he taxi dropped us in front of a modern office building in the centre of the city. The entrance hall was light, bright, expensive and anonymous. Even the small artificial water garden, the aggressively modern furniture and two exceptionally decorative receptionists couldn't disguise the fact that this could be any office in any city in the world. Still, it was classy and I wondered what sort of position Señor Alvarez occupied. The receptionists spoke excellent English and flashed brilliant smiles at me. Charles's interest perked up immediately.
A very pleasant young man emerged to escort of to the señor. He made polite conversation as we ascended in the lift and seemed much taken with Tonia and Lola, much to their amusement.
"You are from Scotland?" he asked.
"Aye, twa gallous besoms frae Edinburgh," Lola said in a most outrageous accent, then giggled. "Sorry. Yes, we are. From Edinburgh."
The young man blushed then grinned slyly. "I take it that was a Scottish accent. You might try it on Roberto."
The lift doors opened at that point and we were unable to find out why we should try it on the good señor and why our guide found the idea amusing.
Roberto Alvarez was obviously a man of some importance. His door had a fancy brass plaque with his name and title 'Director General'. Lola gave a silent whistle.
"Managing Director, I think," she whispered as we were ushered into a sumptuous ante-room.
The room was occupied by three attractive women. The oldest, a strikingly elegant woman in her late twenties or early thirties, rose to greet us as we entered. Her dark hair was pulled severely back from her face, emphasising her oval face and slightly sharp features. Her lipstick was bright red and the contrast with her typical swarthy Spanish complexion and white teeth was startling. I had this sudden vision of them wrapped around my cock. I didn't need Charles's excited, 'yes, yes, yes,' to tell me that this was one sexy lady.
"Welcome. Roberto is expecting you." Her smile and her voice held genuine warmth. Her accent was enchanting.
She stepped from behind her desk, smoothing her tight skirt down her thighs in an unconscious gesture. She tapped lightly on Roberto's door and opened it without waiting for a response. She held the door for as we stepped into the inner sanctum. As I passed I caught a whiff of her perfume. It was subtle but it seemed to strike right at my gonads. I flashed her a quick smile of thanks, catching her eye. She held my gaze for an instant and it was clear the attraction was mutual.
Tonia and Lola were already engaged in greeting rituals as I recovered my composure. They greeted Roberto like a long-lost friend and he the same. He shook my hand warmly. I didn't know why, but he seemed genuinely pleased to see us.
"We are pleased you remembered us and overwhelmed by your offer of hospitality," Lola said.
"How could I forget two such charming and beautiful ladies," he said. "I assure you the pleasure is all mine."
"And the offer to show us round your beautiful city is most generous. Are you sure we're not imposing?" I added.
"Not at all. Again the pleasure is all mine. To tell you the truth I will be glad of the excuse to, as the Americans say, goof off for a few days."
One of the younger girls brought in coffee. If I hadn't seen Roberto's PA or secretary or whatever she was, I would have looked at her more than twice. While he and the ladies chatted, I took the opportunity to study him. My initial impression at the airport was confirmed. I placed him in his mid-forties, his dark hair just beginning to show signs of grey. Handsome without being effeminate, impeccably dressed without appearing foppish, courteous without being oily, he exuded an aura of total confidence and masculinity. The broad shoulders, noticeable even under the expensive suit, the naturally tanned skin and the half-smile that seemed to play at the corners of his mouth as if he found the world greatly amusing, only increased the impression of someone who would take whatever was thrown at him and turn it to his advantage. I realised, with horror, that I was insanely jealous. I was what I was because of Charles. Roberto Alvarez was what he was through natural selection. My conversation with Charles about the difference between being an alpha male and only appearing to be one came crashing home to me.
I noticed that Roberto was glancing at his watch. "I greatly regret that, after you phoned, something came up which I must complete before I play hooky. It will take no more than half an hour after which I will be exclusively yours. I know it's an imposition but can I ask you to be patient for thirty minutes?"
"Half an hour?" Lola exclaimed. "That's not nearly long enough. We need to go shopping."
"Shopping?" Roberto raised an eyebrow.
"It's my fault," Tonia confessed. "We had planned on a shopping expedition anyway so I'm afraid I persuaded the others just to come as they were and we would get what we needed here. I hadn't realised you were planning to 'play hooky' quite so abruptly."
Roberto threw back his head and laughed. "Shopping it is, then."
He strode into the outer office and had a long conversation with his PA.
"Sorry, guys," Tonia said quietly.
"Don't worry about it," I replied. "You remember what Lola said about rich people making their own rules. Well, we're rich people and we're making our own rules and if our plans don't fit with Señor Alvarez's, he'll have to, at least, meet us half way."
