the stairs, and they walked together to his car. After he'd put her bag in the trunk, she draped her new dress over it and took her seat in the Mercedes. "I'm glad you came here with me."
He turned the key in the ignition and then grew puzzled. "Were you going to come here without me?"
He was smiling as though the thought were absurd, and she let him think so. "It wouldn't have been nearly as nice a trip without you."
"Last night I got six stars, and today I'm only nice?" He turned the car in a wide arc to head out on the road.
She looked out her window. "You're excellent company in or out of bed. Is that better?"
"I prefer excellent to nice. It should rate at least four stars. "
"At least." She tried to stay awake but was soon yawning and closed her eyes. She had only a few more days with him, and if she gave in to her fears, she'd miss those. He'd gone way past a mere fling with her, and she wondered if he would say the same about her. Like many of her questions, it remained unasked.
Miguel was playing cards with his nurse when Maggie rapped lightly on his bedroom door. He appeared delighted to see them. "You're back, and you have the camera. Open the cabinet opposite the bed, and you'll find whatever you need."
The petite blonde nurse picked up the cards, returned them to their box and remained seated at the small table. She folded her hands in her lap, eager to watch it too.
Rafael opened the cabinet and turned to Maggie. "Do you know how to do this?"
"No, maybe we should wait for Santos."
Miguel left his chair, and while holding onto a bedpost for support, explained exactly what to do. "Do not be embarrassed. I make little effort to keep up with technology myself." He went on around the bed, sat down and adjusted his pillows. "When did you film this?"
"This morning," Rafael replied.
Ana had scenes of the bullring, the bull and the ranch hands. For a woman with no experience with that camera, she handled the transitions smoothly. Then Rafael entered the ring, and Maggie couldn't bear to look. She'd thought she could watch, but even after Rafael had taken her hand, it was too much for her. The sound was good and included the snorting bull as well as the men's enthusiastic shouts. She was certain Rafael had to be good but stared at the floor until the end of the tape.
"Play it again," her father asked.
Maggie slipped her hand from Rafael's and joined the nurse at the table. "I'm Fernanda," the nurse whispered. Her eyes glowed with excitement. "He's very good, isn't he?"
"Incredibly good," Maggie assured her, without any personal evidence at all.
This time when the tape ended, Miguel remained silent a long moment. "You're relying on your strength," he cautioned. "But no one expects you to grab the bull by the tail and hurl him out of the arena."
"Strength is an asset," Rafael argued through clenched teeth.
"Yes," Miguel agreed thoughtfully. "So is artistry, but let's not quibble. You're the equal of many matadors fighting today, which isn't difficult. I'll have your name added to Sunday's program for your Alternativa and arrange for good men to work with you."
"Thank you. I promise you won't regret it."
"I'm sure I won't. You must forgive me if I'm unable to attend in person, but I'll watch here. Now I need to rest. Come back to see me tomorrow morning."
"I'll be here."
The nurse left, and Rafael pulled Maggie out the door and into his arms. "I would have argued all afternoon until he gave in. I wouldn't do this if I had any doubts, but I've worked hard for this chance."
He had such a handsome smile, and he needed her to share in his excitement. All she really felt was dread, and she produced only a shaky smile. "I know you'll do well."
They were still standing outside Miguel's room when Santos and Fox ran up the back stairs. "What did he say?" Santos asked.
"I wouldn't embellish it," Maggie whispered.
Rafael didn't need to, but his smile grew wide. "I'll see you in the ring on Sunday."
Astonished, Santos looked ready to spit. "You're lying."
"No, he isn't," Maggie assured him. "Father's setting up the Alternativa as promised."
Not convinced, Santos went into his father's room and Fox followed. "I don't mean to disturb you if you're resting."
"You already have," Miguel responded, resigned to the interruption.