“Is that a new watch, Harvey?” Marina asked, noticing the silver glinting on his wrist.
He shook his arm out of his sleeve. “Isn’t it a beauty?”
“It’s very big.”
“That’s why I like it.”
“It looks very expensive.”
“It’s an Omega.”
“Sounds fancy.”
He was distracted by a damp patch in the corner of the room. “Looks like there’s a leak,” he said, frowning.
“A leak?”
“Might be a blocked gutter. Nothing I can’t fix.”
She grinned at him affectionately. “You always have just the right thing in that shed of yours. It’s better stocked than any hardware shop.”
“That’s because I don’t throw anything away. You know, I have a wireless from the nineteen fifties and the first black-and-white television I bought in the sixties.”
“And a healthy supply of Agritape and baler twine,” she added humorously, for it was a running joke that the Polzanze was held together by agricultural tape and string.
“So, where are you going to put Mr. Santoro?” he asked, leaning on his screwdriver.
“Paul had the blue room last year, but it’s a bit run-down, needs to be redecorated. The suite, however, has the original wallpaper, which is so pretty, and a little sitting room for him to paint in. It has a splendid view of the ocean, and when the wind blows over the roof, it whistles. It’s got a special energy up there.”
“That’s because William was a very happy boy. He and his brothers used to play up there all the time. It was the children’s floor.”
Marina drained her coffee cup and stole a passing thought of her own children playing up there, had she been so blessed. “He’s come from Argentina; I want him to see the best England has to offer.”
“He’ll see it here, there’s no doubt about that.” Harvey gave the pole a good pull to make sure it was firmly fixed to the wall.
“I think he’ll be perfect, don’t you? My old ladies won’t know what’s hit them when they arrive for their week. I just hope the word spreads and people come.”
“They’ll come,” Harvey reassured her. “Life has its ups and downs, but mark my words, it always goes up after a down.”
Marina dropped her gaze into her empty cup. “Am I a fool, pinning all my hopes on Rafa Santoro? I know nothing about him. He could be an axe murderer, for all I know.”
“You have to trust your instincts. I sense he’s a good man.”
“Do you?” She looked up at him.
“Yes, though I can’t say whether he’ll help put this place back on its feet again.”
“We’re on our knees, Harvey.”
Harvey stopped working on the pole and looked down at her. “I know.”
“I don’t like to talk about it. I hope that if I don’t talk about it, it won’t happen.”
“It’s quiet, all right, but it’s just temporary.”
“I hope so, Harvey. We need money, fast.”
He came down the ladder and stood at the bottom, screwdriver hanging at his side. “Now listen to me, Marina. You have to keep going. It’s like walking a tightrope: look ahead or you’ll lose your balance. Things will work out; people will come. We’ll weather the recession like everyone else, and it’ll blow over just like a storm.”
“Do you really see blue sky ahead?”
“Not a doubt in my mind.”
“I like your mind, Harvey. I wish I could curl up in it until the storm’s gone.”
He smiled at her. “I think William’s floor will be perfect for Mr. Santoro. Why don’t I give the blue room a lick of paint?”
“Good idea.”
“Shall we go and have a look at it now?”
“Yes.” She stood up eagerly.
“Let’s have a look at William’s floor, too, and see if there’s anything that needs to be done in there.”
“Yes, let’s.” Her voice brightened. “You can fix the leak later.”
As Marina and Harvey passed reception to get to the stairs, Jennifer paused her telephone conversation and smiled at them guiltily. Harvey shot her a reproachful look, knowing she was indulging once again in a private call.
“I’ve got to go, Cowboy,” Jennifer hissed once they had gone. “I shouldn’t be talking to you during working hours. I’ll get fired.”
The voice on the other end of the line chuckled in amusement. “Any nonsense from them and I’ll take it out on their daughter. She’s a liability as it is.”
“Oh, Nigel, that’s not fair.”