Chapter 22

Nikki's visit brought home to Lauren not only the strength of their friendship but also the value of Nikki's advice. She had been correct about many things in their teen years - especially the character of Lauren's few boyfriends - so that she regarded her as level headed in times of crisis.

As a result, two decisions were simple to make. Firstly, that she should try and convince Emma that their night of love-making was a one-time occurrence that resulted from her fear of storms, and secondly that she would encourage Felix's friendship. Nikki was absolutely correct. She needed a boyfriend more than she needed an under-age girlfriend that would get her locked away. Secretly though, she still wanted to appear nonchalant towards Felix, rather than dragging him into her bedroom and ripping his clothes off. Lauren was convinced that he would respect her more in the longer term if she allowed him to regard her as a conquest.

During her stay, the two girls ventured out of the house each day at a respectable hour, becoming frequent visitors to the market in Boquette and almost regulars at the cafe and the two cheaper restaurants in the main square. Two-hour lunches seemed to be the general rule in the town, and they both vowed to do nothing to upset the tradition. Arriving at just after eleven o'clock, they would have coffee, followed by one of the local dishes, wine and further coffee. By one-thirty - even two sometimes - they would wander back to the car and drive home. Occasionally, Lauren would realise that she was undoubtedly over the legal limit for driving, but would remember Gustav's words of advice on her first day, and felt reassured to know she had twenty US Dollars tucked into her licence.

Following one of these sessions, Lauren telephone Felix and invited him out once again, for lunch at the square. He readily accepted and Lauren was delighted, not just because she truly needed male company, but that she would please Nikki by being seen to take her advice.

They met him at Dos Plantos Restaurant. The girls favoured it only because it was out of the sun around midday and you didn't have to squint to see each other. Also, the dogs and young boys seemed to avoid it so they were more likely to enjoy a quiet meal. Dressed in skirts and blouses - in deference to the elder locals who found anything less to be scandalous - the girls arrived and ordered their usual bottle of house white wine only moments before Felix sauntered across to their table, gave Lauren a peck on the cheek and sat down.

"No sawdust today, then?" asked Nikki

"How did you hear about that?"

"She tells me everything!" smiled Nikki. Lauren caught the inflection in her voice and the pleasure it revealed.

"That was for my Grandma. It's all finished now. So you're Nikki"

"Mmm. We were schoolfriends. For ages!"

"I heard. What do you think of San Falino?"

"It's very hot, and a bit..." She lowered her voice, looking around as though about to impart State Secrets. "... a bit backward. You know, dogs rummaging for scraps, run-down houses. Sanitation"