"Teggy said he visited here once on his travels." replied Bloom.
"Oh yeah?" replied Stella. "And where was he supposed to be?"
"Milan, I think."
"Is that far from here?"
"A few hundred miles."
"Not bad, considering it's him!"
"Stella!"
They laughed as they walked down the sweeping pedestrian avenue amongst the many tourists and locals, all taking in the myriad of street entertainment. Bloom looked at Musa, who was still looking a little glum.
"Tonight's gonna be really cool, huh?" she said, trying to cheer her up without making it look as though she was trying to cheer her up.
"Yeah... I guess so - I just wish Teggy could've come with us. Oh wait... I think we're here!" she replied as she spotted a quaint little restaurant. They walked in - at the far end was a large stage, towards which all the tables were facing. The walls were decorated with painting of local landmarks, with the wall behind the main counter dedicated to FC Barcelona - the owners were obviously from the red and blue half of the city. A lot of excited shouting could be heard coming from the kitchen, where most of the staff were watching a soccer match on TV.
They were approached by the manager, a rather plump, cheerful looking man. "Buenos noches, señoritas!" he welcomed them cheerfully.
"Erm, hi! Table for nine, please?"
"Table for nine, table for nine... oh, the birthday party! Si, si, follow me please!" He led them to a large round table, positioned directly in front of the stage. "Please, sit down, make yourselves comfortable. I will get your menus."
"I think Tegryn's chosen really well," said Brandon to Musa. "Your boyfriend has really good taste in restaurants."
"Yeah," said Stella. "And just think - you'll soon have him all to yourself! Just think of all the romantic places he could take you."
Musa smiled dreamily. "Mmmm, I can't wait!"
Shortly after the party had made their orders, the customers in the restaurant started applauding as a man and two women, all flamboyantly dressed, strode onto the stage, took a bow and proceeded to perform an extravagant flamenco.
"How do they do that?" asked Flora, staring in awe at the girls' lightning-fast footwork. "I'm getting tired just watching them!"
All too soon, their first dance was over. Acknowledging the rapturous applause, one of the ladies took to the microphone.
"Gracias, ladies and gentlemen. Now, for our next dance, we need two volunteers. Please, don't be shy!" She looked down and pointed at Flora and Musa. "I think you two beautiful girls. Please, come up to the stage."
"Me?" asked Musa. "Oh, I don't know if I can do that..."
"Go on," urged Stella. "It'll be fun!"
Musa looked at the others, who were all nodding in agreement, then reluctantly stood up and joined Flora on the stage.
"A round of applause please for these two lovely ladies!"
The crowd clapped them warmly as they were led by the two women backstage to get changed, whilst their male partner entertained the audience with a Spanish ballad.
"He has a good voice, doesn't he?" Bloom whispered to Layla.
"Yes - he's hunky too!"
They clapped as his song drew to a close, then Bloom gave an excited squeal. "Look, there they are!"
Sure enough, right on cue, Flora and Musa came out onto the stage dressed in dazzling, full-length red and black flamenco dresses, with large frills running all the way down their legs, and complete with single red roses in their hair.
"We have to get photos!" said Tecna, taking a digital camera out. First, one with Flora and Musa together with the two dancers, then one of Musa on her own (especially for Tegryn).
"Okay girls, just follow us. We take it slowly first, si?"
The dancers struck the flamenco pose as their partner strummed his guitar. Flora and Musa followed, as they stamped their feet to the rhythm, slowly at first, then building up, faster and faster, frenetically stamping and clapping for all they were worth.
The others cheered them on enthusiastically. Musa looked at Flora and laughed as she tried to keep up - she hadn't had so much fun in ages. If only Tegryn was here.
Yes, if only...