The Escape ( Paddock Passion Series Book 1)

Chapter Five

I was the first to arrive in the foyer and was looking though some brochures choosing what to go see first.  The receptionist offered some suggestions, I settled upon the Palau de la Música CatalanaThe building looked amazing and given Myla’s love of music, she would not be so bored.  I was  flicking through the other leaflets when Sabino approached reception, he was smiling and chatting away to the receptionist, looking perfectly at ease and friendly. When they had finished, he turned to me looked at my brochure, then walked away without a word.  He was speaking with one of his entourage shrugging and looking more than a little annoyed again.  That man really needed to get his mood swings in check, it was, however, obvious we would never be friends.

Sam and Myla arrived, and I quickly showed them the brochures for their thoughts, Myla was as disinterested in the beautiful buildings as Sam was in shopping.   Emily arrived her long blonde hair was a mass of natural curls, she was wearing a black cap with the number 53 in green on the front petite and very pretty, in an unassuming way. She stopped for a moment to talk with Sabino and the crew, again, he looked very friendly towards her, he seemed to be like that with everyone other than me.  Although I had to concede to myself that he had made a small effort this morning, and I chose to shoot him down.

Finally, we set off on our excursion the Palau De La Musica Catalan was a good choice the building was breath-taking in its beauty the outside had beautifully crafted ornate columns, with intricate mosaic and I found myself in awe of the patience it would take to create this delicate feature, inside was even more grand.  The ceiling made of stained glass dominated the auditorium, the large arched windows enabled the light to bounce perfectly off the walls.  I was captivated.  Even Myla was impressed, especially by the acoustics as she sang different notes and chattered on about how it would be wonderful to actually play or sing there.

Sam and Emily chatted happily behind us about the motorbikes and how the paddock passes would work.

Soon it was Lunch time, and Emily suggested a small tapas bar she knew, so we followed her lead.  We passed numerous posters along the way for the race weekend, most were of Sabino, I felt flush every time I looked at one.  We headed up the small side street the café was hidden away from the main throng of people.  As we took our seats, on one of the long benches Emily pulled out her phone “Oh, they guys are on a break from filming, would you mind if I asked Colin to join us, so we can grab and hour together before he has to rush off again” she asked.

“Of Course, not” Sam replied and indicated he would be happy for some male company.

We sat chatting about how Sam had met Emily on his Isle of White trip, apparently although from different schools, they were in the same hotel, doing basically the same trip.  The kids from each school started to bond into new friendship groups. Emily had gotten into some bother being caught with a bottle of vodka, Sam had taken the blame for her, and he had to spend a week in detention when he had got back to school with a letter being sent to our parents.  I remembered him being grounded for an age when he got back.  We all laughed as she described how she thought she was so big, being able to purchase it in the shop only to get caught with it in her bag before her or any of her friends had chance to drink it.  Sam said, he had recognised Emily in the club, he knew she was married to Colin, but was surprised when she had recognised him.  Just then a voice “My wife the wild child” Colin jested, “Sab is on his way as well” he added bending over to kiss his wife on the cheek.

At that my heart skipped, but the knot in my stomach also returned, I was angry with myself for how excited I was starting to feel, and how I kept glancing at the door, wanting him to arrive.

The waiter came over, and took our order Colin took the lead ordering the tapas for the table

“What do you want to drink everyone?”

We all opted for the bottles of water, just then Sab walked in, he sat at the end of the table beside Colin and Emily directly opposite me, He looked amazing and I had to force myself not to stare.  I attempted and nonchalant “Hi” but my voice come out almost like a squeak. 

“Is there a mouse in here” Sam teased, and everyone laughed as I blushed with embarrassment.

Sab sat again staring at me intently, making me feel uncomfortable, yet strangely aroused.  As the waiter brought out drinks, he instantly recognised Sab and requested a selfie, smiling he agreed, and spent longer than was necessary chatting to him.  The waiter was delighted.  Colin laughed and chirped in “That’s the best of being British, nobody recognises you, and you get to eat in peace” not at all put out by the lack of notoriety.

“Is this first time in Barcelona?” Sab asked me directly, just as I was taking a mouthful of water, which turned out to be fizzy, I don’t quite know how, but the bubbles went up my nose as I drank, and I had to tilt my head up scrunching my face to stop my eyes watering as I was wafting my hands up and down saying “EEEEE” when I finally finished my embarrassing display, everyone was looking at me.  “It’s fizzy! the bubbles went up my nose” I protested laughing, “Trust you Nat!” Myla said laughing at me

“Cannot take you anywhere!” Sam interjected again laughing. My cheeks were now burning though the embarrassment of the display I had just made.

Sab was still looking at me, his face seemed to light up and my demeanour and he flashed me the biggest smile.   Oh! that smile, again my heart stopped for a split second and my face flushed even more. 

“Anyway, Yes, it is my first time here” I answered

Still suppressing his laughter at me, he continued “You like it yes?” I nodded to him now feeling too embarrassed to talk. But managed a “it’s beautiful”

The waiter approached with the plates of mouth-watering food, there was everything from olives, to calamari, Prawns, peppers and he set them out along the length of the table, once he had done, he spoke again to Sab in Spanish, and he nodded.

“He would like picture of us with food on the table for behind the counter, I have said yes, is this Okay?” We all lent in for the picture and as I did so Sabs hand brushed against mine.  I felt and intense tingling where his skin and touched mine, it almost took my breath away.  Sab looked at me intently, and his smiling suddenly stopped again.

The rest of the meal everyone was chatting and laughing, apart from Sabino he sat just staring at me, looking increasingly annoyed again, making me wonder what I had done wrong. The joy of having a normal conversation and seeing Sabino again turned sour and I wished the whole experience would end. 

Finally, we were finished, Colin invited Sam along to watch some of the filming, which he happily accepted, indicating it would be a lot better than following us around carrying bags and sitting outside changing rooms. We said our goodbyes and embarked on our impending shopping trip. As we left, I breathed an audible sigh of relief. Emily caught me mood and gave me a reassuring smile.  I was not sure if she knew the reason for my obvious relief, Myla however seemed not to notice.

I had a fun afternoon, looking at dresses, trying on an array of clothes, laughing and joking around.  I saw a pretty Saturn nightdress, it had spaghetti straps with lace at the top of the bust, it was floor length with a split up the left-hand side that had a small bow at the top. Normally I would wear PJ’s however it was so pretty I decided to be a little more lady like. As the day drew on and we decided to call it a day as the heat was starting to become exhausting, and headed back to the hotel, arms laden with our purchases.

As we entered the hotel, Sam, was waiting for us on the large sofa in the foyer, waiting  our arrival.  I needed a shower, my skin was already a golden brown colour, however I struggled so much with humidity and heat I was desperate to cool down. I left him with Myla, whilst Emily headed to find Colin.

The Elevator opened its doors, Sabinos and Carlos were happily chatting, as they saw me Sabinos stood motionless, he said something to his friend as he walked out of the Elevator looking confused I waited for him to walk out but still he stood, it was getting awkward so I decided to go in.  I entered and he closed the doors, I reached passed him to select my floor and he froze, his eyes bore into me. 

I was at a loss what to do, so I decided to be polite and smiled. He continued to stare, unspeaking.  As the elevator halted at my floor the doors opened, as I went to walk out, he blocked my way slightly, I looked at him and went to say a sarcastic “Excuse me” but before the words left my lips, he bent towards my ear and said “come dine with me tonight” he then stood out of my way and let me passed without another word.