Lola gave me a strange look but Roberto and his PA came back just then.
"Right," Roberto said. "A car will be available shortly. Maria…" he indicated his PA, "…will come with you. We'll drop you…" he indicated me, "…off at the tailor's then the ladies can shop to their hearts' content. When you've finished, the car will bring you to my apartment. Shall we say six o'clock? That will give us time to relax before dinner."
"I'm afraid that will never do," Lola said, but she was smiling. "We can't let him go shopping on his own. He'll buy something awful like corduroy trousers."
"Or a lumberjack shirt," Tonia added.
"Or…" Lola shuddered dramatically, "…a cardigan."
"Lola," I said in as shocked a voice I could muster. "You know me better than that. I would never buy corduroy trousers."
"Whatever," she said firmly. "You are not going shopping alone." She had her back to the others and she winked at me.
I pretended to think about it. "Your plan has merits," I said at last. "With three stunningly beautiful women to distract the assistants, I should be able to make off with the till without too much trouble."
It was Maria who cottoned on first. She started to smile then to laugh.
"I think," she managed to splutter, "they are pulling our legs."
I could see the wheels turning in Roberto's head as he replayed the conversation. "I confess that British humour sometimes eludes me," he sighed. "Are you really comfortable with this arrangement?" he asked me.
"Oh, yes. You see there's some truth in what they say. Not much," I added warningly, "but some. I will tend to buy comfortable clothes for myself. But, today, I'm not buying for myself, I'm buying to be seen with two beautiful women. It's only right they should have a say in my appearance. And besides," I added with an exaggerated conspiratorial wink, "there are side benefits."
"Side benefits?"
"They return the favour and I get to help choose what they wear."
He got that one. A broad smile spread slowly across his face. "Ah. I see there's method in your madness. Yes. Okay, I bow to the inevitable. The car and Maria are at your disposal as you will. Is six o'clock still suitable?"
Suddenly I was feeling a lot more confident. I may not have the natural advantages Roberto had but I had Tonia and Lola and, together, we made a formidable team.
"Six o'clock is perfect," Lola said. "And we are very grateful for the loan of the car… and Maria. Are you sure you can do without her services?"
I winked at Maria who blushed discreetly.
"It will be a struggle but I will survive," Roberto said with a ghost of a smile. He was beginning to catch on to our style.
"Is there somewhere we could freshen up before we go?" Tonia asked.
"Certainly. Follow me," Maria said.
"Till later, then," Roberto added. "Hasta luego."
Lola pulled me aside as I was about to enter the gents.
"Are you okay?" she whispered.
"Yes. I had a momentary lapse but I'm fine now."
"You sure?"
"Certainly."
"What about Maria?"
"Charles approves, but… Let's be cautious."
"I agree."
She gave me a peck on the cheek and disappeared into the ladies.
It wasn't really a gents at all, more like a luxury bathroom lacking only the bath, although there was enough room for one. I was tempted by the shower but contented myself with a wash. There were real towels, real soap and a cabinet full of toiletries most of which, I suspected, were Roberto's. In addition to the wash, which was for purely psychological purposes, I had Charles give me his instant shower-and-shave routine.
"Well, Charles, you've been remarkably quiet. What are your impressions?"
"Much as it pains me to say it, you have been doing fine. Perhaps you are starting to learn something at last."
"Can I have that in writing?"
"What? You know I am unable to write."
"Forget it. What do you think of Señor Alvarez?"
"A valuable ally."
"But he's the real deal. A genuine alpha male."
"But he doesn't have me. That gives you the edge."
"Yes, but…"
"No buts. He tried to dominate you there and you, all on your own, managed to impose your will on him. I hate to admit it but I am almost impressed."
"I did have some help from Lola but I'll try not to let your extravagant praise go to my head."
"That would not be a good plan."
When would I learn that sarcasm, irony or any other form of humour was wasted on him?
"So what should I do?"
"With Mr Alvarez? Nothing. He will fall into line if you continue as you are."
"Are you sure?"
"If you really insist, I could make him subservient to you."
"But you don't think you need to."
"Not until you screw up."
I bit my tongue on the obvious retort.
"And Maria?" I asked.
"Hot to trot." I could feel the leer.
"How crude."
"But apt. She's yours. I hardly need to do anything."
"But…" I stopped. I knew what he would say so what was the point? "I think I should be cautious. I think here's more here than meets the eye."
"There is." His smugness was palpable.
"You knew and you didn't say anything? What sort of genie are you?"
"I am not a genie. And, besides, I needed to say nothing. You worked it our all by yourself."
