“Maybe you’ll meet a charming Spanish guy when you come to visit.”
“Hmm… Does Stella have any cute brothers?”
“No, but she has a very handsome colleague. I couldn’t stand him at first, but we’ve become quite good friends.”
“Is he a player?”
“Yes,” Lisa admitted. “He’s a total player and only suitable for a fling if you ask me. But he is good fun, so I can invite him over if you want.”
“Nah, just handsome and fun doesn’t do it for me anymore. I’m looking for a decent guy, but they’re all taken.”
“That’s not true. You meet the best ones when you least expect it.”
“Like you?” Ebony asked in a sarcastic tone.
“Yes, like me.” Lisa smiled. “I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve become a little romantic since I’ve moved here. Spain might do the same for you.”
64
“Stella, this is Ebony. Ebony, this is Stella. My girlfriend,” Lisa added with a smirk when Stella came down the stairs to greet her.
“Hi, Ebony! Welcome to Spain.” Stella saw that Ebony was about to shake her hand, but she went in for a hug instead. It was just how she rolled; there was no way she was going to welcome Lisa’s best friend without giving her a squeeze. Her first impression of Ebony was that she was hugely enthusiastic after she’d heard her and Lisa yell in excitement when she arrived. She seemed like a colourful character and Stella had a feeling she’d be in for a fun couple of days. She’d been nervous all morning, waiting for Lisa’s brother, who’d booked an earlier flight, to arrive but once he was here, they’d immediately hit it off.
“Thank you so much for having me; I can’t believe I’m here. Finally.” Ebony gave her a wide smile, her eyes glistening with curiosity as she looked her over. “And what a wonderful place you have here. It’s such a romantic setting right on that little square.” She put her handbag down and wiped her clammy forehead with the back of her hand.
“Pleasure’s all mine,” Stella said, opening the door to the guest room. “This is your room; there’s an en suite and a small courtyard through the door at the other end.”
“Fergi will sleep on the sofa as he messed up his booking,” Lisa added. “He’s looking forward to seeing you again. It must have been at least five years since he asked you out at my birthday party.”
“Yeah, and that date never happened.” Ebony laughed as she glanced around the room and put her suitcase down. “It’s very cool... so Spanish. Where is the troublemaker anyway?”
“Who, Fergi?” Lisa laughed when Ebony rolled her eyes. “Good question, I’m not sure.”
“He’s just gone to the shop to get something,” Stella said. “He’ll be back in a minute. Lisa and I made paella and there’s a large jug of sangria in the fridge waiting for you.”
“That sounds divine, I like you already.” Ebony fanned her face in a dramatic gesture. “Do you mind if I have a quick shower? I feel so sticky after the journey.”
* * *
Stella had learned a lot about Lisa in the past hours, just like she suspected Lisa had learned a lot about her when they’d visited her parents. Ebony had told her about Lisa’s ‘wild years’ as she jokingly called them; a period of two years in between relationships in which she didn’t have a single one-night stand, and about all the trips they’d taken together during the time they worked together. Lisa’s brother had told her about how they constantly fought as teenagers and how it had been his mission to make her life miserable by breaking into her room, hiding her things and embarrassing her in front of her friends.
The puppies were delighted with the visitors, bugging Fergi, who had made the fatal mistake of bringing tug-toys that they were now obsessed with. The cats were curious too, especially Pedro, who had tried to steal food from Ebony’s plate on several occasions. Now, it was getting dark, and Stella had turned on the fairy lights. The candles on the table were burning, and with music coming from the plaza below it felt cosy and intimate with her new friends. Yes, that was what it felt like, she realised. New friends. Feeling relaxed, she sat back and put an arm around Lisa, who leaned into her in return.
“You’re adorable together,” Ebony said, glancing at them. “I get it now but I’m not going to lie; I thought you’d lost your mind at first when you announced you wanted to move to Spain permanently.” She smiled. “But it’s lovely here, it truly is, and I can see that you’re crazy about each other.”
“I’m glad you can see I’m happy.” Lisa frowned when she saw Ebony’s eyes well up. “Wait… are you getting emotional?” She chuckled. “I’m sorry; I’ve just never seen you choke up before.”
“Hey, don’t make fun of me.” Ebony laughed too. “It must be the heat and the drinks and this wonderful atmosphere. It’s making me all mushy inside.” She sighed deeply. “I need some romance in my life.”
“Well, I’m single if you’re in the mood for romance,” Fergi said with a cheeky smile. “I might limp a little, but all my other limbs work perfectly fine, if you know what I mean.” He winked. “We could share your bed if you want some company.”
Ebony slapped his thigh, her eyes widening in shock. “No chance, Romeo. I’m drunk but I’m not that drunk. Besides, you had your chance years ago and you blew it.”
“And I’ve regretted that every day since,” Fergi shot back at her in a dramatic tone.
Ebony threw her head back and laughed. “Nonsense, that is so not true. A week later you had another girl in your bed. Lisa told me herself.”
Fergi held up his hands in defence. “Okay, fair enough, but that was then, and this is now. I’ve changed.”
