Synergy: Unexpected Romance on a Greek Island Volume Two

By Murray James

Some people may think romance is dead. It isnt; it has just changed, along with the society we inhabit. Though this story would be viewed as a gay romance, that is not my main motivation in writing this book. It is intended to explore relationships in general. All relationships are different and unique. What is it that makes them work or not work? Synergy explores relationships through observations and comments via the many conversations and personal introspections and reflections of the two main characters.

The two central characters are an aging, very private, and semi-introverted Australian writer and a handsome young Spanish artist. Their personal histories, environments, family influences, and important life experiences are explored and discussed. What shaped these two people into who they now are? Why does their unlikely relationship seem to work so well? When by all reasonable logic, it most probably shouldnt.

This is the second volume in a trilogy. It continues on from the first published volume, Serendipity, where they meet on the Greek Island of Skopelos and are rapidly drawn together in a surprising and unforeseen set of circumstances.

Synergy follows their developing and deepening relationship as they travel extensively. First in Spain, where they marry; then to London, for an exhibition of the artists works; Australia; and finally sail from Spain back to their new villa on Skopelos. There is the occasional glitch and questioning concerning their relationship, but it ends quite positively as the two move into and set up their new villa overlooking the magnificent Aegean Sea. The continuation and evolution of their story and relationship in the third volume is alluded to in the last chapter. Each volume is written as a separate and complete story that may be read on their own or in sequence.

Murray James

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Nov 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781514441121

Murray James

I grew up in Sydney, Australia. My teenage years were similar to everyone else’s during a decade of teenage rebellion, the sixties. Rock ‘n’ roll and folk music somehow provided us with a new freedom of expression. Movie idols like James Dean, Marlon Brando, Elvis, and others were the role models for our changing lives. The surfing craze and culture swept in as powerfully as the waves. The threat of global nuclear war was an ever-present possibility. Yet however much some things changed, others remained the same. Sexual freedom was on a fast track, but discrimination and homophobia were just as present and strong as ever. My three siblings played football and cricket. Neither activity held any appeal for me. I was attracted to individual sports, like swimming and tennis. That I was different from my three brothers seemed evident from a young age. I wasn’t interested in being popular or a member of any sporting or social group. I was happy on my own and free to explore my world and developing imagination, creating different mental worlds and existences. My parents often despaired at my constant daydreaming. Employment was there for the seeking so, like most, I moved through a variety of career choices. Relationships were more free, but no less difficult, during the formative years of my youth. After a lifetime of observing and experiencing their complexity and individual uniqueness, I decided to write a few books about relationships. Unexpected Romance on a Greek Island is the trilogy I have used. They are gay romance novels but hopefully different enough to appeal to a wider readership. If you’d like to read some positive stories about romance and relationships, instead of the angst, pain, and tragedy that permeates most stories these days, they should appeal to you. —Murray James

Book preview

1

Our flight circled on its final approach to land in the large and sprawling city of Valencia. I had watched with interest as we flew past the Spanish Balearic Islands of Menorca (Minorca) and Mallorca (Majorca), and saw Eivissa (Ibiza) in the distance to the south; then approached the coast of Spain. Even though there were announcements over the plane's P.A. system, Carlos had made sure I saw the islands. We would be sailing around them soon on our short honeymoon. The coastline looked so beautiful as it unfolded north and south to beyond our range of vision. It reminded me of my home, Australia, with miles of wide sandy beaches. This region is typical of some coastlines around the Mediterranean; but I had a special interest in this particular coastline.

A little over an hour's drive to the north of Valencia City is Castellon de la Plana. That is where Carlos and I would be heading as soon as we could collect our luggage, clear customs, and pick up the rental car he'd arranged. He had politely declined his brother's offer to pick us up from our flight as he wanted to drive us there himself. It would give him an opportunity to point out some scenery and places of interest to me while he drove us up to his family home. It would also give me a more relaxed introduction to Spain and then meeting his family; rather than arriving in a new country and meeting his family all at the same moment. It was simply another example of Carlos' consideration for me that he had displayed ever since we met on Skopelos just two brief months ago.

We'd enjoyed our flight from Athens. It only took a little over six hours; including the relatively short, but necessary, stop in Rome. Even though Valencia airport was fairly busy; well it was early on a Saturday afternoon; we collected our minimal luggage, cleared customs, and picked up our rental car in reasonably good time. I was so pleased to be here with Carlos. I speak very little Spanish and the airport and streets were quite crowded. Of course he had no problem with the language; he's Spanish. He was also very familiar with all of the airport and customs procedures; and he obviously knew his way around the city streets. All major pluses for me; this is my first time in Spain. I'm not really all that relaxed or happy in large crowds, so being with my partner Carlos made exiting the airport and getting out of the city a fairly stress-free experience for me.

