“Yes, I’m fine, of course. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Can I come in for a minute?” he asked, pacing from one foot to the other.
“Yeah… of course, come in,” I said, flustered, “How did you know what room I was in?” I asked and closed the door behind us.
“Oh,” he looked embarrassed, “I asked at reception – I suppose they shouldn’t have told me really.”
“No, it’s fine, really, all of it – it’s great that I bumped into you both… do you want a coffee?” I asked, standing up awkwardly, wanting to fold my arms, but unable to over the bulky towel.
“No, no thanks. I just wanted to stop by and check you’re okay for later on – in case you wanted to make an excuse to get out of it or something.”
“No, no, not at all.”
Did he want me to cancel?
“I think it’s great us running into you too,” he said, his voice softening.
I let myself slacken, looking at him properly.
“It’s lovely seeing you again Richard.”
The room was warm. His smile made it much warmer. I started to feel the effects of the sangrias and noted I needed to keep myself in check.
No more fuck ups.
“So, em… Ivan doesn’t er…”
“Know about what happened with us?” he finished, “God no!”
“That’s good,” I said exhaling, feeling some relief.
“Okay, well that’s terrific then Vicky, we’ll see you this evening,” he said, changing to almost business like and patted me on the shoulder. He let himself out.
It was strange.
“See you later Richard.”
“See you.”
My coffee was cold and I threw it down the sink. I cracked open a bottle of San Miguel from the fridge instead.
***
I was on time to meet them down outside the restaurant. They were seated together on one of the sofas in the lobby and they immediately stood up and greeted me. I felt like I was going to be interviewed. Maybe I was.
“How are you? Nice seeing you both,” I said, smiling widely with my mouth and trying with my eyes. I kissed them each on the cheek.
“Vicky,” Richard said warmly.
“Lovely to have you along,” added Ivan, a funny look in his eyes.
In the restaurant you could choose where you wanted to sit and help yourself to the oodles of five-star grub. A waiter came and took our order and we began with a bottle of red and a carafe of white. I was essentially sober again from the nap after my cocktails, and I couldn’t wait to get my mouth around a nice Chardonnay. We had a glass each before our starters and the chat started off light.
“Tell me Victoria, did you try the prawns last night?” asked Ivan, swilling his wine around in its glass, inspecting it. The red wine clung to the sides of the glass as it swished back and forth.
“No, I didn’t actually.”
“Exquisite. You must try them tonight,” he urged, with a voice of worn silk.
“I actually don’t really like seafood,” I whispered, dramatically putting a finger to my lips. I was trying too hard.
I’m such a dick.
“Oh, but you must try these prawns,” he enthused further.
“Ivan,” said Richard mock scolding. “You must let our guest eat as she pleases!”
“I’m sure Victoria can look after herself, you don’t need to speak for her,” responded Ivan with a loud chuckle. I thought I detected a bitter aftertaste in his tone.
“Now, let’s get started,” he said and rubbed his hands together.
I shared a smile with Richard and we all rose.
As we finished our starters, the conversation moved to what we all made of Lanzarote so far.
“Such a crazy landscape isn’t it?” I said, pushing my plate away and reaching for more wine.
Ivan nodded, looking thoughtful.
“It is,” agreed Richard, “I had seen pictures of course, but I had not expected the whole island to be this unusual. The drive up to the volcanoes was magnificent.”
Ivan nodded again.
“It really was something else,” I agreed, spreading a thick wad of butter onto a roll. I wasn’t even that hungry, my hands just needed something to do and I couldn’t very well roll up in there.
“Could be somewhere to retire to, what do you reckon?” said Richard with one of his film-star smiles, placing a hand on Ivan’s arm.
“Won’t be long until we can retire Richard,” agreed Ivan, his eyes growing warmer as he looked hazily at Richard. Maybe it was the drink – he looked a little the worse for wear, but also looked to be relaxing. Much of the time he looked so hard and intimidating – like a big, rugged piece of old volcano himself. But underneath, there might be something softer. I was sure of it. Or maybe it was just lava.
“That’s true, that’s true,” said Richard and he clasped his husband’s hand, then removed it, looking about to catch the eye of a waitress. He held up the empty bottle and shook it, smiling at me.
“You see, we have some business to attend to while we’re here,” said Ivan, “It will help with… our well, semi-retirement.”
“Vicky doesn’t want to hear about our boring business wrangling Ivan.”
“No, of course I do,” I said, waving my hand in protest.
Richard sucked in air, caught the gaze of a waitress and signalled for more drinks.
Ivan’s eyes began to loll about his sockets. Yes, he was well oiled.
“Once we’re done here, we’ll have much more free time,” continued Ivan, “What a better way to start than with a holiday, ay?” and he let out a throaty chuckle.
Richard continued to look more uncomfortable.
“What is it you two actually do?” I asked.
Ivan struggled for the words and Richard broke in, “We’re in media sales… information. It’s all a bit confusing to explain – and dull. We’re two boring old queens, ay Ivan? So, who wants a refill,” he said and reached for the new bottle of red.
By the time the mains were finished, so was all of the wine. I lost count if it had been three bottles or four.
“Excuse me, por favor,” said Richard to a passing waitress.
