Second chances in teneri.., p.15
Second Chances in Tenerife, page 15
‘I’m glad to hear it,’ Álvaro said with a supportive smile.
The next fifteen minutes were fairly silent, and Karen wondered what was going on over in Álvaro’s head. Was it the restaurant, or was it her? She knew which one she wanted it to be.
‘Are you ready for some lunch now? Or do you fancy a walk or a sit in the sunshine first? You decide.’
‘Something to eat would be nice. I’m actually quite hungry now,’ she admitted.
‘That was the answer I was hoping for and I know the perfect place. There’s a little beach bar that locals go to and the owner cooks the best steak rolls with the most gorgeous caramelised onions. You’ll love it.’
They drove for another ten minutes and as they got near the bar Karen could see cars, bikes, and delivery vans parked at the side of the road. This was certainly a popular place! They got out of the car and headed towards the most wonderful smell.
‘I’ll have whatever you’re having,’ Karen said, leaving Álvaro to queue up for the food while she walked down to the edge of the sea. She found this place so odd – it was like a truck stop but this truck stop had a fabulous view and it was on the beach.
‘Sorry it took so long – I told you how popular it was – but I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Look, there’s a rock over there where we can sit down and eat.’
After just one bite, Karen knew this was her new favourite place in Tenerife. The steak melted in her mouth and she was just so happy.
Once they had eaten, Álvaro asked if Karen wanted another one.
‘Not right now – I couldn’t eat another bite! – but give me a couple of hours and I could probably manage one.’
‘Fair enough,’ Álvaro said, smiling. ‘Shall I get us a drink to wash it all down?’
‘Sounds great, thanks.’
‘There you go,’ he said, returning a few minutes later. ‘One cappuccino. Now, shall we talk about the restaurant – or should I actually say, “shall we talk about Sergio”? Because the two go hand-in-hand right now. The idea that you and Miguel came up with of having a singer in some nights is really good and if Sergio hadn’t come back, I would have been all for giving it a go. But things have changed. He isn’t the Sergio that left Kalanchoe a few months back and he’s been talking to friends who are accountants and lawyers and so he’s put facts and figures together and, well … it’s not a mystery or a surprise to say the restaurant isn’t making money. If it was mine alone it would be one thing, but a third each of the business and the building belongs to my brothers and I need to take that into consideration. I’m losing their investment and that feels so wrong, but I also can’t just let it go. It’s our parents’ legacy and it would feel like we were letting them down.’
Karen didn’t know what to say. This was such a different Álvaro to the one who just a short time ago was determined to fight tooth and nail to keep the business.
‘You wouldn’t be letting them down, Álvaro,’ she gently began. ‘Wouldn’t the most important thing to them be that you and your brothers are getting along?’
‘You’re probably right, but letting go is easier said than done.’
‘I get that,’ Karen said softly, placing a consoling hand on his arm.
They sat in silence for some time, each lost in their own thoughts, until she suggested they had a walk to work off all that lunch.
As they set out, Karen asked about the area, determined to distract Álvaro from his worries so he could enjoy at least some of his day off. Of course, Álvaro was full of information; he knew Tenerife inside out.
‘I have to be honest with you, Karen. There’s another reason I don’t want to close the restaurant. I guess I worry that if the business shuts, it means there’s no chance of convincing you to stay and work here in Tenerife, of convincing you to stay … with me. Because the truth is I really want you to. I want every day to be like these days off we’ve shared.’
Karen didn’t know what to say, thrilled to know that Álvaro was feeling the same way for her that she was starting to feel for him. Before she could form a response, they were interrupted by his phone ringing.
He apologised to her before stepping away and answering. The call went on for about ten minutes and Karen made a point of not looking at him. For one, it was none of her business, and for another, she didn’t want to give the impression she was getting impatient or wanted him to rush off the call.
When he eventually put the phone back in his pocket, he didn’t look happy.
‘Sorry about that. It was my brother – actually both brothers – letting me know that the potential buyers came to look at the restaurant and they liked the building. I’m not sure if they’ll use it as it is or turn it into something else, but either way they’ve put in an offer. It’s low though, barely half of what we’ve asked for.’
‘Oh, well, I’m sure someone else will come along and submit an offer that’s more appropriate and would lessen the sting of selling, if that’s what you and your brothers decide to do.’
‘Sergio is determined to get things with the restaurant wrapped up so he’s arguing we should take the offer, but Miguel and I both agree the building is worth a lot more than they’re offering and that’s without the business that comes with it. I’m sure I’m in for a long and painful conversation about it later but there’s no point worrying about it now and I don’t want it to put any more of a downer on our day.’
‘Don’t be silly! We’ll have other days once everything is sorted. Would it help if we called it a day and you headed back to chat to your brothers about it now?’
‘It might, actually, if you’re sure?’
‘Of course! Better to get it over with than have it niggling in the back of your mind.’
They walked back to the car and on the way, Álvaro phoned both brothers and asked them to meet him in the restaurant.