We chatted as he drove us up the coast to where I would meet his family; and where we would be living for much of the next month. His chatter was a mixture of pointing out things of interest to me; and also ensuring that I was as relaxed and comfortable as possible. A few short weeks ago back on Skopelos, when he had initially raised the idea of us coming here so I could meet his family, I had been more than a little concerned and apprehensive. My levels of concern and apprehension were only increased when he proposed that we marry; and I accepted. It can be difficult and uncomfortable enough sometimes when meeting the family of your partner for the first time; but there are greater possible complications in this meeting. Carlos would soon be introducing his male partner to his family. If that were not enough; the facts that his male partner was quite a few years older than him; that we had only been together for two months, and were intending to marry in a few weeks; might be viewed as having the potential to raise some levels of concern with his family. He had almost completely convinced me that none of these things would be issues or problems to his family. But in the back of my mind I would still harbour some slight doubts until I had met his family and settled into his flat with him.

Carlos is 34 years of age; I am nearly 60 years old. We met unexpectedly only two months ago on the Greek Island of Skopelos. I was there to finish writing a book; he was there on a painting holiday. We'd met quite by chance and were drawn almost instantly to each other. Romance and a deep and genuine love developed very rapidly between the two of us. Within a few days we were living together in the little villa I'd rented overlooking the Aegean Sea. It was obvious to both of us almost from the start that we were meant to be together and would be for the rest of our lives. Those two wonderful months together had convinced us we were right. I won't recount the story of those two months here; if you are interested, you can follow that part of our story in my earlier book 'Serendipity'. It is enough that I mention here how and where our relationship and journey together began.

This afternoon I was being driven along the Costa del Azahar in the convertible silver BMW 323i Carlos had surprised me by renting. I really was being spoiled I think. For parts of the journey there are beautiful vistas of the Mediterranean Sea to the right; but as the main road winds inland on many occasions, the sea is not visible all that often. It was a pleasant and relaxing trip, being driven in this comfortable car with the roof folded down so we could enjoy the very warm sunshine of early summer in Spain. Carlos made mention of some of the sights, towns, and beaches we might come back to visit once we had settled in and spent a few days with his family. He's very much looking forward to seeing all of his family again; the way he described it to me they are obviously a close-knit family, and he's been away painting for just over three months on Skopelos. He had assured me from the beginning of our relationship that his family would welcome me and love me as much as he did. They knew he was homosexual and didn't really care about that; he said all they wanted was for him to be happy and content. We had both found perfect happiness and contentment with each other from the very start of our relationship. I was hoping that his family would see just how much we meant to each other and would bless our union, despite the difference in our ages and backgrounds. They knew about me as Carlos had already told them a little about me in e-mails and phone calls.

What they didn't yet know, because he'd wanted to wait and tell them after they got to know me, is that we are planning to marry here in Spain as soon as possible. Spain is one of the many countries that does allow same-sex marriages. The other factor they are as yet unaware of is that Carlos and I are having a home built for us on Skopelos. We had found and bought a block of land of just over 1½ acres [around 6,000 square metres] in area, facing west-south-west, with a magnificent view overlooking the Aegean Sea. The land runs right down to the sea and we have our own private little rocky cove and small beach. We had designed our perfect dream home for that site, and it is currently under construction. So Carlos has to break the news to his family that we are to be married; and that he will be leaving Spain so we can live together on a Greek Island. Hopefully, both items of news will be received reasonably well.

There is a lot to do before we return to live in our new home on Skopelos. There is our marriage; some touring and sailing around Spain; our trip to London for an exhibition of Carlos' paintings; and also a trip to Australia, my place of birth and home, to complete the sale of my house and some possessions there, and to organise shipping of some of my things to Skopelos. But first things first; I am to meet his family in a short time, and I hope and pray that it will all happen as easily and comfortably as he has so often predicted. We'll see just what does eventuate soon. His family and I will get to know one another over the next few weeks, and hopefully they will like and accept me. There is a very old saying that 'you marry the person, not their family'. Well in my experience, family approval can often carry quite considerable weight in any relationship and can sometimes make or break a relationship.

