***
'I can't believe how crammed it is,' whined Pam.
'It's Friday afternoon. What did you expect?'
'First class given my brother's wages.'
They both giggled.
'At least it's free drinks,' said Juliet.
'Yeah let's get out money's worth!'
When the flight landed four hours later, Pam was wasted. Juliet was merry, but fortunately, in a state where she could usher Pam into a cab while giving the driver the address of their residence.
Juliet was stunned by the colours and unique architecture of Marrakesh. There was no western influence on the outside of the buildings. The spectacle of the Moorish structures had Juliet feeling better; even if the temperature was nowhere near as warm as what Pam had promised.
As the driver approached the building, Juliet saw a young man out the front and guessed it was Pam's brother as he waved.
'Hi I'm Charles,' he greeted, opening the car door.
'Pam's brother?' asked Juliet.
'Pam's brother,' he confirmed. 'What on earth has happened to my sister?'
'Can I preface this visit by letting you know, as her best friend, I am completely unable to rein in your sister's behaviour.'
'How many drinks?' asked Charles, hoisting Pam over his shoulder in a fireman's life.
'She drank the ship — well the plane — dry!'
Juliet followed him. The sandy chinos he wore were snug on his arse and she berated herself for admiring it. He was over six foot and had a masculine frame.
Unlocking the door to the flat, Juliet realised while Eastern on the exterior façade, inside was a modern western interior. She didn't complain; there was more room in the living room than in her entire studio flat.
'What a light weight,' said Charles, flopping on the couch, having put his sister to bed.
'That's one thing I wouldn't call Pam. The amount of alcohol she consumed on the flight was impressive.'
'What on earth was she doing drinking at 6am?' chuckled Charles.
'It was helping her deal with the 4am rise. The early start combined with the shock of being on cattle-class was too much to handle.'
'As if she's ever flown business or first class.'
'She'll be fine once she sleeps it off.'
'I know but she's not exactly played the good host by drinking herself comatose. I'm afraid you're stuck with me for the day.'
'Pam's not really the touristy type so I don't think I'm missing out on too much.'
'Ahhhh you're hoping to see the sights then?'
'Only if you're prepared to play tourist guide. I don't want you to bung me on one of those open top buses with a pair of headphones to listen to a recording of tedious facts of the sites we pass.'
'I've got something far better in mind,' winked Charles.
Having left Pam a note for when she woke, Charles took Juliet to explore the real Marrakesh. He didn't rush her from attraction to attraction, but started with a hot mint tea in a café in the ancient city walls of the 'old town'. The ritual of pouring and preparing the tea was fascinating. Charles explained the length of time varied in different premises depending on the height of the pour and the waiter pouring. The hustle and bustle appealed to Juliet and she was grateful for the opportunity to take in the ambiance.
Charles was an excellent host. Like his sister he was friendly, warm and welcoming. They talked in depth about Juliet's art. Juliet hadn't realised he was a collector in his spare time and they discussed some of the artists in his collection; discussing both styles and approaches to art. Having fed and watered his guest, Charles suggested they explore the Medina, taking her to a souk.
The markets were amazing with Juliet getting lost in the hedonistic sensory experience. Time flew by as Charles held her hand and led her through the array of shops. The colourful ceramics, fabrics, carpets, jewellery and shoes had Juliet diving into her spending money. Seeing her pay upfront for goods without questioning the prices forced Charles to step in to barter on her behalf, in order that her money last for the duration of her visit.
The freshness and fragrance of the foods were appetizing. Charles invited Juliet to choose dinner and dessert for them to take back to his flat. The motorbikes weaving through the crowds, with men eyeing her up and down, had her instinctively clutching Charles' hand. He laced his fingers through hers, holding it tightly to reassure her she was safe.
'I can't believe we saw a snake charmer,' said Juliet as they walked through the door of his apartment.
'You liked it then?'
'I loved it. Thank you so much.'
Juliet kissed him lightly on the lips. He surprised her by kissing her back forcefully. His steadfast hands on her waist had him pulling her to him. Charles delicately eased his tongue into her mouth to explore her. She moaned, enjoying the taste of him.
She heard footsteps from the hallway and broke her kiss with Charles.
'Alright?' asked a bashful Pam.
'Are you okay?' asked Charles smugly.
She grunted at her older brother.
Juliet laid the table as Charles bought the food over. They sat together and dined. Juliet and Charles related their adventures to Pam as she nursed her hangover.
'You two sound awfully friendly,' said Pam, her eyes narrowing as she observed how close they sat.
'What did you think I'd do? Leave Juliet unattended because you were too drunk to take in the city with her? For someone who wanted a girly weekend and break from her horrid boyfriend, you don't seem to be making the most of your time here. All you've done is eat, drink and sleep. What a waste of a day,' snarled Charles.
Juliet felt uncomfortable at the tension between the two siblings. She bowed her head, examining an invisible stain on the tablecloth.
'Shut up Charles, I already feel bad enough,' snapped Pam.
'Good. Your behaviour is embarrassing. Why do you insist on making a scene about everything? I was looking forward to showing both of you the city.'
'Okay, I'm sorry. I'll go to bed and sleep this off. Hopefully I can come exploring with you tomorrow.'
'Sounds wise,' said Charles shrewdly.
'I don't want,' Pam stopped short, deciding not to finish the sentence.
Juliet was sure the comment was ready to be directed at her. She jumped up to give her friend a hug goodnight.
They watched her pad down the hallway back to bed. Her disappearance left them with an awkward silence.
'Fancy a swim?' offered Charles.
'It's winter Charles. Okay it's sunnier here than England, but come on, it doesn't warrant a dip does it?'
'Come with me.'
He took her to an indoor heated pool within the complex.
'Who'd have thought behind all those horseshoe arches and intricately designed tiles hid this wonder?' she asked.
'You really love the buildings here, don't you?'
'Yes I really do. I think your sister was right. I did need a break to get the creative juices flowing. This east meets west vibe has a lot going for it. It is inspirational.'
'At least I've done one thing right today.'
She laughed.
'How about that swim then?'