"Don't patronise me."
"What does that mean?"
I sighed. Why were conversations with Charles so frustrating?
"So what's the connection?"
"I do not know. All I can see is that their 'threads', as you so crudely visualise it, are closely linked. I cannot tell what sort of relationship they have. I am not a mind-reader, you know."
"Okay," I sighed. "At least I know I'm on the right lines. Thank you for that, at least."
"Don't mention it."
"Okay, I won't."
Shopping was fun. There, I've said it, something I would never in a million years have thought I'd admit. Shopping was fun. At least, this shopping was fun. Maria knew exactly where to go and guided us to an exclusive gentleman's outfitter. It was the sort of place I would have passed by without noticing. One of these places where the frontage is discreet but the prices are not and, almost instinctively, you know your presence would not be welcome. Of course, I could have just window-shopped then let Charles re-create what I wanted but that would not have been discreet either.
The proprietor recognised Maria instantly and greeted her by name. My ears pricked up when he addressed her as 'Señorita'. A couple of assistants were summoned and the best the shop could offer was wheeled out for my approval. It was amusing, really. It took them no more than five minutes to learn to ignore me and address themselves to Lola and Tonia, with Maria running a translation service as required. Finally, the ladies were satisfied with their choices and I was despatched to the changing room to act as a male mannequin.
Now it was Maria's turn to be amused as I was pushed and pulled and tugged and adjusted. I remained stoical throughout. After all, it was their turn next and I intended to exact my revenge. A mere hour later, we left with, I have to admit, some extremely good, if pricey, clothes, including a very sharp suit for tonight's dinner and some beautifully tailored shirts. Tonia and Lola were so taken with themselves that I didn't have the heart to remind them that I was due to change my appearance when we got back home and none of this stuff would fit me any more. Oh well, it was only money.
"Please remember three things," I said to Tonia and Lola as we entered a very exclusive ladies-wear establishment: it was far too posh to be called a 'boutique'. "One, we've only got till six o'clock: two, we're only staying a few days and three, we've got to get all this stuff home on the plane."
"Oh, poo," Tonia pouted. "First, we've got weeks and weeks of holiday left; second, there's plenty of time, even for us, and three, we can always get things shipped."
I raised my hands in surrender and prepared to be entertained.
And entertained I was. Tonia and Lola paraded in front of me in a variety of outfits from cocktail dresses to beachwear. I made a great show of making them turn and twist, of pulling and tugging to make sure the fit was exactly right. I took no liberties but gave as good as I had received. Maria cottoned on first and was having difficulty keeping a straight face. The shop assistant was starting to look concerned until Maria whispered in her ear and then she, too, began to grin. I drew Maria into the joke by asking her opinion. She showed she had understood by walking slowly round the ladies with a thoughtful frown on her face and doing her own bit of tugging and pulling.
"What are you doing," hissed Tonia as I adjusted the shoulder strap of a particularly elegant evening dress.
"Just making sure it fits perfectly," I replied mildly. "You do want to look your best, don't you?"
"Bastard," she hissed.
I gave her an evil smile. "Do you think we should treat Maria? I've noticed her cast lustful eyes over one or two dresses."
"I take it back. You're a sweet man. Are you intending to manhandle her, too?"
"Do you think she'll be more disappointed if I do or I don't?" I countered.
"If I had a pair of shoes on I'd hack you on the shins."
"It must be my lucky day, then. By the way, you look absolutely stunning in that dress."
I left her staring open-mouthed, crossed to the rack where I'd seen a dress that Maria had been particularly admiring.
"Here," I said, handing it to her. "Go and try this on."
She looked at me uncomprehendingly.
"The dress. Try it on," I repeated, waving it at her.
"Oh, really, I couldn't," she stammered, going bright red.
"Whyever not?"
"Well… because… I couldn't… it's too expensive."
"Nonsense. You don't want them to show you up at dinner tonight, do you? You are joining us for dinner, I take it?"
"Yes," she gasped turning even brighter red. "How did you know?"
"I didn't," I grinned. "I guessed."
"Oh," the wind went out of her sails.
"Try the dress on," I said gently. "I think it will really suit you. Consider it as a 'thank you' for your time today."
She squared her shoulders, reminding me that she had a rather nice bosom beneath the tailored jacket. "In that case, Señor, I accept with gratitude." She took the dress and turned towards the changing room then stopped and half turned back to me. "And will you be ensuring it fits perfectly?"
I said nothing, simply grinned.
She swayed away to try on the dress and I watched her appreciatively.
"Stop flirting with the hired help," Lola complained. "I'm feeling neglected."
"I thought you thought my attentions were unwarranted."