We drove into Carlos' home city of Castellon de la Plana. He took me for a short drive along the esplanade fronting the sea. He wanted to show me how beautiful the seafront and the old castle fort and other buildings are in this part of the city. We will be coming back here to explore during our stay. Then we headed off toward his family's restaurant and home; which is a few kilometres inland from the sea, and a couple of hundred metres from the river which winds its way through the city. The buildings which the de Rivera family occupy are in a reasonably narrow side-street. It is a mix of a shopping and residential district. They occupy the last three buildings in a long row of multi-storied terrace-style houses. There is a narrow lane running along the back of the entire block so the residents and shop owners have off-street parking behind their buildings. On first sight it reminded me of the rows of old terrace houses in some parts of Sydney where I grew up. I guess that rows of old terrace houses appear fairly similar all around the world. Of course there are many differing styles of architecture and adornment, depending on the country or region; but all terrace houses are terrace houses at the heart of it.

Carlos' gallery and his flat above it are on the corner; the restaurant and his parents' flat are in the middle of the three; his older brother, wife and two sons live in the flat above the take-away on the other side of the restaurant. All three of these terrace houses belong to the family. One good thing is that we will not actually be living in the same flat as his family. For our rather short stay here, we will be living in his flat on our own. But even though we'll have some level of privacy, we will be living in very close quarters with his family. Carlos will also probably help out in the restaurant, which he always does when he is at home. We drove around the back and entered off the lane into what was a combined backyard of all three properties; with parking spaces, some garages, a laundry, and what I assumed to be storage rooms. There were also some vegetable and herb gardens. Carlos proudly told me that his family grow most of the vegetables and herbs they use in the restaurant and take-away; impressive.

A screen door flew open and an excited woman nearly my age rushed out to greet us with hugs and kisses for Carlos. Obviously this was his mother; and even though he'd only been away for a few months, she was clearly happy he was home again. Carlos introduced us. Her name is Sofia, and she is what I suppose I expected his mother to look like. Slightly dark olive skin, like Carlos; long thick black hair tied back with a ribbon; a wide and generous smile, and gentle bright dark eyes. She was shorter than Carlos; he's 6 foot 2 inches [188cm] tall; she was a little shorter than me, so I guessed about 5 feet 6 inches [168cm] tall. She was full-figured, but not fat; a very attractive woman in many ways. She gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek and told me in Spanish that she was very excited and pleased to meet me. Carlos did the translation for me, and explained to his mother in English that I spoke very little Spanish but was trying to learn the language. She smiled and apologised, and repeated her warm welcome in English for my benefit.

I asked Carlos whether we should take our bags up to his flat; but both he and his mother insisted that first I had to meet some more of the family; our bags could wait. We followed her inside into the kitchen of the restaurant, where his father and older brother were preparing things for tonight for the restaurant and take-away. Carlos introduced me to his father Miguel; he was tall like Carlos, but lighter skinned, and fit and wiry from years of hard work. His brother is Eduardo; again tall like Carlos, with lighter skin like his father. They were both very pleasant and shook my hand with genuine warmth. There will be more of the family to meet later of course, but to my mild relief it appeared to happening in stages. Both Miguel and Eduardo spoke to me in English, which I thanked them for. I told them Carlos is teaching me Spanish, but I'm not very good just yet. The men and Carlos' mother apologised and said they had to continue working while we all talked as there was a lot of food preparation for tonight. Saturday night is always very busy in both the restaurant and the take-away. Carlos made us coffees and we sat on stools in the kitchen and chatted with his mother, father, and older brother while they worked. If they were surprised to see that Carlos' new male partner was almost as old as his father, they certainly didn't show it. All three of them made me feel quite welcome and at ease almost immediately. Looking at the three of them it was apparent that Carlos got his height and build from his father and his dark good looks from his mother. Carlos is very handsome, tall and well-built; quite fit and fairly muscular. He's also a very sexy man.

We talked about Carlos' time painting on Skopelos; how we had met in the little Taverna; about Carlos' upcoming exhibition in London; about my being a writer, and that I'm from Australia. Just a general get to know each other sort of chat really. The much deeper conversations would wait for a few days I figured. I was pleased; we all needed to get to know each other much better before those talks could take place. Carlos said we should go upstairs as he wanted to introduce me to his grandmother. His mother's mother as it turned out. So we excused ourselves and he led me upstairs to the family's flat above the restaurant.

