invariably win,’ Gianna teased, and Teresa laughed.
‘Not always. But then, life would be very dull without a certain conflict of interest, don’t you think?’
‘I can’t imagine anyone wanting to argue with you.’
‘Raúl chooses to call it a reminder of wisdom whenever we clash, which is rare. He is very patient with me.’
They wandered for a while, pausing here and there to admire one of the many fountains, an ivy-clad wall, a large plane tree which offered shade.
There was time to pause for light refreshments before returning to where Miguel waited with the car. It had been a pleasant sojourn, one which had obviously delighted Teresa.
Following lunch, Gianna retreated to her suite, while Teresa rested, and checked her laptop, read the latest update Annaliese had sent via e-mail and switched her mindset to business. Sales were steady, and most of the ordered stock had arrived on time, with the exception of a few items held up by Customs. Gianna frowned, then keyed in a response with who to call. The delay was irregular. So, too, was the request by the clerk for Gianna to deal with it personally. For some reason it appeared items addressed to Bellissima were being withheld from clearance.
Very frustrating, given the client was anxiously waiting for the package. Annaliese’s polite insistence that she was relieving manageress during the owner’s absence didn’t appear to carry much weight.
Which meant Gianna would need reference numbers, dates, in order to make a personal call. With the time difference, there was no chance Annaliese could access the information needed until she reached the boutique several hours from now.
It was perhaps as well it was only a matter of days before she’d be back on the Gold Coast and available to keep a vigilant eye on business.
Apropos of which, she should consider shopping for a few gifts to take back for Ben, Eloise and the children. Not forgetting Annaliese, who was doing a sterling job with Bellissima in her absence.
While most of the boutiques would be closed, the large department stores in Palma remained open. A few hours was all she’d require, and she went downstairs in search of Elena, who in turn contacted Miguel’s cellphone, and arrangements were made to leave within half an hour.
A change of clothes, her hair pulled back in a small pony tail, a scarf, sunglasses, carry-bag, wallet and cellphone and she was good to go.
‘I’ll be fine,’ Gianna assured Miguel as he pulled in to a parking bay. ‘I’ll call you in about two hours, OK?’
‘Not OK. I will accompany you. Señor Raúl’s instructions.’
She looked at him carefully. ‘Do you really want to traipse around a department store?’
‘It is my job.’
To argue seemed pointless, and she waited while he secured permanent parking, then, with Miguel at her side, she searched for appropriate gifts. A much-favoured perfume for Eloise, a pictorial book on Inca history for Ben. The children scored tees and books, while it took a little longer to find something for Annaliese. Bracelets, thin, several of them in multi-colours…perfect.
An hour and a half later Gianna declared she was done…only to pause at a display counter with crystal, jade and rose quartz ornaments. Delicate, exquisitely carved miniatures. But it was the crystal rose which drew her attention. It shot prisms of light as it moved on an individual turntable, and she didn’t hesitate.
It was the perfect gift for Teresa, and she listened to the salesperson’s patter about the quality and workmanship, even down to the pearl of dew on one of the leaves.
Satisfied, she accompanied Miguel to the car, and when they reached the villa she thanked him before running lightly upstairs to her suite, where she changed into a bikini, filched a towel, then sought the pool.
A light breeze teased the air as the sun sat high in a cloudless sky, revealing the panoramic vista beyond, with colourful stucco villas bearing multi-coloured terracotta roof tiles, and exotic flora and fauna down to the distant cerulean blue ocean.
With care she dived into the sparkling water and stroked several laps, before resting her arms against the pool’s tiled lip as she took time to appreciate the peaceful serenity apparent, the relaxed atmosphere.
So why did the thought of leaving cause a pang of…what? Surely not regret? She couldn’t want to stay. It wasn’t only not possible…it held disastrous consequences to her emotional heart.
Because nothing from the past had been resolved…not at the time, nor could it be now.
Why not? a rational inner voice queried.
She’d taken on board the words