Page 33 - double revenge 3.

Gabriela made an estofado from the remnants of my freezer and with half a bottle of Sauvignon
Blanc, left over from the weekend, we had a meal to be remembered.

Not only was Gabriela beautiful she was an excellent cook and made extremely good company. I
had hardly spoken to anyone outside of the service since Anne died and I felt very relaxed with this
beautiful girl.

‘Now, I had better show you your room.’

When I opened the bedroom door Gabriela stood stock still in awe.

‘This is a lady’s bedroom.’

‘Yes I know.’

‘But you are on your own now; you said your wife had died.’

‘I just can’t bear to throw things away or even to move them. It would be like removing Anne for
good.’

‘But Bryant, you can’t live like this for ever, you are like Great Expectations Miss Havisham, you
have to move on.’

‘I expect I will one day but for now I sleep in the single room. Will this be alright for you?’

‘Yes of course.’

‘The wardrobes are full of Anne’s things so feel free to take whatever you like, you are about the
same size.’

‘Can I take a shower?’

‘Of course, goodnight.’

‘Goodnight Bryant and thank you.’

I lay in bed listening to the shower and thinking about what Gabriela had said. I did need to move
on and once this Arnold Warner thing was over, I determined I would refurbish the bedroom and
redecorate the apartment.

The shower stopped and I heard Gabriela padding about the bedroom probably selecting
something to wear tomorrow. My bedroom door slowly opened and in the moonlight shining
through my window, I could see Gabriela standing in the doorway. There were still beads of water
glistening on her body and the scent of Anne’s favourite perfume wafted into the room. The door
closed and I felt the bedclothes pulled back and slowly Gabriella lay beside me.

*****