The Holiday Swap by Zara Stoneley

Author:Zara Stoneley
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780008201722
Publisher: HarperCollinsPublishers
Published: 2016-08-11T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15- Daisy. Seeing clearly

‘I thought I’d find you here.’

Daisy looked up and grinned, totally relieved that she hadn’t put Javier off for life. She’d had a horrible feeling that he’d be running for the hills, or at least his scooter. He was obviously taking his duties, as instructed by Flo, seriously. Didn’t anybody think she could do this on her own? Although she had to admit, she’d realised last night that she would miss Javier if she didn’t see him again. She’d got used to his comforting presence. He felt safe, reliable. Nice. More than nice.

‘Am I so predictable?’ She’d only been here a few days, but the small corner café in the square had become her go-to place for breakfast. The staff were friendly, the seats were in a sunny spot and the croissants just had to be the best. And it was quiet. She could sit undisturbed and start her day off with a bit of people-watching, and day-dreaming.

‘Nope, you look very at home and relaxed though.’

She was – very relaxed. She was finally starting to unwind, to take life a bit slower and not feel like she should be doing something. Speaking of which… ‘Don’t you ever work?’

‘It’s a slow time.’ He sat down on the chair opposite her and ordered a coffee. ‘Another?’ She shook her head, she didn’t need a caffeine boost, she was already hyper enough these days. ‘There’s always a bit of a lull at this time of year. People come to go round the shops, see the lights and the Christmas markets. The tapas and wine are just necessary fuelling in between. Spring and autumn are my busiest times.’

‘I haven’t really done the shops, light, or markets yet properly.’

‘Tut, tut, although you’re not that type of tourist, are you?’

‘I’m not sure what I am.’ Many a true word spoken in jest. Isn’t that what they said? Which brought her neatly onto… ‘I said I’d tell you about my list.’

‘Later.’

She really did want to try and explain about being here, about Jimmy. But Javier had backed off.

‘I want to take you somewhere. Drink up.’ He reached across and took a flake of croissant from her hair. ‘And eat up. Then go and get your scarf and jacket.’

***

‘Your chariot awaits.’

She’d gone up to the apartment to get her scarf, as instructed, and now had got back down to find Javier waiting. ‘You have to be kidding!’ With a scooter. A bright red Vespa scooter. ‘Oh my God, isn’t it cute?’ She giggled and put her hands over her mouth. She’d discounted Flo’s idea of hiring a scooter because no way did she trust herself to motor unscathed round the city, but she trusted Javier to take her.

‘No joke.’ He waggled the helmet she hadn’t noticed in his hand.

‘Where are we going?’

‘It’s a surprise.’

‘I don’t like surprises, I like to know.’ She always knew exactly what was happening and when. But hadn’t she come here to break the mould, get out of her normal routines?

‘Well you’re going to have to wait this time.

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