“I know. It’s tough at the moment, but don’t give up. You’re very employable and you have a fantastic, successful work history. How about I call you as soon as something else comes up? In the meantime, don’t forget to think outside the box. Perhaps look at different career paths, or taking a job abroad?”
“Sure.” Lisa failed to stop tears from trickling down her cheek. Getting the job that she wanted had always been a given rather than a blessing, and she’d never thought she’d be in this position. So desperate for something, anything. “Thank you for your time. I appreciate it.”
Dropping her phone into her handbag, Lisa covered her face in her hands and burst into silent tears. A hand on her shoulder startled her, and she quickly wiped her cheeks and straightened her back. “I’m sorry, I’m…”
“Hey, don’t apologise. Would you like some company?” Through her blurred vision, Lisa saw it was Stella, who had sat down beside her. “I’m not going to ask you if you’re okay, because clearly you’re not…” Stella paused. “And I’m aware that I don’t know you that well, but I’m here if you want to talk. If you don’t, we could go for a walk or something?” She held up her car keys. “Or a drive? I’ve just finished my shift.”
“I’ve just had my forty-seventh job rejection,” Lisa said with a sniff. “I shouldn’t be so emotional about it, but it’s been a lot lately.” She blinked a couple of times and removed the mascara stains from underneath her eyes. “Why do you want to help me? I don’t understand why you’d want to spend time with a depressed stranger.”
“You’re not that much of a stranger anymore,” Stella said. “We went for a coffee, so that makes us acquaintances, I’d say. And as your acquaintance, I’d love to hang out.”
Lisa managed a chuckle. “You’re funny.”
“See? I’m cheering you up already.” Stella put an arm around her, and Lisa felt herself tense up. Maybe because she hadn’t been hugged in so long, or maybe because Stella’s nearness did something to her. She liked being around her more than she was willing to admit, and already, the phone call that had upset her so much didn’t seem like such a big deal anymore. Allowing herself to relax a little, she leaned into Stella as she pulled her closer and squeezed her shoulder. It felt really good to have someone on her side.
“Drive?” Stella asked.
“Okay.” Lisa stood up and wiped her eyes again, then ruffled a hand through her hair. “Where to?”
“Where do you want to go?”
Lisa bit her lip as she thought about that. “I don’t know.” She regarded Stella as they walked to her car. “Do you live around here?” Her hand shot up. “Sorry. Just to be clear; I’m not inviting myself over to your house. I was just curious, that’s all…”
Stella laughed as she opened the passenger door for her. “That’s okay, you can invite yourself over.” She got in too and rolled down all the windows. “I live in Altea. It’s a really pretty village not far from here. I think you’d like it. Want to see it?”
“Arethere pretty villages around here?” Lisa asked as Stella turned onto the boulevard and passed Paradise’s sister hotel, Premier Sunset,the vile dark purple building with its yellow entrance quite possibly the most unattractive piece of architecture she’d ever seen.
“Was that a joke? I didn’t think you did jokes,” Stella teased.
“I guess it was.” Lisa smiled. “Okay, why don’t you show me your hometown? But only if you were already heading there,” she added.
“I was heading home, actually.” Stella winked. “And I’d love to show you around, so let’s go. We still have a couple of hours of daylight.”
14
Altea was busy, but a different kind of busy to Benidorm. Instead of loud pop music, bad karaoke and flashing neon lights, the town was filled with small, candlelit cafés and restaurants. Street musicians played Spanish guitar along the pretty promenade, and the charming town centre was lit by lanterns hanging from the front doors of the houses that lined the narrow, cobbled alleyways. There were flowerbeds on every corner and square, and the white houses all had flower-filled baskets under their windowsills and beautifully tiled steps that went up to their front doors. It had a happy, tranquil vibe to it, and Lisa could sense the excitement of the tourists who passed them.
“How do you cope with some of the guests?” she asked as they conquered a steep hill. “Two grown women were arguing over a sunlounger yesterday, even though there were plenty of others free. It was too ridiculous for words.”
Stella laughed. “I’ve gotten used to it, and you’ll get used to it too. But honestly, most guests are friendly and happy, and don’t forget, these people don’t go on holiday regularly. It’s their one trip of the year, sometimes only every two or three years. With so much anticipation leading up to it, they tend to let go more than the usual tourists I imagine you’re used to seeing on your travels.”
“Hmm...” Lisa felt a little ashamed now and was worried Stella would think her a snob. “Yes, I probably shouldn’t be so judgmental.”
“I don’t blame you. Some of the guests are obnoxious and very annoying. I was judgmental myself when I first started working there,” Stella said. “But the other day for example, I spoke to two women who were on a holiday for the first time in their lives. They told me they’d met in a women’s shelter after escaping their abusive husbands; I can’t begin to imagine what they’ve been through. And it touched me, you know? It was like a new start for them, the point where they knew things were really looking up again because they could afford to relax for a week.”
“That is touching.” Lisa fell silent for a moment. “You’re sweet.” She kept her eyes fixed ahead, conscious of that rosy blush that Stella seemed to bring out on her cheeks.
“Thank you.” Stella cast her a sideways glance. “You’re sweet too.”
“You don’t know that. I haven’t been at my best lately.”
“I think I have a pretty good idea; you’re not that hard to figure out. And you don’t have to feel bad about hating being in Benidorm. It’s not for everyone and I imagine it wouldn’t be your usual choice for a holiday destination.”
“Certainly not; I’m not the all-inclusive resort type.” Lisa looked around the quaint alley and smiled. “But Altea is somewhere I’d like to visit again.”
“I’m not into all-inclusive resorts either,” Stella said. “You don’t get a real feel for a new place if you’re locked between four walls. I like to eat local, get lost and go with the flow.”
“You sound like the perfect travel companion.”