We paused on the landing at the top of the stairs; he gathered me gently up against him, wrapped his arms around my waist and bent down and kissed me passionately but tenderly. It was the first opportunity we'd had for any form of intimacy since we had made love before leaving the hotel in Athens this morning to catch our flight to Spain. That might not sound like a big deal to some people; but for Carlos and me, who were in the habit of touching, caressing, and kissing each other quite frequently whenever we chose; it was something we had both really missed while travelling today. Ours has been a very physical and sexually active relationship from the day after we first met. We are both very tactile people; so frequent casual loving contact is something that we both need regularly and very much enjoy. Living alone in that private little villa on Skopelos, we were in the habit of usually making love at some point during the middle our working day; no doubt we would both be very eager to make up for that when we retired to bed later tonight.

This was not the time or the place to get too involved, so after a fairly short but enjoyable touch of reassuring intimacy, he ushered me into his parents' flat to meet his grandmother. It is a lovely, comfortable and well-furnished home really. The buildings the family live in are all three stories high. The ground floor of each is a business; his gallery, the restaurant, and the take-away. The upper two floors are three separate residences. The first floor of this one comprised of a large and very lovely sitting and dining room, a small kitchen, toilet, and a small office / study. Upstairs from that, on the third level, were three spacious bedrooms; the main bedroom with an en-suite was his parents; and the other two bedrooms, where his grandmother and younger sister slept, shared a second bathroom and toilet.

His grandmother was asleep in a lounge chair as we walked in. Carlos walked over and kissed her lightly on the forehead, which woke her from her afternoon nap. From the looks on both of their faces they are very close. She smiled up at him and called out his name with obvious love. She said, Carlos; I knew that you were coming home today and I've been trying to stay awake, but I must have dozed off. This was in Spanish, as she doesn't speak any English. Carlos translated for my benefit. He kissed her again and said, "Abuela, es James mi amigo (Grandma, this is James my friend). She nodded a 'hello' to me and I kissed her hand and said, Hola, es muy agradable (Hello, it's lovely to meet you)." We sat; Carlos on the arm of her chair; and they continued to chat in Spanish. I told Carlos not to bother with translating unless I need to respond to his grandmother. They talked for a while, and then he stood; kissed her again, and we waved and left her to go back to her nap.

As we walked back downstairs he said that he would tell me about their conversation later. For now we were going to get our bags from the car and go up to his flat next door. We told his other family members, still working away in the kitchen, what we were going to do and said we would be back down soon. By then the rest of his family would be home and I would meet them. It didn't take long for us to grab our few bags, his guitar, and our laptops from the car. As we entered the section of the building he lived and worked in, it was via his art gallery. He paused for a moment and said how strange it was to see none of his paintings around the walls. All of his paintings from here, fifty in all, had been packed and shipped to London for his exhibition. There were fifty paintings from here, together with the forty paintings and pencil sketches he'd done while with me on Skopelos. His coming exhibition in London in a few weeks was to be quite grand indeed.

We went upstairs to his flat. His flat was smaller than his parents' one next door, but still quite spacious and comfortable. It occupied two levels as well; the first was a lovely sitting / dining room, a small kitchen, and a toilet. On the next level there were two bedrooms and a bathroom and toilet. He used the larger room as his bedroom and the smaller one as a study. His flat was just as comfortable and well furnished as his parents' one. He leaned his guitar up against the old upright piano in the corner of the living room and told me that this was what he'd meant when he told me that he could help me with learning piano when we'd discussed that soon after we started living together on Skopelos.

Then we took our laptops and clothes upstairs; laptops to the study, and clothes into the bedroom of course. He pushed me playfully onto the bed and we kissed, embraced, and smiled at each other. We lay there for a while kissing and cuddling; and then he rolled onto his back and I lay across his chest with my arm across him as he put his arm around my shoulders and said, It's nice to be home. I loved my time on Skopelos with you James, and I'm looking forward to going back there to live with you, but you know what I mean about it just feeling 'good to be home'. And by the way, didn't I tell you there was nothing for you to worry about in meeting my family? You see I was right, they like you. I can tell.

I reached up and kissed him and replied, Your family seem lovely Carlos, and they did make me feel very welcome and at ease. But they do know we are more than just 'friends' don't they? He laughed and said, You're referring to the way I introduced you to my grandmother as 'my friend' aren't you? I told you that my family know I'm homosexual; they do; and they all know you and I are more than friends. But with my grandmother, it's different; she's from a time and a generation that doesn't recognise any of that. She's 79 years old, so why bother her with ideas that she might not understand? Better to let her believe you and I are very good friends. Her name is Isabel, she is a lovely lady and we love each other very much; so why disturb her remaining years with complications she possibly couldn't cope with? The rest of my family are fine with the fact that you and I are lovers; they will also be okay with the fact that we are to be married. We'll tell them about that and of our going back to Skopelos to live together in a day or so. Just let them get to know you first and I assure you they will all be very happy for both of us; okay?