"Better unwarranted attention then none at all."
"I'll remember that."
Lola was trying on a bright red dress. It fitted her perfectly and, if anyone could get away with that colour, she could. Under the guise of ensuring that it was hanging straight I copped a feel of her bottom.
"Cut that out," she said without heat.
"That would leave rather a hole," I commented. "And spoil the look of this rather nice dress which, by the way, suits you to a 'T'."
It took her a second to catch on. "Lucky for you that you added that second comment."
She stopped and stared over my shoulder so I turned to see what had caught her attention. Maria had emerged from the changing room and I understood Lola's silence. Gone was the svelte office worker to be replaced by a vision in blue and gold. Even with the wrong make-up and shoes and her hair still pulled back, she looked like she could grace the Oscars or a Royal Ball. Everyone in the shop had stopped what they were doing and just stared.
I let out a slow breath. I could see she was becoming embarrassed by the attention. I strode over to her, grabbed her hand and bent low over it.
"Señorita," I said gently, "would you do me the extreme honour of accompanying me?"
Without giving her time to reply I tucked her hand under my arm and gently tugged at her. She seemed to give herself a little shake. She smiled a million-watt smile and held my arm more firmly.
"Señor, I should be delighted," she said, squaring her shoulders.
Together we promenaded back to Tonia and Lola.
"Maria, it's perfect," Tonia breathed.
"I'm going to stay in tonight with a good book," Lola grumped. "No-one will notice me with you in that dress."
This was so obviously untrue that we all laughed. Even wearing sack-cloth and ashes, Lola would be noticed. The crack did serve to break the spell, however.
"You've got to take it," Tonia urged.
"I'll second that," Lola added.
I leant close to Maria's ear and murmured, "Just think of Roberto's reaction when he sees you in this."
She gave a little gasp then blushed and clapped her hand to her chest. "You have an evil mind, Señor," she said, then grinned.
"So I've been told," I agreed. "But I never listen to the critics." I glanced at my watch. "I know you're having fun, ladies, but I'm sure you'll want shoes to go with these dresses. There probably isn't time for the hairdresser."
"Shoes," Tonia squeaked. "Hurry up, Lola." Suddenly she was all action.
"I still can't understand how an otherwise normal and sensible woman can turn into a whirling dervish at the mention of the word 'shoes'," Lola said, shaking her head in mock sadness.
"Probably some traumatic childhood experience," I agreed, nodding wisely. "Perhaps her parents made her go barefoot."
"Mmm. Or it could be a post-hypnotic suggestion. I've heard people can do strange things under hypnosis."
"What are you two muttering about," Tonia said.
"Compulsive behaviour," Lola replied.
"There's no time to be discussing things like that. We've important business to do." Lola and I exchanged glances and burst out laughing. "What's funny? Why are you laughing at me?"
"Never mind, dear. Let's get finished up here and go and buy some shoes." She turned to me. "What did you like?"
"Oh, I know what I like," I leered.
"The clothes, you lummox."
"Dresses. Oh, the ones you're wearing for a start." I went on to list a few other items that I had particularly noticed.
"I'm shocked," Lola said. "He's actually chosen proper clothes. I thought he'd want us dressed as tarts."
"Whatever you may think," I said in the most offended tone I could muster. "When I am escorting a beautiful lady to dinner, I prefer her dressed as a lady. Not," I added, "that I have any objection to her being dressed as a tart on other occasions. Or undressed, too, come to that."
"Dear, sweet man," Tonia said, patting me on the cheek. "I knew there was a reason for keeping you around. Now, why don't you go and have a nice walk for fifteen minutes while we make our final selections? Then you can come back and pay for it all."
"Walk?"
"We've got to have some surprises for you."
"In that case, I'll be back in fifteen minutes."
"Julio is returning with the car," Maria announced. She had changed back into her business outfit. In one way I was disappointed but in another I was glad. If she had kept on that dress, I might have been forced to make a serious pass at her and I didn't think that was a good idea just now.
"I'm just going a wee message. I'll be back in quarter of an hour," I said.
"Wee message?" Maria was puzzled.
"Errand." Lola explained.
As I stepped from the cool of the shop into the heat and bustle of the Barcelona afternoon, a thought struck me. Fortunately, I found what I needed within a few minutes.
The jeweller was slightly reluctant at first when I asked to see his selection of gold necklaces. I could understand in a way as I was hardly dressed for the occasion. As I was in a hurry I had Charles make him more cooperative and when I laid a thousand Euros on the counter and he realised I wanted three necklaces and matching earrings, he nearly fell over himself in his bid to be helpful. I asked him to label the boxes so I wouldn't confuse them. As a precaution, I made sure that, although he would remember making a large cash sale, he would be slightly fuzzy about exactly who he had made it to. I was back at the ladies shop in seventeen minutes. Julio was parked outside with the engine running. I waved at him as I hurried inside.
