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18.
“MIOCARIÑO, THIS TASTESdelicious. A little more paprika, then some lemon close to the end, and it will be excelente.”
Nana wore a soft pink, cotton dress that she’d picked up from the market, her locket, and the butterfly brooch. She’d applied eye shadow and blusher, which she never normally did, and had set her hair. She looked elegant and had made a big effort for what Gabi classed as a casual dinner with Aisha. “I feel I missed something on the invite,” she said, looking down at her beach shorts and vest.
“I forgot to say, I’m popping out this evening.”
“Where to?”
“Señor Cortez invited me for a drink.”
“Who?”
“Pablo, the man from the house at the end of the street, with the infinity pool and the pretty fruit and olive trees.”
They’d noticed the grand house when they’d walked past, and they didn’t need to get Nana’s binoculars out to get a good view of its rear gardens from their terrace. The place was like the mansion where Nana had spent her childhood, that they’d driven past after they arrived, though it was smaller, a lot less pretentious, and the terrain less guarded. She’d imagined leaning over the edge of the pool with a cocktail in her other hand, the water trickling through her fingers into infinity, enjoying the view of the hills. The land around the property was terraced with rows of citrus, plums, and figs that would provide a good harvest. Grape vines trailed the trellises, giving shade to an extensive patio area. She could see Nana enjoying the gardens there and clearly, the company.
“I’ve seen Pablo a couple of times,” Nana said. She cleared her throat. “He’s going to show me his citrus sinensis arancio.”
“I bet he is.” Gabi laughed.
“It’s a sweet orange tree. The best in Granada.”
Gabi couldn’t tell whether it was the blusher or an increase in body heat that flushed Nana’s cheeks. It was nice to see her happy and making friends. “Sounds great.”
“He has orchards of punica granatum he’s going to show me.”
“Are you testing my Greek?”
Nana smiled. “Latin, Gabriela. He owns the local grenadine factory. He’s very interesting,” Nana said and patted Gabi’s arm.
“You’ll be back for dinner, though, won’t you?” Gabi said.
“Oh, no, cariño. Pablo’s making us dinner, so I’ll be back sometime after midnight.”
Gabi closed her eyes as the heat swept through her. Her stomach fizzed, and her heart raced. Being alone with Aisha was everything she wanted, and it made her as nervous as hell. She’d thought Nana was dining with them, and the fact that she wasn’t was fantastic.
“I’ll be off then,” Nana said. “Say hello to Aisha for me.”
Gabi nodded because excitement had stolen her voice.
“Oh, and maybe wear that nice scent. Not too much, or it will upset the paella.”
“Go.” Gabi pointed to the door, laughing.
“Oh, the bunch of flowers on the table in the hallway is for Pilar.”
Gabi hadn’t thought about gifts. “Is there a custom here? Should I have got something for Aisha?”
“I picked up some jellied fruits from the market for her, along with the ashtray for Maggie that had slipped your mind.”
Gabi winced.
“The jellies are next to the flowers.”
Gabi went to Nana and kissed her forehead. “What would I do without you?” she asked.
Nana patted her arm. “Don’t burn the paella,” Nana said as she opened the door. “The crust should be brown and rich with flavour.”