Karen hoped they could come to an agreement that didn’t involve selling the restaurant, and she really believed that having a singer come in for music nights would work to increase revenue and get them on firmer financial footing.
****
The ride back was silent and once he’d parked outside Miguel’s home Álvaro apologised again. She would be waving him goodbye, presuming the house would be empty, so was surprised to find Miguel was still there.
‘I’m just about to leave to go to the restaurant,’ he said, answering her unasked question. ‘Did you have a nice few days away?’
‘Yes, lovely, thank you. It was just what I needed and I’m feeling great. I can’t say the same for your brother though, and I get the impression you’re really in the middle now, Miguel.’
‘I am,’ he said sadly. ‘To tell you the truth, Karen, I am so unhappy and so uncomfortable about it all. The money we’ve been offered is way less than what the property and business are worth and I don’t think I can bring myself to let it go at that price. To me, it would feel like letting my parents down even more than we already have, but Sergio is so set on cutting ties and walking away from it all. And as for Álvaro… Well, I do think a fresh start might do him good, but I don’t think he could ever be as happy anywhere as he is at the restaurant. If only we’d got the music nights going before Sergio decided to come back… If we’d had time to make it a success then he might have never brought up the idea of selling.’
‘Miguel, can’t you stall things though? We could find a singer and get the music nights going within a matter of days and then who knows what’s possible? If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out, and at least you and Álvaro can say you did your best before you had to throw in the towel and sell up.’
‘You make a great point but I can’t do it all myself. I’m going to need your help, Karen.’
‘You have it. Whatever you need, I’m here for you.’
‘Sergio won’t be happy, and there’s no doubt that he’ll put up a fight, but if we can save the restaurant, it will all be worth it.’
Chapter 23
‘Good morning, darling, how are you today?’
‘A little fed up, to be honest. I’ve not heard back from Sophia to tell me if I got the contract, plus there aren’t any more jobs on the horizon. Also, I don’t want to admit it but Sergio was right, people will keep asking me to do their windows for free and I’ll never make enough doing at it to pay the bills. I’m beginning to think I should knock the whole stupid idea on its head.’
‘Amanda, please don’t let what Sergio said upset you. I think – and I know Miguel agrees – that you did the right thing doing the free trials and as for the job with Sophia, she wouldn’t have let you near her stock or window if she didn’t have faith in you. It’s a waiting game but even if she says no, you just carry on and keep putting yourself out there. This island is full of windows that need sorting out and I’m confident that you are the one to do it.’
‘Thank you, Mum. Where would I be without you? By the way, what have you planned for today?’
‘One word, darling – Betty. I’ve not spent any time with her really since before I started on the garden so Bob is taking Danny to play golf and I’ve invited Betty for a catch-up. I’ll understand if you’d rather not be here.’
‘Thanks for the warning. I thought I might go and walk by some of the windows I’ve dressed and see if the owners have made any changes. I might even go into a few new places and see if they might be interested. What have I got to lose, right? I think I’ll go and have a shower and get ready so I can sneak out before Betty arrives with all her dozens of questions.’
‘She means no harm, really, and as she’ll undoubtedly also arrive with a freshly baked cake or biscuits, I’m happy to entertain her questions.’
Jill’s phone went just then with a call from Karen, wondering if it was okay to pop in at some point during the day. Of course the answer was yes, though Jill explained Betty would probably be there until six in the evening. Karen laughed and said she’d be ready for a grilling.
‘Mum, I’m off,’ Amanda called as she came down the stairs a while later. ‘I appear to have perfect timing as I think Betty’s knocking. I’ll let her in on my way out, shall I?’
‘Hi, Amanda,’ Betty greeted her warmly.
‘Hello and goodbye, Betty. I’m off now but Mum is in the garden so feel free to go through. Hope you ladies have a lovely day!’
Just as Jill had predicted, Betty had baked biscuits, so they sat looking out at the garden as they enjoyed the sweet treats with a coffee.
‘I’m so pleased with how the garden came together, and in such a short time, too. Things are growing nicely and filling in the gaps. I’m over the moon with everything and I really couldn’t have done it without your Danny’s help. He worked so hard but he kept promising me he was enjoying himself.’
‘To be honest, I think he wished it had taken longer because since he finished, he’s been a bit miserable. It was good for him to have a project and I think now he’s been left to his own devices he’s a bit lost. He hasn’t really had any hobbies in ages – that’s the fault of that wife of his, of course. How could he when he was working every hour with his painting and decorating business to earn money for her to spend? He struggles to relax and I know Bob says I worry too much and that he’s a grown man and will figure out what he wants to do, but he’s still my son, no matter what his age.’
‘Bob’s probably right, Betty. Having all this time on his hands will give Danny the opportunity to sort his head out and start to plan his future. I think you just need to give him time.’
‘Thanks, Jill. You and Bob are right. Now, what Amanda’s been up to? And do you know why Sergio is back in town? Also, someone told me your friend Karen is spending a lot of time with Álvaro. Are they seeing each other?’
‘Oh, Betty, so many questions.’
