When she showed him the spa centre, with the treatment rooms, the lap pool and the Pilates pagoda, he was impressed. ‘You know what? I could record some promo videos here. Talking about the importance of wellness and looking after yourself. Putting yourself at the centre of things and not feeling guilty about taking time for you.’
‘Sounds great in principle.’ Rebecca was guilty of feeling a little disloyal. She wondered how many women could afford to do any of that. It had been impressed upon her that her time was somehow less valuable than that of herbrothers– even in the twenty-first century.
‘It is great. You just need to embrace it. It’s a positive mental attitude.’
‘If you say so,’ she said with a teasing grin which didn’t land the way she’d hoped.
‘I do. That’s what the book is all about. It’s important to take these things seriously.’
‘Of course it is,’ she said, more to placate him. When Alicia had died, he’d become very intense and introspective and she’d supported him; listening to him and, she guessed, indulging him, because he had needed a friend and someone to talk to. Maybe it had become a little bit too ingrained. He needed tolighten up. Loosen up a little. It was sad, but he’d forgotten how to have fun.
She gave him a guided tour of the property, then showed him one of the fields.
‘This is where a lot of the fresh produce is grown. Strawberries, mint, basil, marjoram?—’
Will held up a hand. ‘Seen one herb, you’ve seen them all. And I don’t need to see strawberries growing. I just like eating them.’
Rebecca gave a half-hearted giggle. ‘I thought you wanted to be in tune with nature.’
Her attempt to tease him fell flat once again.
‘Rebecca, darling. Nature at a macro level, not a micro one. There’s a difference.’
‘Is there?’
He narrowed his eyes. ‘I can’t decide if you’re being playful or combative.’
‘Playful. I’m only teasing,’ said Rebecca.
‘Sorry. I think I’m so deep in this book, I find it hard to take my foot off the pedal. I need some downtime.’ His eyes crinkled in an endearing smile. ‘And some time with you to make me see there’s more to life than working.’
‘That sounds like an excellent idea,’ she said, relieved. Had it always been this difficult to raise a smile from him? Clearly he did need her, so why didn’t that make her feel happy? It was what she’d always wanted, wasn’t it?
They returned to the terrace and ordered another drink. Rebecca stretched, raising her arms above her head and tilting her head back to feel the sun’s warmth on her face.
‘Olá, Rebecca!’ Cristina came barrelling up to their table in the corner, waving an ice-cream cone in her hand. ‘Did you have a good time in Lisbon. Did you meet Felipe’s fancy lady? Is this your boyfriend?’
Rebeca cringed inwardly. ‘Hi, Cristina, this is my friend Will. He’s writing a book, so he’s come out for some peace and quiet.’
‘That’s good,’ said Cristina, licking her ice cream and sliding into the seat opposite Will. ‘Have you come to see Rebecca?’
‘Yes,’ said Will. ‘And to write my book. I’m an author.’ At her blank stare, he added. ‘I write books.’
Cristina seemed remarkably unmoved by this statement. People were normally a little more interested.
‘Did you like Lisbon? Did you go on a tram? We did when we went. Did you meet Felipe’s friends? I know Kimberley. She’s really cool and so is her boyfriend, Alonso. I’ve met them on FaceTime. I want them to come stay here.’
Rebecca laughed at the slew of questions and download of information. ‘I loved Lisbon. Yes, I went on a tram. I met Felipe’s friends and Kimberley. She is cool.’
‘Yeah, way cooler than Katerina thinks she is. Katerina’s not cool at all, she just thinks she is. She’s gone to the beach this afternoon with that lame boy.’ She turned to Will. ‘Do you have a girlfriend?’
Will tilted his head, as if humouring her. ‘If I did, I’m not sure I’d be telling you. How old are you?’
‘Twelve and a half. Katerina says I’m too nosy.’
‘I’d say Katerina, whoever she is, is probably right,’ said Will.
‘Will!’ remonstrated Rebecca.
