“He’s protective. Don’t worry, he’ll come around.”
“I don’t want to cause you trouble. You need him more than you need me.”
“It’s settled.” Alex popped another piece of Manchego into his mouth, glad he’d talked Victoria out of her plan to find a new supplier. “He’s just worried if these new cues look like shit, he’ll look a fool.”
“All art looks foolish until it’s done.”
“That’s what I try to tell him.” Alex sighed. “He’s not such a creative guy, but he’s a genius with tech.”
“That’s perfect. Too many mediocre creative talents out there. Not enough true genius.”
“Thanks?”
“Not you. At least, I trust you’re not mediocre. I can usually read these things.”
Alex caught an evil eye from Victoria. “I’ve got to get back.”
“Until tonight then?” Jago took Alex’s hand in his and with a sweeping bow, kissed the back of it.
Alex’s eyes widened. “Until tonight.”
Jago grinned, tipping his head to Victoria as he departed.
Alex watched him cross the Plaza Mayor until he disappeared under the portico leading to Sol. He’d forgotten to give him their room number for the rehearsal, but Jago seemed the type who could figure these things out without too much trouble.
“Someone’s cup overfloweth,” Victoria teased.
Alex cleared their table, picking up Jago’s glass and remembering the request for the used napkin.
CHAPTER FOUR
“It’s only been twenty minutes,” Joanna pointed out. “Maybe his train’s delayed?”
“Vicente’s never late.” Alex tapped his pen on the edge of his notepad, wishing it could crack open something in his skull. “He’s not with you?”
“Football,” they said together as Alex remembered.
A loud knock came from the house doors behind him.
“Hello?” called Jago, whose instincts had served him well. “Is this the Women’s Temperance Society meeting or is that a few doors down?”
“You came.” Alex got to his feet, giving their guest a warm hug. “Joanna, you didn’t meet Jago?”
“I don’t think so,” she said, extending a hand. “A pleasure.”
“All mine, I promise you. I’ve heard you’re the true talent driving this venture.”
“Have you? I’ve not heard anything about you at all. Though we saw you at the film the other night.Pepi, Luci, Bom?”
“Vicente didn’t say anything?” asked Alex. “They met this afternoon.”
“Briefly,” added Jago. “I don’t think I made the best impression.”
“I haven’t seen him since this morning,” Joanna said. “Perhaps they went for beers after the match?”
“That’s no reason to be late.” Alex nodded at Jago. “Not in Vicente’s book, anyway.”
“Well, I’m sorryI’mlate,” said Jago. “I had to finish something at home that couldn’t wait.”