‘Yes, but you wouldn’t expect anything else from me, would you, Jill?’ Betty winked and both women laughed.
****
For lunch, Jill made some cheese sandwiches and opened up a bottle of wine. After a morning spent chatting happily in the garden, most subjects had been covered, and as the afternoon started to turn hot, they both had moved into the shade, which provided a fresh view of the garden.
‘I think we’ve covered most things but how about you, Jill? What are you going to do with your life now you’re here in Tenerife full-time? You said your priority was to get your garden done so now that’s happened, what next? Are you going to start another business or become a lady of leisure? Though I can’t really see that happening as you’re not one to be sat on your backside every day, you need to be on the go. You’re a bit like my Danny that way… Don’t panic, I’m not trying to push either of you into anything,’ she said when she saw the look on Jill’s face. ‘I can’t help but feel you would be the perfect couple though.’
Choosing to ignore Betty’s comment, Jill said, ‘You’re right, Betty, I do need to be doing something, though definitely not another shop. Ideally, I’d find a job that’s perhaps three days or evenings a week, but it has to be something I can leave behind and forget about once I’m home. I really should give it some thought but I think I’ll wait until Karen goes back to England first as I want to be free to spend time with her while she’s here. Talking of Karen, she should be popping in at some point today.’
Betty’s face lit up and Jill knew she was likely hoping that she’d get more answers out of Karen about the situation between her and Álvaro. She was suddenly grateful she’d pre-warned her friend.
****
As Karen stood outside of Jill’s she took a deep breath. She was ready for Betty and her interrogation. Letting herself in and walking through to the garden, she found Jill and Betty sat on the bench discussing what sort of fabric Jill should use for the new cushions. Jill moved a chair over for Karen and was waiting for Betty to start in with her questions, but she didn’t get the chance as Karen launched in with questions of her own.
‘So, Betty, why did you decide to move to Tenerife, and Kalanchoe in particular? Did you look at other properties before deciding on the one next door? Would you ever consider moving back to the UK? Is there anything you miss about England? Obviously not the weather!’ Karen laughed, though Jill couldn’t tell if it was because of the joke she’d made or because of the look of shock on Betty’s face.
Betty seemed to realise what Karen was doing so answered her politely and then said it was time she take her leave. Jill showed Betty out and thanked her for a lovely day before returning to join Karen in the garden.
‘You are wicked, Karen! I’ve never seen Betty lost for words like that before. I just know I’ll remember this day for years to come. Now, let me top up your glass and then I’ll start cooking. Is pasta okay for you?’
‘That’s fine, thanks, and while you’re cooking, I’ll fill you in on all the restaurant news.’
****
‘We have a lot of work to do to pull together the music nights as quickly as possible,’ Karen said as they dug into the pasta a while later. ‘Miguel is in charge of advertising and promoting it and I’ll be in charge of staging the space and helping with any snags that crop up. I really hope it works because if it doesn’t it means I’ll have built up Álvaro’s hopes for no reason.’
‘I hope so too, especially if it means you might consider staying here in Tenerife. Are you considering it now that you and Álvaro have grown closer?’ Jill asked.
‘I really don’t know. The dream – and of course it’s only a dream at this point – would be that the restaurant takes off with the introduction of the music nights and Álvaro and I could work together and live happily ever after. But if the music nights fail and he has to sell there would be no place for me here, and poor Álvaro would need to get a new job and there’s no promise it would be here in Kalanchoe. Everything is up in the air at the moment so all I can do is focus on getting everything ready for the first music night. It’s in four days and there’s still a lot to do.’
‘Everything will come together at the end; you wait and see.’
Before Jill could continue, Amanda came rushing through the front door carrying a bottle of champagne.
‘I have exciting news! I got the contract for Sophia’s shop, and not just that, but for her other shop as well! I’ll be paid and everything! I’m so excited!’
Eventually, Amanda calmed down and went through everything that had happened in detail. The champagne was from Sophia as a thank you for the trial window, which had been a huge success and prompted significant sales for the shop. The sale of bags, in particular, had gone up over five hundred percent! Sophia was over the moon with what Amanda’s window had achieved and couldn’t wait for her to start on the other shop.
‘That’s one downside though. Their main shop is in Santa Cruz, on the other side of the island, so it’ll mean a long bus journey – two, actually, because I’ll have to get the bus in to Playa de las Américas first and then catch another one from there to Santa Cruz. But really, that will only be one long day every three weeks, so it’s doable. Anyway, I start tomorrow!’
‘Darling, I’m so proud of you and you never know, once you have a foot in the door in Santa Cruz that could lead to so much more work! Now, come on, let’s open that bottle and toast your success.’
‘I wouldn’t have any success if it wasn’t for you, Mum. I am so lucky to have you and I know I’ve taken you for granted most of my life – I was a very selfish girl – but now I realise that I wouldn’t be where I am without you. Thank you.’
‘You’re very welcome, darling, but you did this on your own. You’re a business woman now who is out to make something of her life and I’m so proud of you.’
Chapter 24
