Kepa and Maite sat down at the dining room table. In front of them sat a selection of pastries and fruit. Javi brought some cups of coffee as he joined them.
“Wow,” said Kepa, “this looks great!”
“No problem,” replied Javi. “It isn’t quite bollos de mantequilla, but it’s as close as we can get here.”
“Thanks,” added Maite in a subdued voice as she reached out with her fork for some pineapple.
“Everything ok?” asked Javi. “Was the bed uncomfortable?”
“Everything is great,” said Maite, forcing a smile. “I guess I didn’t appreciate how taxing this trip was going to be. We aren’t used to such great distances at home.”
“I can see that,” said Javi, seemingly accepting her excuse. “We drive everywhere here. I’m so used to long drives, I don’t even think about it.”
“So, what’s the plan for today?” asked Kepa. “Before dancing, that is.”
Javi smiled. “We’re flexible, so if you guys aren’t up for dancing, I completely understand. But, I thought we might start with a stroll along the beach, get some fresh air and all. Then, hit downtown for some lunch. Julie will join us then. There are a lot of nice little shops downtown. I don’t buy anything, but it’s cool to see the work of so many talented artists. There are a whole bunch of wineries around here and they have tasting rooms downtown as well. Then some dinner and, if you are up for it, dancing.”
“That sounds wonderful,” replied Maite, her mood lightening a little.
Kepa nodded, his mouth full of a danish. “These are so good,” he said before continuing. “That sounds like an awesome plan.”
Javi laughed. “Yeah, those are some of my favorites. There is a bakery not far from here that makes the best things. If I didn’t work out so much, I think I’d look like Tio Josu!”
Kepa returned his laugh. “You know what he calls himself? The family dog, because he eats all of the scraps no one else eats!”
“I can see that! Living by myself has advantages.”
“It really isn’t a problem until you have kids,” said Maite with a smile.
“True,” replied Javi with a laugh, “and that isn’t in the cards for a while.”
“I thought you and Julie were serious?” asked Kepa.
“We are, but there is so much to do before we can even think about a family.” He looked over at Kepa and Maite. “What about you two?”
Maite looked at Kepa, who looked back at her. “Um,” she began.
“We haven’t…” stumbled Kepa.
Javi laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m not amuma, I’m not going to interrogate you.” He stood up. “I’m going to finish getting ready. No hurry, but we’ll head out when you’re ready.”
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