I leave her office feeling like the next two weeks are going to stretch forever. I haven’t heard back from my friend Paul, so I shoot him another message. By the time I’ve walked back to my room his answer comes through and I sigh. He’s in the process of moving so can’t offer me anywhere right now. With trepidation I make a call, hoping that six years won’t have made a difference.
“Auntie Lizzie, it’s Simon,” I say as soon as she answers.
“Simon! How are you? Are you alright?” She almost squeals down the phone.
“I’m fine, Auntie. But if your offer still stands, I need your help.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
ANDRÉS
“Come with me, there’s someone I want you to meet,” Gabriel says, leading me through the throng of guests to a small group of people. We’re at a charity event and auction. I’m used to the social scene being part of polo, but what I don’t appreciate is the amount of functions Gabriel gets invited to and is expected to attend. Tonight he brought me with him as he says we need to network. Along with his new equestrian centre and polo team he wants to run a tournament in the summer, and for that he needs sponsors. So I’m to be charming and polite, which of course I can do.
“Andrés, this is Chase Knightly.”
I look at the middle-aged but very handsome man offering his hand to me and put mine out to shake his.
“Hi, it’s nice to finally be meeting the famous Argentinian,” he says with a smile. His accent immediately lets me know he’s American.
“Hardly famous,” I say. “But it’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
“We’ll, I’ve heard a lot about you.” he continues. “Gabriel was happy he managed to entice you over here.”
“And what entices you over here?” I ask and he smiles broadly.
“Let’s just say I like this country.”
“Even the weather?” I ask and he laughs heartily.
“You’ll get used to it.”
I make a face which shows how hard I’m finding it so far. It’s late January, and as Imogen warned me, it’s even worse.
“It’ll soon pass,” another voice cuts in—British, with the same tones as Gabriel. “Rupert Cardew, pleased to meet you.” He offers his hand and I take it.
“What, you’re not going to give him your full name?” Another American voice, this time belonging to the tall dark-haired man standing next to Rupert. Rupert flashes him a grin.
“He’s not annoying me,” he says. I see a smile tug at the other man’s lips and an intimate look passes between them. “This is Nate Waterford.”
“Ru,” Gabriel says and steps forward to hug the other man instead of shaking hands.
“Gabe, it’s good to see you,” Rupert says. “We were at school together,” Rupert explains to me as they both step back.
“Do you play polo?” I ask him.
“I can, but I haven’t for a while. I was more into rugby at school.”
“But you’re going to play in the tournament, are you?” Gabe asks, and I see his eyes widen slightly before he gives a smooth smile to cover whatever he’s feeling.
“I don’t know, I’m really rusty, Gabe.”
“I can always give you some lessons,” I offer. It’s my job but Gabe’s face brightens.
“Can I learn too?” Nate asks, and I assure him I can teach him as well.
“You want to learn polo?” Rupert asks and Nate shrugs.
“Why not?”