"Why don't you load these into the car while I settle up," I suggested, eying the large pile of carrier bags.
For some reason I didn't want Maria to see me produce large wads of cash. My heart did do a little flip-flop when I heard the size of the bill but then I thought, not for the first time, that it was only money so what the hell and handed over the cash with an aplomb I was proud of. The shop assistant blinked several times at the pile of paper money but did her best to match my casualness. Just the same I took the same precautions there as I had in the jewellers.
Shopping for shoes was a hoot. Tonia was torn between wanting to try on and, if possible, buy every pair of shoes in the shop and the realisation that she was on a limited time budget. She swithered and dithered and hemmed and hawed. It was all Lola and I could do to maintain reasonably straight faces. In a way her indecisiveness was a benefit for we managed to persuade her to restrict herself to three pairs with a promise we'd come back for more some other time. Maria was a harder nut to crack but for the opposite reason. She felt we'd been generous enough and was only very reluctantly persuaded that the effect of the dress would not be as great without the perfect pair of shoes to compliment it.
As we left, Maria excused herself. She needed to return to her flat and would meet us at Roberto's. As Julio threaded us skilfully through the Barcelona traffic and Tonia and Lola chatted away happily, I turned my mind back to our generous host. We had met briefly in an airport departure lounge. We knew nothing of him nor he of us. Yet, here he was, offering us the hospitality of his home, providing a car and driver for our convenience and the services of his valuable PA. Was this the simple kindness of a rich and generous man or was there something more; some hidden strings that we couldn't see?
Suddenly I felt very insecure. What was I doing here? I was a nobody; a simple, unambitious, average nobody. What did I know of the rich and glamorous other than what I had read between the lines in the Sunday tabloids? People who were rich and glamorous in the public eye were often decidedly unglamorous in private. Was that it? Were we being led into some sort of trap? Naive and foolish ingénues adrift in a sordid world of… whatever?
And Tonia and Lola: why were they so apparently unconcerned? They were infinitely more intelligent, better educated and more sophisticated than I. They seemed relaxed and happy, chatting away as if it was an everyday occurrence to be sitting in a chauffeur-driven car in a strange city en route to visit a man they hardly knew. Why weren't they even very slightly bothered? In another flash of insight I realised it was because they trusted me: trusted me to keep them safe, to rescue them, to prevent them from being harmed. And it was this that had allowed them to relax, to become the fun-loving, sexy women I had come to love. I cowered in the luxurious leather of the car seat. I was responsible for them. I didn't want responsibility. I'd spent most of my adult life avoiding it. Responsibility was not my forte. What if I couldn't protect them? What if I failed them in a crisis? I stared miserably out of the window, seeing, but not seeing, the hustle and bustle of the sun-soaked city.
"Chicken-hearted wimp," Charles said, breaking into my bubble of introspection.
"Not now, Charles," I sighed.
"Spineless, weak-willed milksop."
"Give it a rest, Charles."
"Pathetic, craven coward."
"Will you shut up!"
"You've got infinitely more than any of them and what do you do? Cower in a corner like a sleekit, tim'rous beastie. I thought you had some guts; some balls. I was obviously mistaken."
"Fuck off!" I screamed at him.
I must have said this aloud for Tonia and Lola looked at me in astonishment.
"Sorry," I muttered. "Just Charles being more than usually obnoxious."
I felt like a martini that would be refused by James Bond, both shaken and stirred, and I had to make a conscious effort to pull myself together as the car drew up in front of a small block of stylish and exclusive modern apartments. We entered through heavy glass doors into a plain, air-conditioned lobby. A middle-aged man in a grey uniform sat behind a small desk.
"Buenas tardes, Señor, Señoritas. ¿Puedo ayudar?" he greeted us.
"Buenas tardes. Señor Alvarez, por favor," Lola said.
"Si. Un momento." He lifted a telephone and spoke into it briefly. "Segundo piso," he said to us, smiling and waving at the lift.
"Gracias, señor," Lola replied.
I noticed Julio was about to drive off.
"Back in a jiffy," I called, hurrying out.
I waved at Julio who wound down his window. I pressed a €50 note into his hand.
"No, Señor. No puedo aceptarlo. Es demasiado."
I patted his hand and smiled. "Take it. Buy something nice for your wife."
I don't think he understood what I was saying but he smiled back. "Muchas gracias, Señor. Muy amable."
