If you want an idea of what the Villa looks like, I used this one as an example. .
Chapter 38
…
Andrea began unpacking the bags as Kate went out on to the balcony outside their bedroom, looking out over the land, the bright blue sea just over the hills. Andrea looked up from her task, smiling when she saw the way Kate ran a hand over their daughter. She made her way over to the wardrobe and put the handful of dresses she had in her arm on to the rails before closing the doors and going out to join Kate.
"It's not taking as long to unpack as I thought it might?" Andrea smiled.
Kate hummed before turning to Andrea, smiling at the younger woman before she leaned in and kissed her.
"Which leaves us more time to explore our new surroundings."
Andrea's arm went around Kate's waist as she leaned in to her, following Kate's gaze.
"I can't believe how beautiful this place is?"
"It's glorious, I still can't believe we're actually here. He stuck to his word."
"You didn't think he would?"
"I wasn't sure, I know he wanted me to be happy and safe, but…even I knew I was asking a lot of him. I wasn't going to get excited until we were actually here."
"And now we are, so now you can relax."
Kate ran a hand down Andrea's cheek, as she smiled at her.
"I know you said you wanted to continue working, that you didn't want to rely on my money and Raymond's, but the offer is still there? You said it yourself, this place…there's so much to do here, we'd never be bored."
"I know, and I admit the thought did enter my mind."
"But?"
"I need to work, I don't want to give up a career I spent so long studying for, working three jobs to get too. Being a doctor, it's not just a job to me, it's part of what makes me the woman I am. I love my job Kate, and I couldn't give it up. I don't think I'll be working as much as I'd planned though, we have time to think it all over…together."
"As you wish dearie."
"You hungry?"
"A little."
"Why don't we go downstairs and see what we have in the fridge. Red, Lizzie and Dembe will be here soon, might be nice to have food ready for them."
"It sounds like a wonderful idea."
"I can do it myself if you're tired?"
"I'm not tired, in fact I think this is the first time I've felt this energized in a long time."
Andrea leaned in and kissed her, taking hold of her hand before they made their way down to the kitchen.
…
Dembe sat in the front of the cab, while Red and Lizzie sat in the back, Lizzie's head on his shoulder as he looked out the window.
"I can't believe we're finally here?" She smiled.
"It's a beautiful country, wonderful weather." Red replied.
"This your first time here?" The voice from the front asked.
Red looked in the mirror, smiling at the female cab driver.
"It is."
"Hey you're American?" Lizzie smiled.
"Correct."
"Have you lived here long?" Red asked.
"About ten years, I moved here with my husband and daughters. My husband was transferred here for his work, and wherever he went, we all did."
"What does he do?"
"He works in IT."
"Does he like it here?"
"Well not at first, then he met his assistant, he likes it a hell of a lot more now."
"Oh god, I'm so sorry?" Lizzie replied.
"Don't worry about it honey, I'm better off without him and so are my girls. I did think about moving back to Chicago but then I thought, hell no. My kids are happy here, they've made new friends, and their father now lives about four hours away on one of the islands, so it's not like we run in to him and his mistress."
"Good I guess?" Lizzie asked.
"More than, I'm better off without him. Hopefully I'll meet a decent kind of guy at some point. Speaking off, what's your name honey?"
Dembe looked up from his phone to see the woman smiling at him, Lizzie and Red smiling in the back seat.
"My name is Dembe."
"Dembe, unusual name."
"Yes."
"What do you do for a living?"
"I work for Raymond, I'm his…personal assistant."
"Very nice, well I'm Gabriella, but you can all call me Gabby."
"It's nice to meet you Gabby." Lizzie smiled.
"Well I'm Elizabeth, Lizzie, this is Raymond, Red and well…you now know Dembe."
"Well I certainly do now." She smiled, with a glint in her eye.
As Gabby signalled to turn, Lizzie's eyes went wide as the cab drove up the long driveway.
"Oh my god…"
"You like it?" Red asked softly.
"It's huge."
"Bigger than the picture Raymond." Dembe added.
"You renting this place?" Gabby asked.
"No, I bought it."
"You…wow, what is it you do?"
Lizzie glanced quickly at Red who only smiled in return.
"Self made man who has just retired."
"Some people have all the luck."
As Gabby pulled up in front of the villa, all the occupants sat staring at the building for a few moments, just taking in the beauty of it.
"Well, I'd love to stay all day, but I got another pick up so…"
"Right yes, sorry. Dembe, would you be pay Gabby please."
"Of course Raymond."
Lizzie and Red got out of the car, Dembe quickly following as he and Gabby went to the trunk and took out their luggage.
"Well, look…if any of you need help with anything, or a tour guide, here's my card. Call me any time."
"That's so kind of you, thank you." Lizzie smiled.
"No problem honey, always nice to make some new friends, and hey Dembe…I definitely hope I see you again." She winked, as she got back in to the car and drove off.
"Well, looks like you have an admirer, and on your first day here." Red grinned, as he helped Dembe with the suitcases.
Dembe only rolled his eyes at his friend as they all made their way in to the Villa.
…
To Be Continued…