Chapter Five

 

 

Filipe walked to the cooler in the shade and got a water bottle, then took a long swig. He waved goodbye to the contractor and the laborers he’d brought in yesterday, who’d be around for at least two weeks, or as long as needed. The short-term goal was to get the aquarium ready to pass the inspection first and go from there with the rest of the renovation to facilitate the sale.

Monday had been a very busy day and so had today. Working alongside the other men made him feel right at home with the physical labor. This was the kind of work he knew well, the work he’d started in when he’d left home. Early on he’d learned that working hard until he was tired proved to be the best way to deal with problems.

Yesterday and today he’d had only a glimpse of Celeste here and there as she went about her tasks, and the longing to talk to her and be closer to her grew inside him more and more.

He missed Celeste. He missed Lucas too.

The time he’d spent with both of them on Saturday had only helped strengthen his feelings. Realizing he was still in love with Celeste had surprised him. It was like the love he felt for her had been dormant, just waiting for them to find each other again, and now that they had, it seemed different and more intense. And he couldn’t get her out of his mind.

Filipe gave himself a mental shake. This was why he kept busy with work. Getting distracted with feelings and dreams was too easy and led to a place he wasn’t ready to deal with.

Grabbing an empty bucket, he walked around the grounds and picked up any garbage that had been left behind during the day, sorting out the plastics and occasional glass to be placed in the recycling bins.

At the sound of loud honking and squawking, Filipe paused. Celeste stood in the shallow end of the pond, wearing rubber galoshes nearly up to her hips. She had one of the swans pinned under her left arm while the other flapped its wings too close for comfort. Geese and ducks swam nearby, noisily protesting at whatever was going on.

Filipe placed the bucket on the ground and walked over to Celeste in slow, measured steps, not wanting to aggravate the situation.

“Do you need some help, Celeste?” He kept his voice low, hoping she could hear him.

She remained in the same spot, holding on to the swan’s body with one hand and cradling his beak in the other. “I got a good grip on his mandible and humeri, but I lost my momentum to get out of the water.”

“Excuse me?” he said in reply.

“I got his wings and beak. Now I just need to get myself out.”

He took a step closer. “What if I come behind you and grab your elbow?”

Celeste inhaled. “Let’s try that, but no sudden movements, please. I don’t want to lose this guy and have to start over.”

Filipe inched his way toward Celeste and gripped her arm above the elbow. Using his weight as an anchor, she stepped out of the pond onto the firm ground, and Filipe followed her.

“Will the other swan come after this one?” he asked.

“She’ll stay.” Celeste looked briefly over her shoulder. “She doesn’t like it, but she’ll stay.”

“What’s going on?”

“This guy hasn’t been feeling well, and I need to put him in quarantine. The vet is coming to take a look.”

Filipe walked on ahead of her and opened the doors to the building. Once in the quarantine pens, Celeste set the swan inside a pen that had been prepared for its arrival. She backed away slowly and locked the gate, then let out a deep sigh. “I can breathe again. Thanks for the help. You came at the right time.”

“Do you manhandle swans by yourself a lot?”

Celeste chuckled. “Not when I can help it. Heitor or Luís are usually on hand for assistance, but I didn’t know we’d need to move this guy today. Dr. Abarca called and said he can swing by after all, but he’s on a tight schedule and asked to have Flip out of the pond.”

“Is that his name for real?”

“Did you think Lucas made it up?” She pinned him with a pointed look, eyebrow raised.

He had thought that, actually. “In my defense, Lucas is only five.”

“Maybe he’s only five, but he knows everything about the swans. And that includes their names.” Celeste grabbed a clipboard and wrote some notes.

“Are you still going to see your father on Saturday?”

She glanced at him, then went back to her notes. “I’m planning to leave early.”

“My cousin Matias is getting married in Porto on Saturday, and I’m driving up. There’s plenty of room for you and Lucas.” He winced inside. Not the smoothest invitation.

“I haven’t decided what I’m doing yet. Can I get back with you?”

“Sure.” After watching Celeste, Filipe searched for ways to bring up their growing friendship, but he caught himself in time. “Do you mind if I stick around? I haven’t met the veterinarian yet.”

She replaced the clipboard on to its hook and looked up at him. “Of course not. You own the place.” Her tone was matter-of-fact, but he couldn’t help but wonder what she really meant underneath her cool exterior.

“A place I know nothing about,” he replied.

“Tell me when you want to know more, and I’m your—” Her cheeks turned scarlet.

What had she been about to say?

“I meant to say I’m the right person for the job. But not the only person. There are others—”

Filipe raised a hand. If she weren’t embarrassed and trying so hard to fix what she’d said, he’d have told her how cute she was all flustered. But that wouldn’t be appropriate. “Don’t worry about it. I know what you meant. For the record, I’d rather learn about the aquarium from you than anyone else.”

Another blush rose to her cheeks. She watched him intently, and, for a moment, her eyes strayed to his lips.

Filipe’s chest heated and he took a step toward her. “Listen, what happened on—”

Celeste’s phone rang, and she quickly stepped away from him. She glanced at the screen. “It’s Dr. Abarca. I better go let him in.”

