Chapter Thirteen: Club Scene
Don Jose was a very important man, and quite wealthy too. So it was only natural that his business in town would take the entire afternoon. But when Catherine awoke from her nap and showered and went down to dinner, her fat and cheerful business partner was nowhere to be found.
"I don't like starting without him," the worried young model said, setting her wineglass down with a frown. Dinner with Don Jose was her favorite part of the day. Every night the two of them shared a meal together, cooked native fashion with loads of herbs and spices. Then they sat up late talking, laughing and telling jokes, with Don Jose sharing all sorts of stories over a bottle of wine. But tonight was different. The candles were lit and the table was set for two. But it felt all wrong. Everything was just too quiet.
"I'm going into town," Catherine finally announced, shoving away her empty plate. The food was delicious, her favorite spicy chicken stew. It was Don Jose's favorite too. Though he'd traveled the world, the fat little businessman was very proud of his humble roots in Puerto Tranquillo. Clever and sophisticated Don Jose knew every inch of the island by heart. So how could he be late for dinner? Was he in trouble? Could he have gotten lost?
"Don Jose has taken the sports car, senorita. But I will ring for the limousine at once. Miguel can take you wherever you wish to go."
"Thank you, Rosa." Catherine smiled at the housekeeper, who was already dialing up the chauffeur who lived above the garage. Plump and always smiling, Rosa had been with Don Jose for years. She was clever and capable and managed the entire household just as easily as snapping her fingers. Yet tonight the housekeeper's sweet, round face wore an anxious, worried look.
"You must not stay out too late," Rosa said, kissing Catherine and giving her a quick hug at the door. "Don Jose has not called, which is a little unusual. But I am sure he will be home soon."
"Yes, I'm sure he will be." Catherine couldn't say any more without worrying Rosa, so she hugged and kissed the housekeeper before waving goodbye with a bright, cheerful smile. But worry and anxiety made the young fashion model twist her hands together tightly in the back of the long black limousine.
"Take me to the tourist district, Miguel. I want to see the club scene up close!" Catherine didn't really feel like dancing and having a good time, but she sensed that Don Jose might be out there somewhere in the tight-packed crowd of tourists. He was interested in helping her start a dance club of her own, of course. And now that she thought of it, he had been very keen to find out more about that beautiful dark-eyed girl she'd seen with his nephew. Maybe she was a waitress or a hostess at a tourist club!
At first, Catherine couldn't help feeling that the club scene in Puerto Tranquillo was really a bit of a bore. No matter where she went, it was always the same bright lights, the same loud music, and every good-looking boy she saw was dying to pull her onto the dance floor and rub up against her while they wiggled and jiggled to the same old pulsing beat. But even while she was wiggling and jiggling she kept an eye out for short, bald Don Jose.
"No luck finding him?" The cool male voice was amused, almost cynical. But underneath was a husky sort of animal alertness.
"Huh?" Catherine had just slipped out into the shady garden for some fresh air. This was the kind of club that offered seclusion for couples looking to get closer than they could on the dance floor.
"You're obviously not interested in the boys on holiday from England." He had the bluest eyes Catherine had ever seen. And he was dressed in holiday clothes, a casual shirt and board shorts that revealed an incredible body. It was a man's body, not a boy's.
"You're from England." Catherine sensed she'd met this man somewhere before. Or maybe she'd seen his picture. In any case, she tried to sound bored and casual as she joined the stranger at the tiny table in the half-dark garden. It was stupid being nervous, because she really had no business chatting with him anyway.
She was looking for Don Jose!