I smiled up at him as he kissed me gently and gave me a reassuring hug, and then I asked, "You called your grandmother Abuela. Is that the Spanish for grandmother? He replied, There are several terms for grandmother in Spanish; abuela, mamá-señora, and mamagrande. Abuela is just a closer, more familiar or informal one I suppose. I've always called her that since I was a little boy. We had better not start anything romantic here just now mi pequeña (my little one); there'll be plenty of time for that later tonight. We should unpack and go down to see if there's anything we can do to help down in the restaurant, Saturday nights are always very busy and my family will be impressed if you offer to help. I kissed him, gave him a hug around his neck, and said, I'm fine as long as everything is okay between you and your family my love. I can see now how close you all are and I would never want to do anything to spoil that. I love you and I know you love me; I'm sure your family and I will get along just fine as you've always said. You're right, let's go down and help. I've worked in a lot of restaurants and bars in my time so there must be a few things I can help with. You're just going to have to help me with the Spanish that's all."

We went back down and next door into the kitchen of the restaurant. The restaurant, and take-away were opened up between them by a couple of wide arches and the restaurant tables flowed on into part of the take-away, but Carlos' gallery was separate and had its own entry. All three of the flats above had their own separate entries from the ground floors as well; so even though we would be living next door to his parents' flat, it was still separate and reasonably private.

As we walked into the kitchen to see what we could do to help there were a few more of his family there. His sister-in-law, Eduardo's wife Lucia, was there with their two sons. Eduardo made the introductions; the boys' names were Marco (14) and Tomas (11). Lucia had just brought them home from playing soccer and they were doing what all boys do at such times; eating. Lucia and I kissed each other on the cheek and the boys shook my hand. We said hello to each other in English; which I considered very friendly and thoughtful of them all. I couldn't resist showing off the little amount of Spanish Carlos had taught me and said, "Hola, encantada de conocerte (Hello, it's nice to meet you)." Lucia smiled and nodded in thanks, the boys grew quite excited and rattled on in rapid Spanish. Carlos laughed, cut in, and told the boys I was trying to learn Spanish but wasn't very good just yet. The boys both had a laugh and said they would help me if I liked. They went off to shower and get changed and Carlos asked what we could do to help get ready for tonight in the restaurant. I was put to setting tables; he went back to his flat to get his guitar. He often played and sang in the restaurant when he was at home, as well as helping out with the cooking and working as barman. Everyone agreed it would be good if he played and sang a few songs tonight as a bit of a welcome home for him, his family, and the restaurant regulars as well. I have set tables in quite a few restaurants over the years; it was no different here really.

Carlos came back down, leaned his guitar in the corner where he would be performing, and came over to me. He suggested that maybe I could help out in the bar tonight. I am a very experienced barman, so I said, "Yes as long as someone can translate for me until I get used to what people are drinking. I only know the Spanish for beer, Cerveza, and red wine, vino tinto morapio." Carlos said that would probably cover what most people drank anyway. His father and mother did most of the cooking; his sister Angela, who wasn't home yet, and Lucia shared the table serving between them; the two boys helped out if it was really busy. Carlos usually played music and occasionally ran the bar when he was home, and Eduardo ran the take-away in the next room. Everyone pitched in; it was a very efficient family business.

Just then his mother called out that we should all eat as dinner was ready. I hadn't realised, but it was now 5.30pm. Apparently the family all usually ate before they opened the restaurant, as they may not get time to eat until very late otherwise. Just as we were sitting down to eat, his sister Angela came in. She'd been out at the beach with her boyfriend all day. We were introduced, and then we all sat down to enjoy a lovely meal together. Carlos' grandmother had come down to join us for dinner as well. There were 10 of us seated at a long table. I found it very comforting looking around the table and watching and listening to this family all at dinner together; enjoying the food and wine, and enjoying each other's company; all obviously close and all happy that Carlos was back home with them again. They chatted mainly in Spanish, but also politely included me in the conversations by speaking English from time to time. It dawned on me that there were four generations of his family all enjoying dinner here together; not a sight I would see all that often back in Australia. When I first met Carlos only two months ago I was a little surprised at how open, genuinely friendly, and considerate he was. Watching this close-knit family together, I now understood why he is the person he is. I'd only met these people during the past hour or two, yet they had happily included me into their family group and made me feel like I was one of them.