Filipe rubbed the back of his neck and let out a deep sigh. He’d almost crossed the line with Celeste at work. It was one thing to have dinner at her place and play with her son; another thing was getting too close at work where he was the owner and she the head keeper.

At the sound of chatter and laughter, he relaxed his shoulders and tried to look casual. When Celeste entered with the vet, Filipe stared. Dr. Abarca was nothing like he’d expected. Young, tall, and walking too closely to Celeste. The two of them smiled like they were good friends. Maybe even very good friends. A surge of irritation pricked Filipe.

Dr. Abarca extended his hand. “I’m Nuno Abarca. How are you?”

“Filipe Romano.” He shook his hand. Firm grip, eye contact, a definite sizing up after flicking his gaze to Celeste. Had Celeste told the good doctor about their friendship?

Nuno Abarca set a large bag on the cement floor and bent over it. “I’m glad you’re renovating the aquarium. It’s about time, if you ask me.”

Celeste shrugged at Filipe but didn’t correct the veterinarian.

When Dr. Abarca and Celeste entered the pen where the swan was and started conferring about the bird’s health, Filipe excused himself.

“It was nice meeting you, Dr. Abarca.” Not really. “Celeste, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She looked over her shoulder and smiled at him. “Thanks again for your help.”

The irritation followed him as he walked back to the hotel. Only it wasn’t irritation, if he was being honest. Jealousy would be more accurate.

* * *

 

Filipe had brought a contractor with a small team of laborers on Monday to start the renovations at the aquarium. He was there every day working alongside them, consulting with Celeste at least once during the day, even when he really didn’t need to. In truth, she shouldn’t have been surprised at his work ethic. He’d always been a hard worker.

Alice hadn’t come right out and said anything about the way Filipe deferred to the aquarist instead of the assistant director, but her displeasure was evident to Celeste. Around Filipe, Alice kept her mood in check and her opinions to herself, and that was a calculated move, as Celeste knew.

After the embrace Celeste had shared with Filipe on Saturday night, she feared the tension between them would escalate and put a stop to their tentative friendship. On Tuesday, they’d almost had a moment by the quarantine pen. She’d seen it in his gaze, the intent to kiss her. But Dr. Abarca had arrived and interrupted, thank goodness.

After that, Filipe had treated her as if nothing had happened between them, and her disappointment was almost more than she wanted to admit, even to herself. It had felt so natural to go to him when he opened his arms in her living room. She still remembered the hug they had shared at Eduardo’s funeral—warm, safe, like being where she was supposed to be and nowhere else mattered.

On the other hand, maybe it was better this way. He’d made a brief mention about not being there but hadn’t offered an explanation of why he’d left so abruptly all those years ago, and deep down, she feared placing her trust on him. Without knowing what to expect from him, the risk was too great, and her track record wasn’t exactly the best—she’d also trusted Hugo in the beginning, and that hadn’t turned out well at all. How could she trust her judgment now?

She’d told Filipe she’d think about riding with him to Porto, even though she already knew what she wanted to do. Not necessarily the same as what she needed to do.

Today, Filipe had held a meeting with everyone that worked at the aquarium to share the renovation schedule for the next few weeks. Unfortunately, instead of asking Alice about the employees’ shifts, he’d asked Celeste again. Alice’s hostile expression would come back to haunt her, and Celeste was not looking forward to that.

Later in the day, Alice approached Celeste near the otter enclosure. Celeste had spent the last two hours observing the old swan, writing down her notes to share with the other keepers and with Dr. Abarca at his next visit.

Alice crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. “I left the employee files on your desk.”

Celeste paused her note-taking. “What for?”

“The quarterly performance evaluation. For everyone, including yourself.”

Celeste frowned. “They’re not due for another six weeks.”

“It’s for the new owner. I’ll need those in the morning.” Alice turned to leave.

“Wait a minute,” Celeste called after her. “There’s thirty minutes left before I clock out. How do you propose I finish those evaluations? I won’t have time.”

“You can add overtime to your hours today. Just have the evaluations on my desk before I arrive in the morning.” She left, her heels clacking on the cement floor.

Celeste stood, watching Alice leave, dumbfounded at the exchange. She pulled her cell phone from her pocket—twenty minutes until six.

Lucas. How was she supposed to pick him up from daycare at six thirty, like she did every day?

Hugo wouldn’t reply to a last-minute request, not in the middle of the week. She knew by now how unreliable he was.

When she arrived at her desk, the stack of folders was there, as Alice had said. She was supposed to cross-reference each person’s schedule and their daily performed tasks for the last three months. She’d done it before but not at the end of the day to be turned in the next morning.

Celeste sighed and sat down, then scrolled through her contacts again, although she already knew the answer. She really didn’t have anyone who could get Lucas and watch him for a couple of hours until she finished the job.

A text popped up, and she swiped at the screen.

How is that swan doing?

Filipe.

Just under observation for now. Thanks again for the help.

No problem, he replied.

You left really quickly yesterday.

Didn’t want to be in the way. Are you almost done for the day?

She hesitated, not wanting to tell him how Alice had created extra work for her at the last minute.

