Mary came out of the big house. ‘Morning, Leo. I’m afraid me and Keith are a bit busy at the moment. Perhaps you could take Rags for a walk with Leo, Patti? Would you mind? He could do with some exercise as we’ll be out later and he’ll be home alone.’
Talk about perishing obvious! Patti felt a little awkward at Mary’s attempt to push her and Leo together but Leo’s smile had widened.
‘That would be delightful. If you would like to, Patti.’
So of course she agreed. ‘Give me a few minutes to get changed,’ she said.
‘I’m wondering what to wear for the flamenco dancing tonight,’ Patti said as they walked along with the little dogs. ‘We only came with a small case each so no space for party dresses.’
‘There is no need to worry, it is – how do you say? Smartly casual. Only the dancers will be dressed up.’
‘Yes, I’ve seen the outfits, they’re very showy, aren’t they?’ Pattireplied. ‘You know, I’d love to be able to do a dance like that. It’s one of the things on my bucket list, to learn a new dance.’
‘And what else is left on your bucket list?’ Leo asked, stopping to let Coco off the lead so she could run free now they were out of the residential area.
Patti let Rags off the lead too. ‘To get over my fear of heights,’ she said. ‘That’s why we’re going on the Caminito del Rey on Tuesday. I admit I’m terrified.’
‘The thought is scary, I can see that. But I have walked it a few times and I assure you that it is safe.’
‘I’ll take your word for it,’ she said.
‘You will be okay, you are very brave. I admire you,’ Leo said softly.
Patti raised her eyes to his and swallowed. He was looking at her so tenderly.
He’s being friendly, kind. Don’t read more into it.
‘Brave? I’m guessing Mary and Keith have told you about my cancer?’
He nodded. ‘It is a lot to go through.’
‘It is, but that doesn’t make me brave. I survived – kicking, screaming and protesting about the unfairness of it all. And now I’m picking up the pieces and trying to rebuild my life.’
‘I think you are more than rebuilding it. You are embracing it,’ Leo told her. ‘And that is a wonderful thing to do.’
‘Thank you.’ Patti felt her cheeks burn and tore her gaze away and looked over at Rags who was now rolling in the grass so that Leo wouldn’t see her flaming face.God, she was acting like a teenager on her first date. It was ridiculous. Get a grip, Patti!
‘Do you think I’ll be okay to wear this?’ Sandra asked, holding up a white, floaty maxi dress.
‘I think it’s perfect. Leo said that it’s casual smart. I’m going to wear this,’ Patti held up a calf-length orange and red flared dress with a zig zag hem. ‘I’ve got some orange sandals to match.’
They had both just finished applying their make-up when Mary, dressed in a pair of smart white linen trousers and a floral top, knocked to say that Leo had arrived.
‘We’re ready!’ Patti said. She and Sandra picked up their bags and headed over to the house where Leo and Keith were chatting on the terrace.
‘You lookmuy hermosas senoras,’Leo said, standing up and kissing first Sandra, then Patti on both cheeks, his kiss lingering just a little longer on Patti’s. He said we all look very beautiful, don’t take it personally, she told herself.
Patti couldn’t take her eyes off the dancers. They were fantastic. The woman was dressed in a red dress that hugged her waist and draped over her hips into a tiered, ruffled skirt. The sleeves also had ruffles at the wrists and she wore shiny, red patent shoes. She was holding a small pair of black castanets in one hand. A man in black flared trousers, white frilled shirt, red cummerbund and black patent shoes was sitting down on a stool, playing a guitar while the woman danced, her hips moving seductively, her hands moving in fluid, circular movements as she clicked the castanets, twisting and turning, her skirt swirling around her as she tapped her feet in time to the music.
Then the owner of the restaurant beckoned Leo forward and Patti’s mouth almost dropped open as the man on the stool handed Leo the guitar. Leo sat down and started playingamazingly while the man and woman danced together. The man’s hand movements stronger and more energetic than the woman’s with controlled hip movement, a perfect display of both masculinity and femininity. Patti watched entranced. The dance ended to enthusiastic applause.
‘Did you know Leo could play the guitar like that?’ Patti whispered to Mary.
She nodded, her eyes shining with fun. ‘He planned it as a surprise for you. He knows the dancers.’
Did Leo know everyone?
‘That was wonderful,’ she said as Leo took his seat again.