I waved and hurried back into the building. The ladies were waiting in the lift with the door open. I noticed they had not lifted the bags I had discarded in my rush to speak to Julio.
"I didn't know you spoke Spanish," Tonia said to Lola as the lift ascended with barely a murmur or shudder.
"I don't," Lola grinned.
"Then how do you know where we're going?"
"I don't. I caught the word 'segundo' and I guessed it meant 'second', so I simply pressed the button marked '2'."
"I thought he was telling us to piss off," I said.
"You would."
I was saved from further embarrassment as the doors swished open. Roberto was standing in the hallway.
"Told you," Lola said smugly.
Roberto was wearing an open-neck casual shirt and a pair of casual but well-cut trousers.
"Welcome to my humble abode," he beamed.
"We're eternally grateful," Lola said, kissing him on both cheeks.
Tonia greeted him the same way.
"The pack-mule greets you," I said.
He eyed the bags I was carrying. "You managed to buy so much in a few hours? I'm impressed." His eyes twinkled.
"We even sacrificed lunch in our dedication to shopping," I grinned back. "It's a pity there wasn't time to buy something for the ladies."
He threw back his head and laughed. Yes, he was certainly catching on to our humour.
His abode was far from humble. From the front door, a wood-floored walk-way led to a set of open stairs. To the right, steps led down to a sunken living area lined with dark blue, leather couches upon which were strewn brightly-coloured scatter cushions. A large rug with an Aztec-looking motif dominated the floor and a fireplace with an enclosed fire dominated the far wall. An archway led to what looked like a kitchen and French windows led to a substantial balcony. To the left, there was a wall with several doors and some large pictures. It was obviously a man's home but it was impeccably done.
"Roberto, this is beautiful," Tonia exclaimed.
Roberto shrugged. "I like it. Let me show you your rooms then I'll give you a guided tour."
"Rooms?" Tonia asked archly.
He shrugged. "I thought you might need the wardrobe space."
The ladies tried to look indignant.
"One-nil to Roberto, I think," I chortled. I was warming to this man.
The stairs led to a landing lit by a cupola. He opened one of the doors that circled the landing and ushered us through. The bedroom was large. The outside wall was mostly windows with a dramatic view over the city to Montjuic and the Old Port and the Mediterranean beyond. The bed was also large with an Aztec-y bedspread and the fitted wardrobes generous. Tonia and Lola 'oohed' and 'aahed' over the view and I dumped the bags on the bed.
"The bathroom's through there," Roberto said. "And you may use the room next door… if you need the wardrobe space… or another bathroom. Merely a suggestion," he added seeing the look in their eyes. "I'll leave you to get settled in. Come down when you're ready. Dinner is at nine so there's no hurry."
"This is brilliant," Tonia sighed, throwing herself down on the bed among the carrier bags. "Perhaps we should just buy a flat here instead."
"The language might be a problem," I said mildly.
"We could always learn it. Anyway we wouldn't need to stay here all year, just the winter."
"That's an idea."
"It's certainly a lovely flat," Lola said from the window where she was admiring the view.
"I sense a 'but'," I said.
She turned, her face serious. "But I wonder what's going on."
"How d'you mean?" Tonia asked.
"Haven't you stopped to wonder why an obviously rich and successful man who we met for no more than five minutes at the airport offers us the run of his home and is willing to take time off work to show us around?"
"Yes," I said, ecstatic that I wasn't alone in my worries. "It's been bugging me all day. Frankly, I'm concerned."
"I'm more puzzled than concerned," Lola said.
"I don't understand your problem," Tonia said, sitting up. "Roberto meets us at the airport. He thinks we're classy, sexy ladies and wants to get to know us better. He thinks, perhaps, he can seduce us away from our doormat, here, so he pulls out all the stops to impress us with how rich and successful he is. I'm impressed but I'm not going to desert my doormat."
"Listen, woman, I'm your ticket to paradise, not a doormat."
"I know, dear," she said offhandedly. "I'm just looking at things from Roberto's perspective."
"You could be right," Lola nodded thoughtfully. "It's certainly a plausible explanation."
"Perhaps he even doesn't want us permanently. He just wants to prove his seductive power. Perhaps he gets a kick from seducing beautiful women."
"I don't think so," I said. "He and Maria are 'coortin', as my Granny used to say."
"Coortin?"
"They are an item. A couple. He's shagging the arse off her."
"No need to be crude."
"Are you sure?" Lola asked.
"Yes. I dropped a few unsubtle hints and she all but admitted it."
"Perhaps he collects women. You know, like a sailor with a woman in every port," Tonia said.