My own family experience had been vastly different; we loved each other, we're family; we just never particularly liked each other. There are some major differences between 'loving' someone, and actually 'liking' them; it's not the same thing. The only two people in my whole extended family that I ever truly liked and could communicate with were my mother and her father. Sadly, they've both passed away. They had both accepted me for who and what I am, and those things were never issues between the three of us. The rest of my family loved me in their own way I guess, but tolerated me more than liked me. That wasn't really a problem for me; I've always been strong enough to stand alone if necessary. When Carlos comes to Australia with me after his exhibition, it will be to meet my dear and close friends; not my family particularly. My family would be polite to him of course, but they would not and could not ever accept him. Nothing to do with Carlos at all; but simply because he would be a part of me and my life. They never understood me or who I am, and that had not been a problem for me for many years. We shared the same last name and nothing more than that really. My dear and close friends loved me and also liked me just as I am. They are all happily married heterosexual couples, and my sexuality has never been of any interest or concern to any of them. I knew they would all welcome Carlos warmly and would be very happy for both of us. I was brought back from my private musings by the announcement that we'd better hurry up, as the restaurant and take-away were due to be open in about 20 minutes. So after a lovely and quite enjoyable first dinner with Carlos' family, it was time for all of us to get to work.

They were right; Saturday night was very busy indeed. The restaurant filled to capacity very quickly once it was open. I supposed that it would seat about 60 people in the main room, and another 20 next door in part of the take-away section. Both areas of the business were buzzing with people and activity. I had made note when eating in our favourite little taverna, back in Loutraki on Skopelos, that most Southern Europeans seemed to enjoy dining together in groups. It was noisy; not boisterous or threatening; just people enjoying being with each other and sharing good food and wine. As I mentioned previously in 'Serendipity'; they 'enjoy their meals together'.

It wasn't all that difficult for me working in the bar once I'd become used to the drinks and the wines. Most people were extremely considerate of my lack of Spanish and were quite happy to help me understand anyone who didn't speak any English. It was fairly obvious that most people here were regular diners. Everyone was pleased that Carlos was back home again and was playing and singing for them. From time to time people would get up and sing with him. It was more like a big party, rather than a restaurant. He'd told me previously, when he first played and sang for me, that he sang a lot of songs from the 60's and 70's; and he did; he sang some of them in English, and nearly everyone here knew them as well as he and I did. He also played and sang Spanish songs of course.

When he had a break, he would come over to the bar and we'd enjoy a wine and a cigarette and a chat. Often people would come over to talk to him; and he would introduce me to some as his 'friend James from Australia', and to others as his 'partner'. Obviously he was good friends with many of these people who were regulars in the family restaurant. Even though I was kept very busy in the bar, it was one of the most relaxed and enjoyable evenings I have ever spent working in a bar in my life; and I've worked in quite a few restaurants, hotels, and night clubs over the years. By the time we closed up then cleaned and tidied up it was quite late, around 1.00am; then we finally said our goodnights to his family and went up to bed at last. His family were obviously quite impressed that I had been able to do such a good job of running the bar for them, and thanked me very warmly and genuinely for my assistance. Miguel assured me that Sunday night would be much quieter. Then on Monday they were closed and we would all enjoy a family night together.

Carlos and I climbed upstairs to his flat, fell on the bed together, and kissed and hugged. It was very late but neither of us was intending to forego our nightly session of making love. A shower was definitely in order after travelling all day and working all night. At our villa on Skopelos, we would have simply jumped into our pool for a refreshing swim before bed; but there was no pool here, so a shower would just have to do. We showered together and, after not having any real physical contact all day and night, it was a surprise that we actually managed to wait until we were in bed before we became romantic and sexually involved. Even though we were both reasonably tired from travelling and working, our lovemaking was all the more urgent and passionate due to our enforced abstinence today; and we made love twice before we were both satisfied enough to lay back in each others' embrace and chat for a while before sleep.

