He was Romero sexy, but with a more savage look, and his air was far more formal that Alejandro’s had ever been. If anything, he was aloof.
‘In your own time,’ he said.
She took from that that he meant now!
Of course he was four flights up too, and by the time Emily got there he was sitting at a large desk on his computer, looking at the new website.
‘The website looks excellent,’ he said. ‘I admit, I was cautious about commissioning an outsider, but I have to say it’s worked well. As well as that, you came in on time...’
‘Thank you, but there’s just a few tweaks. I want to go up to the vineyard and get some images now that there are fruits on the vines.’
‘There’s no need for that. It’s all just updates and minor things from here, and IT can sort all that out.’
‘Of course.’
She chewed her lip. Was that it? She felt a slight flutter of panic as it dawned on her that this was officially her last day. Sebastián was here to wrap things up, thanking her for her work.
‘I’m pleased I got back in time to thank you personally. My father is impressed too.’
‘That’s great,’ Emily said, and then cast around to fill the silence. ‘I was going to stay for the horse festival. It sounds so interesting...’
‘Did you manage to get accommodation?’ He sounded mildly surprised by her intention. ‘It’s usually booked out long in advance.’
‘N-no,’ Emily stammered, embarrassed. Her gorgeous apartment was clearly off the table.
Well, what had she expected? A holiday with free accommodation while she hung around waiting for Alejandro to return?
‘I might look into finding a B&B...’
‘Well, good luck with that,’ he said, clearly meaning that she’d need it. ‘All our accommodation is booked a year in advance for this particular festival.’
He was clearly not about to step in as her private travel consultant.
This really was it.
Of course it was!
Her contract expired today.
She’d allowed herself a couple of weeks’ holiday, so her flight out from Madrid wasn’t booked for a couple more weeks. More to the point, had she not been involved with Alejandro then her luggage and equipment would already be packed.
‘Again, we’re thrilled with your work, and we will certainly be happy to recommend your business.’ Sebastián gave a tight smile. ‘Now, just a few minor details... You have a company computer and phone...?’
‘I do.’
She had to hand in her phone and laptop right there and then. It was the normal thing to do, but it felt as if they were being removed by force.
Her services were no longer required.
She made her way to her apartment, to think, but was met there by a rather harried-looking maid.
‘There you are!’ she greeted Emily. ‘The new guest is waiting to check in!’
She had fifteen minutes to pack up her equipment and all the things she’d accumulated in her time in Jerez.
Emily went to say goodbye to the IT guys, but they were all busy and barely looked up to say goodbye.
Her welcome hadn’t exactly been a warm one, Emily reminded herself as she came out to the courtyard. It had been a driver and a brief note from Sophia, suggesting she dine in thetaberna.