Page 40 of His Innocent for One Spanish Night

‘Buenas días,’Emily said.

‘Good afternoon,’ he responded.

Manhattan was stretched out behind him, but neither of these brothers needed a stunning backdrop, Emily thought, as Alejandro appeared. They might be in the same building, but the view behind Alejandro was like a postcard shot of Jerez. She could see ancient buildings and church spires...the vista from his office was simply to die for.

‘Finally,’ said Alejandro, by way of greeting. ‘Okay, Emily’s been here for—’

‘Just over a week,’ Emily answered for him.

‘I just wanted to touch base,’ Sebastián said. ‘See if you have everything you need and if there are any questions.’

‘I have a few.’ Emily nodded. ‘I’m very keen to meet with Carmen. I’d like to mention her love of the dancing horses and perhaps get some photos of her.’

‘That can easily be arranged.’ Sebastián nodded. ‘Alejandro, have you spoken to Carmen about the new website?’

‘Probably not...’ Alejandro shrugged. ‘I’ll give her a call.’

It was at that moment when Emily realised that what was a huge venture for her was just a blip on the radar for the Romeros. They simply wanted it done—their product showcased with a new and refreshing take on things. Certainly they weren’t waking up, as she was, to be gripped by a city that was so vibrant it literally danced before your eyes. Nor were they falling asleep wondering how to best capture the image of endless vines and the way they laced across the rolling hills.

That was her job. And, if she wanted to do it well then there were some questions she needed to ask, no matter how awkward they might be.

‘I’ve got a couple of questions about the label, and also your father’s biography.’

‘You have explained the complexities to Emily?’ Sebastián asked his brother.

‘Not fully.’

They spoke in Spanish amongst themselves for a couple of minutes, and Emily started to understand that her questions were about the things the brothers were having trouble agreeing on themselves.

They didn’t discuss it deeply, but it was clear to her that many an argument had taken place on this very subject.

‘Okay...’ Sebastián finally addressed Emily. ‘For some time we’ve been considering changing our label. We’re working with an artist to produce a watercolour. She’s using the same colour themes as the original image, so when we change—’

‘Ifwe change,’ Alejandro interjected.

Emily looked from brother to brother and could almost feel the simmering tension between them.

Sebastián was the oldest, and perhaps thought he wielded more power, but Alejandro, seemingly more laid-back, used his strength quietly. Both were forces to be reckoned with.

Emily sat still and, possibly because she was in Spain, thought of bulls and the old saying about two bulls in one paddock.

Both these men were powerful, both natural leaders, and in this case it would seem they had opposing views.

‘At this stage we would really prefer that you focus on the product,’ Sebastián said.

‘Maria de Luca isonthe product, though,’ Emily attempted, looking from brother to brother. Both faces were determinedly impassive, but she knew Alejandro better and could see that his full lips were pinched tight. ‘I don’t need to go into detail, or anything, but,’ she said, very simply, ‘would it help if I discussed this with your father? Find out whathewants—?’

‘What would help,’ Sebastián cut in, ‘is for you to work to the brief you’ve been given.’

‘Whoa!’ Alejandro said, when usually he would not have done.

But watching his brother dismiss Emily’s concerns had provoked him—angered him, even. He did not usually allow anyone to get under his skin, particularly when it was a member of his family—especiallywhen it was a member of his family—but he knew how hard it would have been for Emily to ask the question she just had.

‘Emily is correct,’ Alejandro said. ‘This needs to be addressed—preferably before the website goes live. And José would like Maria to be mentioned.’

‘Thankfully,’ Sebastián put in, ‘it is not his decision.’

‘No,’ Alejandro said. ‘It is mine.’ He looked at the screen. ‘Could you excuse us, please, Emily?’

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