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“Autumn colours would be perfecto,” Nana said.
An hour later, Gabi walked into the city, pondering the apartment that Nana had arranged to view. It had two spacious bedrooms each with ensuite bathrooms containing a bath and shower, a living room that was bigger than the whole of Gabi’s old flat, and views overlooking the square and a local small supermarket. It also had a modern kitchen with a breakfast bar, and a terrace with a view of the Genil River that would pick up the evening sun. Nana was right, it would be perfectly manageable. Maybe Gabi should be a bit more open to staying, and even look for a job. She could explore the bars for opportunities. It was the holiday season after all, and her Spanish could just about stand up to tourist conversations, taking drinks orders, and listing the best places to visit.
The music in this street wasn’t as good as the first night. A waiter coaxed her into his bar with a smile and a free first drink. She ordered a beer and glanced around as she waited for it to arrive. Women’s perfume, men’s aftershave, and a hefty dose of cigarette smoke formed a heady mix that reminded her of working her old job. The voices and laughter drowned out the street music. Though she would be better off in the balmy air, she relaxed easily with the familiarity inside the bar. She smiled at a woman smiling at her. Her white blouse hung off one shoulder and was tucked into a skirt that barely covered her ass. She had long wavy brown hair and a mock-coy smile that Gabi read as an invitation to introduce herself. Gabi thanked the waiter for her drink and raised her glass as the woman approached her.
“Have you been in here before?” the woman said in a distinctively Cockney accent.
Gabi shook her head. “You’re from London?”
“Is it that obvious?”
“What can I say? I’m an EastEnders addict.”
The woman laughed. “Where are you from?”
Gabi sipped her drink. “Devon. A village close to Lydford.”
The woman nodded. “You look Spanish, apart from the hair.”
“It’s in my genes.” Gabi tugged at her baggy jeans.
The woman laughed. “Holiday?”
“Kind of. You?”
“Just a week.”
Gabi sipped her drink. “I’m Gabi.”
“Lynn.”
Gabi held up her glass, and Lynn clinked it with hers.
“Have you been to Spain before?” Gabi asked.
“No, you?”
“First time.” Gabi raised her eyebrows and sipped her drink.
Lynn smiled as she eyed Gabi up and down. “Nice.”
The beer headed down the wrong way, making Gabi cough. “Seems nice enough,” she said and looked around the bar, heat burning her cheeks. She was used to being chatted up while on the other side of the bar. It was different being on this side, and she felt more vulnerable without her job to hide behind.
Lynn brushed Gabi’s arm with her fingertip and held Gabi’s gaze.
Gabi finished her beer and called the bartender over. “Can I get you another drink?”
Lynn shook her head. “Want to try a different bar?”
Gabi couldn’t see anything wrong with this one. Admittedly, it wasn’t a gay bar, but the atmosphere was easy going, and it was close to the square where the flamenco dancers were. What the hell? It would be nice to have some company. “Okay.”
“Follow me,” Lynn said.
“Where are you staying?” Gabi asked as they walked.
“A bed and breakfast on Jorge Carmen.” She shook her head, tousling her hair, and ran her fingers through it then settled it behind her ears. “There’s three of us. We work together.”
“Where are they, your friends?”
