She recalled what Paris had said— that Ben should get away and see Spain. Her name wasn’t mentioned. Was that an oversight, or was it a subtle message? It didn’t really matter in the end. Walking away from Ben wasn’t an option. Ana wanted him too badly, and if it were to be only an affair, she would have to take that and make the most of it. She continued to ponder the direction her life could be taking, and as she jumped from thought to thought her heart began to pound. Finally she returned to the bed and tried to quiet her brain. The only conclusion she could draw was that since the future was out of her control, she should live for the moment. This relinquishment brought her peace and she dozed off again.
After an hour or so Ana was awakened by the familiar knock on the adjoining door. She told Ben to come through then sat up in bed, unconcerned with her appearance as she applied the new ‘what will be will be’ attitude.
“I like you all tousled and with a sleepy-looking face,” Ben said, walking toward the bed. He put his hands on his hips and stared down at her.
Ana slid down and pulled the covers up around her neck. “Not too much of a shock I hope,” she said, using one hand to push the hair away from her face.
“You’re adorable,” he said, and proceeded to fling himself onto the bed, grab her and pull her over on top of him.
He held the sides of her face and began to pull her down for a kiss. She resisted and said, “Ben, we can’t! Remember… we have a little charade to maintain, and your parents could be at the door any minute.”
Ben groaned with frustration and conceded that she was right. He slid out from under her and off the bed. He had left the adjoining door ajar and heard a faint knocking coming from his room. He went through, pulling that door closed then answering the other. It was his father, who walked quickly into the room. Ben realized it was another close call, and he’d had enough of the pretense.
“Do you know when Valerie’s parents will get here?” Ben asked.
“They’re on the way from the airport as we speak. I imagine they will go straight to the hospital, but I’ve booked a room for them here.”
“That’s a relief. I don’t see how I could keep up this charade with Valerie for another day.” His father nodded in agreement, and Ben added, “Dad, I’ve got to get out of this town. So does Ana, but me especially. When do you think we could leave?”
“Well, I’m hoping they can consult with a psychiatrist, maybe a neurologist, shortly after they arrive at the hospital. They will ease her into the present— tell her that the two of you are divorced. Then we’ll see how she takes it and what’s to come after.”
“Should I be there?”
“My opinion is no. Your absence may help her to face reality. And for God’s sake, son, you’ve done enough!”
Ana hadn’t come through to Ben’s room to see who had knocked, and taking advantage of her absence he had the opportunity to talk with his father about his intentions upon leaving Pamplona. Ben made it clear that Ana had no idea what he was planning, but he hoped she would agree and even be excited at the prospect. He had put out a ‘feeler’ the night before, hoping to stir her interest. Hugh agreed wholeheartedly that it was a perfect idea and offered to do whatever he could to get things underway. Ben definitely needed some help in order to put things together in such a short time.
Hugh said, “I’d like to tell your mother, but that’s up to you, Ben.”
“Actually I’d like to wait until I’ve told Ana.”
“That’s fine,” his father answered. “But I’m sure she will be in favor of the two of you getting off by yourselves. This has been a crazy way for two people to get to know each other.”
“We really don’t know each other very well. I hope this time I’m planning will take care of that. I have to see what we’re like together when there’s no crisis and no one is trying to kill me.”
“Smart move, son. You know we want you to be happy… and to put it in your mother’s words, ‘settled.’”
Hugh opened the door to leave, and as he stepped out into the hall, Ben said, “I wonder if she still wants to interview me…” His father laughed as he walked away down the hall.
He was emboldened by his father’s offer of help and hurried back to Ana’s room, stopping to knock lightly before slowly opening the door. Wrapped in the robe provided by the hotel, Ana was standing in front of the window. Ben walked over to her and put his arm around her shoulder. She was still tousled and as he turned to kiss her forehead he could detect a sweet and feminine morning scent that was new to him. He led her to a chair and told her to sit, that he wanted to share an idea with her— an idea for their ‘respite.’
She folded her hands in her lap, looked up at him and said, “I’m all ears.”
“First, I really need you to be sure about the name of your grandmother’s town. If you can remember anything specific about the place, maybe I could help.”
“I am sure. It’s Ronda. There’s a bridge, a really tall bridge. It’s