Lola shook her head. "I'm all confused again. If he's having an affair with Maria, why should he want us?"
"Perhaps they both do?" Tonia said.
Lola was silent for a moment. "What does Charles say?" she suddenly asked.
"Not much," I replied. "He's given no warning of danger like he did with Viktor. In fact, if I've understood him correctly, he believes that our relationship will be beneficial."
"In what way?"
I didn't need to consult Charles, he'd heard the question. It was interesting but communication between us was becoming easier and easier.
"He doesn't know."
"Will it be a business benefit or a personal one?"
"He doesn't know."
"Are we going to be one big happy family or merely partners?"
"He says, and I quote, that's the third time that retarded female has asked the same question."
"One of the joys of being a lawyer," Lola grinned, not taking offence. "You learn how to ask the same question again and again until you get the answer you want. So, I take it he really doesn't know."
"I think we can assume that."
"Okay, so Roberto is not a threat and will be helpful to us."
I held up a warning finger. "Only if we don't screw up. I asked him earlier."
"Oh. Will he guide us if it looks like we are screwing up?"
"He says yes."
She gusted a sigh. "Well, that's something I suppose but I won't feel happy until I get to the bottom of this."
"You're a pair of worryworts. I'm going for a shower," Tonia said.
"Is it big enough for three?" I asked.
"Only one way to find out," she grinned, heading for the bathroom.
It was. And afterwards we swept the carrier bags onto the floor and made gentle love which, of course, necessitated using the shower again.
I found Roberto on the balcony, his feet on the railings and a glass of Sangria in his hand.
"Help yourself." He waved at the pitcher.
"Nice view," I said, joining him.
"Yes. It's the main reason I bought the apartment."
"Master of all you survey?" I said with a smile.
He laughed. "Hardly. Are you enjoying your visit?"
"To Spain or Barcelona?"
"Either or both."
"We're enjoying both immensely. I've never been to Spain before."
"Where are you staying?"
"Lloret de Mar."
He nodded and named the hotel.
"Yes." I was surprised.
"Not a difficult guess," he grinned. "It's the only good hotel there."
"It's not the liveliest but it suits us fine."
"You will provide some welcome excitement, I think. For how long are you here?"
"Another two weeks." He raised an eyebrow. This was my opening. Should I take it? Was now the right time? I decided to go for it. "We're combining business with pleasure?"
Although he didn't move I knew he was on the alert. "Business?"
I took a deep mental breath.
"Charles, can you make sure he answers the next bit honestly?"
"Go for it," came the smug reply.
"Before I answer that, may I ask you a question?" He nodded. "You met us for no more than five minutes at the airport. We are complete strangers to you yet you are treating us as though we were bosom friends. Why?"
He turned towards me. He was smiling but the expression in his eyes was one of… respect?
"I thought you might turn out to be interesting people." I just looked. He gave a short laugh. "That was, indeed, part of it. I hesitate to offer the rest. You might not think well of me."
That was interesting. He was concerned about my opinion of him. "Try me. It would take quite a confession to lower yourself in my estimation."
He looked surprised. He was silent for a moment then, "Before I answer your question may I pose one of you?"
"Only fair, I suppose. Though if we go on playing this game too long we'll forget what the original question was."
"Good point. What do you see when you look at me?"
"Whoof. That's what they call a loaded question. If you're sure…" He nodded. "I see a successful man. Successful because he's not afraid to reach out and take what he wants. Successful because he faces challenges squarely and turns even adversity to his advantage. I imagine that, if something were to happen and you were to lose everything you have, you would take a deep breath and start all over again with a smile on your face."
"You flatter me. Seriously, you do."
I shrugged. "You asked."
"And I got more than I bargained for. I thank you for your high opinion of me, even though I do not believe it is fully deserved. Well, candour deserves candour, I suppose." He paused to marshal his thoughts. "I noticed Tonia and Lola at the airport. They are striking women and difficult not to notice. They appeared to be alone. I'm afraid I am a sucker for beautiful women so I introduced myself. I was somewhat surprised when you appeared. You will forgive me but you did not strike me favourably."
"I don't blame you," I cut in. "I was hardly at my best. I'd just had a run in with airport security followed by an unpleasant conversation with my advisor."
"I did not realise that, of course," he acknowledged. "What I perceived was, if you'll forgive me, a rather nondescript man to whom two exceptional ladies were quite obviously very attached. I was intrigued. I was challenged. What was the bond? Was it voluntary? Was it mutual? Acting on, what is the word, a whim, I extended my invitation. After we parted, I became even more intrigued. You know how sometimes things grow in importance in your mind? I would not say I was obsessed but I was definitely intrigued. I did not expect to meet you again so when you phoned I was overjoyed. I decided to put you to the test, so to speak, and I invited you here."
