Chapter Eleven: Starting Fresh
"No, Anne, that's not what I meant at all." Catherine scowled at the shimmering blue waters of the bay, cradling the tiny sat phone. She loved the view from Don Jose's luxurious villa, but that didn't make it any easier to talk sense to her best friend in London. Catherine was trying to convince Anne of Cleves Cosmetics that she could manage on her own in beautiful Puerto Tranquillo.
"It's not that I don't like Mrs. Holliday," she insisted, putting her feet up and lying back in the big lounging chair. Catherine had to be careful. There was an ugly bruise on her forehead, and one ankle was badly sprained and tightly wrapped in bandages. "No, I absolutely adore her. But right now you need her more than I do."
"But the accident . . . and your ankle . . . how will you ever manage in that tiny cottage all alone? And the rent . . ." Anne sounded worried even over the phone. Catherine guessed the older woman felt guilty about leaving her stranded in the tropics.
"You leave that to me," the injured girl said decisively. "Right now Cleves Cosmetics is hurting, and you need to save every penny. I can scrape by on my own till you have things under control. I'll find work as a waitress or something. Just wait and see!"
"Well, if you're sure . . ." Anne was weakening, and Catherine could feel it. The poor woman had so much on her mind already, losing her suit against Tudor Furs and so much money besides.
"I'm very sure," Catherine insisted. "Anne dear, I really must go. Let's catch up in a week or two. I should have very good news!"
Catherine put down the satellite phone just as Don Jose joined her on the shaded terrace. The short, fat but very wealthy landowner was bringing her something to drink on a silver tray. "How goes it, beautiful one? The doctor says wine is permitted. And a rest afterwards, perhaps? It is very cool here in the shade."
"Oh, I couldn't sleep! I'm too excited about making a new start. Only I wish Mrs. Holliday hadn't told Anne all about the accident." Catherine swirled the ruby red liquid around in her glass, just like Don Jose. He said it was a sin not to enjoy such a truly fine wine. "The fall from the bike was nothing, really. But poor Anne was nearly frantic when she heard I'd nearly been hit by a car!"
"The young ones are always so brave," Don Jose gently teased. He sipped his wine, putting on a big show of savoring the subtle taste. "But what is of greater importance is that you are here, and safe. My nephew is a great big know-it-all who never respects his elders. But thank heavens he found you when he did."
"Well . . . it was just luck, his finding me on the side of the road." Catherine wished it had been someone else. Lying in the ditch all frightened and filthy, she'd felt like a rag doll someone had thrown away. And Antonio's piercing black eyes had missed none of it. Remembering his eyes on her body, Catherine gulped her wine in a hurry, forgetting to sip and savor it.
"Then I am glad he was so very lucky," Done Jose said, laughing at the way Catherine consumed his most expensive Pinot Noir. "But then, my nephew is always turning up in the most unexpected places."
"Mm." Catherine had actually seen Antonio in the village before she had her accident. Sipping her wine slowly, she remembered stopping by the sidewalk café, her bicycle loaded with groceries. For a moment she'd thought of taking a break, maybe even grabbing a drink, but then she saw Antonio with the other woman.
"That's better," Done Jose told her. "Don't gulp! Let the wine calm and soothe you. An accident like yours is a very nasty shock."
"I'm over the shock, really. I just took a little tumble off my bike." Catherine felt that the rich, flavorful Pinot Noir was already soothing her nerves, making her feel more relaxed and at home. But what had she ever done to deserve such a brand new start? When she thought about it Catherine honestly felt like crying. "Don Jose, how can I ever thank you for all you've done for me?"
"There, there, my love. Don't be such a big baby!" Fat little Don Jose put on a face that made the girl in the lounge chair laugh and laugh. He was always teasing, though his eyes were very kind. "Remember, beautiful one, you are not staying in my enormous upstairs guest room as a guest. You are here to work. But you and I must plan and be very clever, if we wish to become business partners. How would you feel about running a dance club on the beach, or perhaps a small café?"
"I think that's a great idea!" Catherine blinked away her tears at once. She was here to work, not to lie around bawling her eyes out. She gave Don Jose her full attention, deliberately shutting out the accident and seeing Antonio with another woman. She had to start over, and start fresh. There was nothing but trouble in the memory of Antonio's piercing black eyes.