Taste for Wine by Francine Beaton

Author:Francine Beaton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Francine Beaton

* * *

She opened her eyes, blinking at the brightness of the morning. There was no sign of Santiago, and the sheets were cold. He must’ve gotten up much earlier. Her eyes drifted to the clock and jerked upright. She’d never slept this late.

Matí.

Her little boy might wonder where she was. She glanced at the baby monitor, but it wasn’t there.

Olivia panicked. She flung away the sheets and rushed to the bathroom. It didn’t take her long to shower and dress. Her first stop was Matí’s room, but the bed was made. There was no sign that he occupied the place except for the battered teddy bear sitting on his pillow.

Olivia rushed down the stairs, her nose following the smell of coffee. A cacophony blasted her ears as she neared the kitchen. The best and loudest sound was that of Matí’s laughter and the low, rumbling reply of Santiago’s. They were not alone, though. Female voices and laughter joined them, too.

Olivia stopped, brushing her sudden sweaty hands on her pants. She took a deep breath before she stepped into the kitchen to survey the scene in front of her. Matí and Santiago sat at one side of the table. The boy popped another slice of toast into his mouth and chewed lustily. Santiago was sipping from a mug which she knew was the strong coffee he loved.

With her back to Olivia was an older woman whom Olivia surmised was Santiago’s mother. The other woman was sitting on the other side.

Her eyes returned to Santiago and Matí, again marvelling at their resemblance. Then, as if he sensed her watching them, Santiago looked up and met her eyes. This morning there was no sign of the tenderness and the smiles of last night.

Matí also looked up and saw her. His infectious grin, unlike the unwelcoming expression on his father’s face, brought the familiar warmth around her heart. “Mummy, Daddy said you’re tired. You need to sleep. I was a good boy, so I didn’t wake you.”

Olivia’s eyes flew to Santiago. Her face flushed, remembering why she had overslept this morning. He sported a brief, satisfied smile before it disappeared. The two women turned to Olivia as Santiago stood up and said, “Buenos dias, Olivia. I trust you slept well.”

His eyes were cold. Olivia remembered this expression. He was angry, and if she had to judge, she was to blame. Gone was the loving, gentle lover of last night. Olivia stared at him, grateful that he had stepped closer and blocked his family’s view of her.

He leaned down and whispered against her cheek, “Smile. We’re happy, aren’t we?”

To anyone, it would’ve looked like a loving gesture. Only Olivia saw Santiago’s expression.

Her heart ached. Why was he like that? What had happened between the early hours of the morning and now?

She pulled in her breath and lifted her chin. He would not see how his attitude affected her. Two could play this game or whatever he wanted to call it.

Before she could think of it, he turned and said, “Madre, Luciana, may I introduce you to mi esposa, Olivia.

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