He paused and regarded me thoughtfully.
"You honoured my question with candour so I will return the favour. You did not strike me as an exceptional man and I pride myself in reading people well. I wondered what your relationship was with these beautiful women. It could not be respect and it was unlikely to be love. Did you have some sort of hold over them? Was their presence with you entirely voluntary? Could I…" he paused, "…I suppose my emotions were half way between rescuing them from you and seducing them away from you."
I tried to maintain my outward cool. This was a perceptive man and I would be foolish indeed to underestimate him.
"When you stepped into my office, I confess I was somewhat taken aback. I did not see what I expected. You had stepped from the back to the front. No, that is not quite true. You had stepped forward but it was as the leader of a unit. I sensed a bond between the three of you; a strong bond. Yet, I confess I still have not placed you. One moment you command, the next you are content to take a back seat." He raised a quizzical eyebrow.
Oh, this was a clever man. I had to divert his fishing expedition without being obvious. I gave a shaky laugh. "You are formidable man, Roberto. I am very glad I'm not facing you as an adversary." I laughed again, less forced this time. "At least Tonia will be pleased that she was right."
"Tonia will be pleased she was right about what?" Tonia said from the French windows.
As one, Roberto and I turned our heads and, as one, we stood and stared. In the doorway were the two most stunningly beautiful women we had ever seen. The dresses, as I had suspected, were perfect. It's one thing to see them being tried on in a shop: it's quite another to see them with the full monty; shoes, hair and make-up. Even I, who thought they were beautiful anyway, was speechless.
Roberto was the first to recover. He stepped forward and raised Tonia's hand to his lips. "Señorita Tonia, you grace my house with your beauty," he said in a tone of deep sincerity.
He turned to Lola and kissed her hand, too, "Señorita Lola, your beauty will haunt my dreams."
I swear they almost wriggled in pleasure.
I clasped one of their hands in each of mine. "My loves," I said, kissing their hands in turn, "you have excelled yourselves. I bless the day you came into my life."
We escorted them to the seats we had vacated and Roberto poured drinks.
"Back in a moment," I murmured and scurried upstairs to where I had secreted my surprise.
"Ladies, stunning as you are, I fear your outfits are not quite complete," I said, handing them the boxes.
They opened the boxes and squealed. They leapt to their feet and smothered me with hugs and kisses not seeming to care if they smudged their make-up. Roberto watched with a smile on his face. I was forced to help fasten the necklaces and then they disappeared to find a mirror.
"You know, for a reception like that I might just revert to my original plan," Roberto laughed.
"I dare you," I grinned. I handed him the remaining two boxes. "You might find a use for these."
He was about to speak when there was the sound of a door opening. With a guilty start, Roberto rushed inside. For a moment there was silence then the sound of a low but intense conversation. A moment's silence then Maria's delighted squeal. Shortly Roberto ushered Maria onto the balcony.
"Have I no secrets left?" he said in mock resignation.
"No important ones," I grinned. I bent and kissed Maria's hand. "Señorita Maria, your presence lights up my life. If it wasn't for your protector, I would spirit you away to my remote Highland castle and keep you forever."
Her hand flew to her throat. "You are a wicked man," she blushed.
Tonia and Lola re-appeared and dragged her away amidst excited chatter. Alone again on the balcony, Roberto regarded me thoughtfully.
"I should be angry at you for trying to seduce Maria," he said. "But as I had similar plans for Tonia and Lola, it would be hypocritical of me." He held out his hand and shook mine warmly. "Like you I am grateful that we are not enemies." Suddenly he grinned. "However, I am glad I yielded to my whim to extend my invitation. I have this feeling that life has just become more interesting. Tell me, how did you find out about Maria and me?"
"I guessed."
"You guessed?"
I nodded. "You are an attractive and eligible man. She is a very attractive woman. You work closely together and, as I have a dirty mind, I started with the assumption you were having an affair. I made a few comments to Maria and watched her reaction."
"Formidable."
"Not really. Now, to be serious for a moment, I admit to being very attracted to Maria and, if she was not already 'spoken for', as we say, I would make a serious attempt to seduce her. However, I give you my word of honour that I will attempt no such thing unless I am certain that this would not cause difficulties between you."
He blinked. "Are you always this blunt?"
"Only when it suits my purposes."
He glanced at his watch. "As I have said, life is becoming very interesting but I regret we must continue this later. If we do not go and attempt to match our ladies finery, we shall be late for dinner."
"I agree. Women are something fierce if you keep them waiting."