“Can you give me a crash course on who everyone is before the family dinner?” I rub the stiff spot between my neck and shoulder. “That is assuming your mom willonlyinvite a few of your aunts and uncles.”
“She’ll behave. Especially since you asked her to keep it small.” We walk over to the car, and he clicks the doors open. “The hour we have left getting to Valencia should be enough time to cover the basics on the aunties. We’ll cover my uncles over dinner.”
“How much is there to know?”
“A lot.” He starts the engine. “Again, thinkMy Big Fat Greek Wedding.My tías have big personalities, meaning there’s a lot to warn you about.”
“Should I take notes?”
He smirks. “That’s up to you.”
When Fernando turns into the driveway of the Malvarrosa Resort and Spa, it takes us just over five minutes before we reach the main building.
“Is this a hotel or a palace?” I press my nose against the window, staring out at the mini Versailles.
The building is long and contains four floors, each with sash windows. Leading up to the lobby, there’s a red carpet and workers dressed in livery uniforms from a century ago. My favorite detail, however, is the massive fountain with four horses galloping across the water.
“Um, no offense, Fernando, I’m sure your aunt means well, but I’m gonna be blunt—there’s no way I can afford a place like this.”
He frowns. “I don’t want you to worry about the money, Ava. You told my tía you’re being treated like a princess. As your fake boyfriend, I’m treating you to the spa.”
I want to say yes to him, but my stubborn pride just won’t let me have my way. “No. It’s too expensive. I don’t want you to drain your bank account for me.”
“I want to do this for you.” He gives me the puppy-dog eyes.
I’m touched by his generosity, but even if he can afford this place, I still can’t bring myself to accept the offer. “I’m a simple girl with simple tastes,” I say softly. “I would feel like a fish out of water here.”
He sighs. “Okay, you win. I’ll turn the car around and we’ll go someplace else.”
“Do you think your aunt will be insulted if she finds out?”
“If she is, too bad. Today is about you.”
During the ride over, I learned that Tía Yesenia is an architect. She’s won several awards for her work, and her firm is one of the most highly sought-after in Spain. It wouldn’t surprise me if she designed this property.
As we’re speaking, one of the hotel valets taps on the window, “Hola, señor.”
“Hola.” Fernando rolls down the window and speaks to the valet. From what I piece together, he explains that we’re turning aroundand about to leave. The valet nods and takes a couple of steps back, clearing space for Fernando to reverse. He presses the clutch and changes gears, but as we roll backward, the car suddenly jolts.
“Ouch,” I hiss as the unexpected motion jostles my neck. I grip the armrests tightly.
Fernando frowns and jiggles the stick. The valet shouts, and we hear the sound of air escaping from the tires. He opens the door to inspect the damage. “Crap,” he exclaims.
“What happened?” I don’t turn to look, trying to limit my movements.
He rests his head for a moment on the steering wheel and mumbles, “I ran over the spike strip. One of the tires is flat.”
A flat tire. I exhale. That’s not bad. It could’ve been worse, like another broken timing belt. I pat him on the back. “We’ll get this sorted out. I’m sure a tow truck can take care of it.”
“Let’s hope so.” Fernando brings the car forward and pulls off to the side. I wait in the vehicle while he sorts out the mess with the valet team, taking advantage of the hotel’s Wi-Fi to text Daphne.
Ava: Hey, Daph, sorry I’ve been MIA. Are you free for a chat this afternoon?
“Well, Ava, it looks like we’re gonna be stuck here for a while,” Fernando says, returning to the car. “The guy in the valet booth called for a tow truck. They quoted him two to three hours, since we’re not an emergency. I thought maybe I could change the tire myself, but the car’s tool kit is missing.”
“Well, at least we can wait in the lobby and explore. This place is huge.”
“It is,” he agrees. “But the exploring will have to wait. You’ll, uh, be otherwise occupied.”