As I lay with my head on his shoulder, our arms around each other; he said, You know James you are the first person I have ever made love to in this bed. Does that surprise you? As you know, I've had lovers before; but never here in my bed at home. My family have met a couple of my boyfriends over the years, but I've never had any of them stay here. I leaned across and kissed him, smiled and replied, Carlos the more time I spend with you the less I am surprised by you my love. In saying that, I don't mean that you no longer surprise and interest me; far from it. It's just that I have come to know you fairly well in the short time we've been together. The fact that you loved me in the first place was my biggest surprise; and the best surprise of my life. I was watching you with your family earlier tonight while we were eating before opening the restaurant. Obviously you are all extremely close. Watching you all together, I can now see why you are the open, friendly, and very loving person you are. You could not have avoided being that kind of person growing up with your family. You said your family would welcome me, but I still harboured a few nagging doubts in the back of my mind; naturally, given my own family experiences. Now, my love, I totally agree with you. Your family have made me feel so very welcome and at ease. I think they are all really lovely.

He kissed my forehead and said gently, I'm also right that they will be okay with us getting married and going to live together on Skopelos. But we'll wait a few days before we spring those little surprises on them; just let them get to know you better, and they'll see how much we love each other. They'll be fine with both of those things I promise you. I'm 34 and it's about time I left home anyway. We'd better get some sleep; tomorrow I have to return the rental car, and I want to show you my yacht that I told you about. The restaurant is open tomorrow night, but it's usually quieter, and then on Monday night we'll all have a family dinner and celebration together. We kissed each other, then curled up as always; him up against my back, arm around me, and slept.

2

My first morning waking up there in his flat was a little strange. We always woke curled up together in that joined half-foetal embrace we slept in; that wasn't strange. But there were no sounds of waves breaking on the rocks below the open French doors of the villa, and it was a bit hotter here as well. He leaned over me and kissed me and said, "Buenos Dias James, te amo (Good morning James, I love you)." I rolled over and ran my arms up around his shoulders, kissed him and replied with a smile, "Se que te amo (I love you too). After a reasonably quick, but also necessary, trip to the bathroom, I slid back into bed and cuddled up with him. We had enjoyed making love fairly regularly from the very beginning of our relationship, but our morning sessions of intimacy and the lovemaking that followed were special. It was our way of welcoming each new day and re-confirming our love and need for one another; it was also very enjoyable. I once remarked to Carlos that, If there is a better way of starting the day, I've yet to find it." I still haven't found it. We made love, as we have done nearly every morning since we've been together; though this morning it would not be followed by our swim in the pool, just a shower.

While I lay back; head on his shoulder and his arms around me, a face appeared in the doorway. Thank God we had finished making love, though not that long ago, and were just lying there in each other's arms. It was his younger nephew Tomas. Carlos called him over and he hopped up beside Carlos and gave him a hug as he said good morning to both of us. Carlos cuddled his nephew to him and he lay back on his uncle's other shoulder. If he was at all surprised to see two men cuddled up together in bed together, it didn't show. As far as he was concerned he was just coming to say good morning to his uncle whom he loved who had been away for a few months.

The boy chattered away about his soccer game, how his team is going, and asked Carlos about his holiday in Greece. Carlos told him about creating forty paintings while he was there; and told him about meeting Stavros, the man who owned the art galleries in London and New York where he was going to have exhibitions of his paintings. Tomas asked about the island we'd been staying on, and how long Carlos was going to be home for; normal, general, nephew-uncle chatter. It was just a lovely family moment in a loving family. My presence there just meant I was included in that family envelope; it gave me a very warm feeling. Tomas asked me what I did, and I told him that I'm a writer and I'm from Australia; which seemed to interest him. Just then Lucia, his mother, called him from downstairs; and he hopped down, said he'd see us later on; and went off.

Carlos looked at me, gave me a kiss and laughed, I've never locked my door before; there's never been any need to. But I think it might be a good idea if I start doing that while we're here together. I hope you weren't embarrassed. I kissed him back and replied, Not at all, it's good to see how much he loves you. He gave me a hug, kissed me and said, I have a wonderful relationship with both of my nephews; I go and watch them play soccer; take them sailing; we spend quite a bit of time together. It's not unusual for Tomas to come up and say good morning to me. I just forgot this morning that he would. I'll make sure and lock the downstairs door in future, and I'll mention to Lucia that it might be a good idea to have a nice chat with the boys and suggest that while there is someone else staying here with me it would be good to knock and call out before just barging in as usual. Now I'll make us a coffee and then we should have a shower and go down and have some breakfast. Then we have things to do. Will you be okay driving in Spanish traffic? If so, you can follow me in my car while I take the hire car back; if not, I'll get one of the others to drive. Spanish traffic is quite hectic, even here. I kissed him back, gave him a smile and said, I should be okay in the traffic, as long it's not too far and you don't drive too fast and lose me. As for the boys; Marco is 14, so he probably knows you're homosexual; even Thomas at 11 must have some idea, but obviously it is of no concern to them at all and I think that's wonderful. You're simply Uncle Carlos and they love you like the rest of your family. I was very close to my nephews and nieces when they were young; before their narrow-minded parents managed to implant their own stupid prejudices and phobias into their children's heads.