Something came up, and I have to stay late. Any chance you could pick up Lucas? I’m sorry I’m asking with such short notice, but I hadn’t planned on staying.

The phone rang with a call from Filipe, and Celeste answered.

“You don’t need to apologize, Celeste. Of course I’ll get Lucas. Is he at day care?”

Relief and gratitude filled her chest, and her shoulders relaxed with tension she hadn’t even noticed.

“Thank you. You have no idea how helpful you are.” She sat back against the chair. “Yes, Lucas is at daycare and he needs to be picked up by six thirty.”

“In Peniche?”

“No, in Atouguia, not far from my apartment.” Celeste gave him directions. “I’m going to call the daycare and tell them you’re coming so they’ll release Lucas to you.”

“Do you want me to bring him to the hotel?”

She glanced at the folders. At least two hours’ worth of work, if not three. “Would you be okay with taking him to the apartment if I give you my keys?”

“Good thinking. That way I can put him to bed on time.”

“Yes, that would be great. I owe you a big one.”

“Don’t even say that. You don’t owe me anything. I’ll be right there to get your keys.”

Celeste stood and made her way to the gate, where she could meet Filipe before he came in and asked questions about the work she had to do.

Why wasn’t he married? He was attractive, well-off financially, trustworthy, and hardworking. He even liked little kids. Didn’t other women see what a great catch he was? Was there a problem she didn’t know about? Did he not pick up his socks, or did he snore too loud? And what did those matter when he had so many good qualities going for him?

When Filipe arrived, he seemed excited about spending time with Lucas, as if it wasn’t really doing her a favor at all but the other way around.

He handed a paper bag to her.

“What’s this?”

“Dinner. You probably don’t have any since you weren’t planning on staying.”

Maybe he wasn’t as distracted as she’d believed him to be. Hugo would never have thought of bringing something for her. “You’re right. I don’t have anything to eat. Thank you.”

He was thoughtful and mindful too.

She told him about the vegetable soup in the refrigerator, and he promised to give Lucas a balanced dinner, then took the keys and left with a smile on his face.

Celeste walked back to the office. If she put all her focus on the reports, she could be done in two hours. With no interruptions or distractions, she could do it.

It took three tries for her old car to start when she turned the key. One of these days, it wouldn’t start for good. Tonight, it made her late even more. By the time she pulled into her parking space next to Filipe’s pickup truck, it was almost nine thirty. She exited and noticed a high-back booster seat in his passenger seat. She’d forgotten to get Lucas’s seat from her car, which meant Filipe had bought one.

Celeste sent him a text when she got to her apartment door. I’m here. Could you let me in?

A few moments later, the sound of steps came closer, then the chain rattled before he opened the door.

He brought a finger to his lips. “It took three bedtime stories, but he’s been asleep since eight.”

Celeste dropped her purse on the narrow table in the entry and slipped off her shoes. “The little stinker. He took advantage of you.”

“He knows I don’t mind.”

She sat on the sofa and pulled a pillow behind her back, glad for the chance to finally relax.

Filipe sat at the other end. “Was there a problem with one of the animals? Is that why you had to stay longer?” He asked her in a low voice.

“The animals are all fine,” Celeste replied in the same tone. “Alice wanted the quarterly evaluations done tonight and turned in tomorrow morning.”

Filipe frowned. “She asked you to stay over to do reports that can be done during the day? Why the rush?”

“I honestly don’t know.”

“Does she ask other employees to stay after hours?”

“No, but it’s okay,” she replied quickly, hoping he’d move on to something else.

“That seems hardly fair, Celeste. I’ll have to ask her about it.”

“Please don’t. I don’t want to antagonize Alice. She is my boss.”

If he talked to Alice, it would be even worse. In an effort to distract him, Celeste set a light hand on his forearm. “Tell me, what did you and Lucas do together other than read stories?”

Filipe didn’t seem convinced, but he took the change of subject without protesting. He told her about Lucas, the games they’d played before dinner, the food they’d eaten, and all the books they’d looked at.

The more they talked, the more relaxed she became. Somehow, they’d gravitated closer together, hands almost touching but not quite. It was comfortable between them, and everything else about having Filipe in her tiny apartment felt the same.

Was this the right time to bring up the past? He’d done it first when he’d apologized for not being there after Eduardo died but hadn’t said anything else about it.

He finished retelling a joke Lucas had told him earlier. “He really is a funny kid.”

“I’ll have to make it up to you for the time you spent with him,” she said.

“You don’t have to make up for anything,” he said lightly. “I had just as much fun as he did.”

Before she lost her nerve, Celeste went for the point-blank approach. “Why did you leave right after Eduardo’s funeral?”

His eyes went wide, and he visibly recoiled at her direct question. “Celeste, I—”

“Mamã,” came Lucas’s voice, “I need help.”

Celeste turned to find her son coming down the hallway, rubbing his eyes and pouting.

Filipe stood immediately. “You better go see what he needs. I’ll let myself out.”

And just like that, he was gone.

“Coming, Lucas,” she said, standing from the sofa. “Mommy’s coming.”