without any responsibility for once. “I got distracted by the view from your balcony.”
“Yep, I get that. It happens to me all the time. Wait until you see some of the super yachts that come in, they’re amazing.”
“I’ll be sure to check them out. Maybe I’ll meet a handsome billionaire too. But right now, I need to get some supplies. I’ll swing by the bar on the way to the supermarket.”
“I doubt there will be anyone there. They’ll have knocked off by now. Although they might be back tonight, when it’s cooler. The architect isn’t expecting you until tomorrow anyway.” There was a pause before Caro shouted at one of her hapless staff. “Gavin, seriously? If you leave it there we’re going to have a health and safety case on our hands.” Her tone softened as she spoke to Olivia again. “I think I should go before he breaks something. Speak to you tomorrow?”
“Sure, bye, Caro.” Olivia realised she was talking to herself as Caro had already hung up.
She went into the bedroom where Trent had dropped her suitcases and swiftly unpacked, shoving clothes into the wardrobe and drawers. Selecting a pair of shorts and a summery patterned blouse, Olivia peeled off the clothes she’d travelled in. When she was dressed, she slid her feet into a pair of sandals, and then grabbed her keys, phone and purse. Going out with such a small amount of stuff felt light and liberating.
There was a small supermarket opposite the apartment and Olivia planned to visit there last. As she walked along the street towards The Roca Bar, she glanced in surprise at her surroundings, so little had changed since her last visit. The bars and restaurants looked the same as they had years ago. She guessed that the phrase ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ was fitting. Did that mean Caro was making a mistake by trying to change her bar?
As she approached, she read the sign on the door: cerrado por reformas. Even with her limited Spanish, she knew what it meant. The door was closed, and Olivia tentatively pushed it. It was locked.
Fatigue suddenly kicked in with a vengeance and Olivia yawned. She retraced her steps back to the supermarket and picked up some of the basics: milk, bread, cheese, yogurt, plus some chicken and salad for her dinner. She added a bottle of Rose Mortitx wine to her basket and joined they queue to pay. It wasn’t long before she was back in the apartment and sat at the dining table, admiring the view over the bay again as she ate her meal.
If this was what life was going to be like for a while, she was certainly going to enjoy it.