He made us a coffee and we shaved, showered, and dressed and then went downstairs for breakfast. There was no point in preparing breakfast up in your flat, when you live virtually above a restaurant. Eduardo, Lucia, and the boys usually ate their breakfast up in their flat, but Carlos always went down and had his in the restaurant or in the kitchen, like the other members of his family. As we entered, there were his mother, father, brother and wife, and his sister, all enjoying coffees. Grandmother was having hers upstairs. The boys had eaten and gone off to play. They'd not long come back from early Mass. On Sundays, the family always go to early Mass and then come home for breakfast together. Carlos told me that he only goes along to Mass with the family occasionally. We all said our good mornings, and Carlos and I sat down to enjoy our own breakfast while the family sat finishing their coffees and talking.

Miguel asked us what we were planning to do today, and was Carlos going to show me around the city? Carlos said we were taking the BMW back, and then he was taking me to see his yacht. He'd told me quite a lot about his yacht while we were sailing around Skopelos together, and I was very much looking forward to seeing it. If we have time while we're here, he is intending to take me on trips around the Spanish coast. We didn't mention it just then, but we are planning a few days of sailing around Majorca, Minorca, and Ibiza as a short honeymoon trip, before we head off to London for his exhibition. But for today, a bit of sight-seeing around his home city will be fine. We wouldn't be back for lunch, but we'll be back in time for dinner and to help out again tonight.

Sofia thanked me for helping out by working in the bar last night, and Miguel commented that I seemed to be a pretty good barman for a writer. I told him I'd spent a few years working in the hospitality industry back in Australia before I took up writing. I said that when I'd first met my editor in Australia after getting my first book published, she'd made a joke that, As a writer, I made a pretty good barman. I went on to say that I would be very happy to help out in way that I could while I was staying here, and that I really appreciated the way they had all made me feel so welcome in their home. Carlos' sister Angela told me she is in her final year of university; she's studying Law and hopes to join a practice here in Castellon de la Plana after she graduates at the end of the year. I told her that I did a few years of a Law degree back in Australia, but had dropped out of it because I was not interested in practicing Law as much as I was interested in the Law itself. I would have liked to go into legal reform, or the judiciary; not be a lawyer. But I gave it all up and went on to other things anyway. She also told me that she is planning to get engaged in a few months and I will probably meet her intended on Monday night when we all have the family dinner and get together.

Then we got around to the subject of Carlos' exhibition in London, which was only a few weeks away. They knew about the exhibition, as all of his paintings here had been packed and shipped off to London; but they didn't really know about how we'd met Stavros and Louis, and how much they had loved Carlos' paintings. So Carlos told them all about how he'd done a painting of the taverna where we always ate in Loutraki. How the owner had bought the painting; and that his brother Stavros, who owned the London gallery was there on holiday; saw the painting, and came to the villa to see Carlos' other works. He loved the paintings and asked Carlos if he would be interested in having a couple of exhibitions in his London and New York galleries.

His family were all very impressed. He'd been painting for quite a few years now and this was his break everyone had been hoping and praying for. Carlos said he owed a lot of this success to me. He said that he had been painting better than ever since we got together, and that it was due mainly to me that his paintings attracted Stavros' attention and his incredible offer. I think I might have blushed slightly as his family all looked at me with an increased level of interest and affection. I told them that I had loved Carlos' work since I first saw it, and that it was Carlos who seemed to underestimate his talent. I was so pleased for him when a leading art dealer and gallery owner had showed a level of interest in his paintings that I had said from the start they deserved. I added that he now stood to make some seriously good money out of this London exhibition, and when that was as successful as I knew it would be, he was going to have to get busy painting again because there was sure to be another one later in New York.

I went on to tell them that since Carlos and I had been together, I was writing better than I had ever written before. My publishers agreed the book I'd finished while on Skopelos with Carlos was my best work yet. His mother looked at the pair of us with that 'knowing mother look' and smiled. I don't know what it is about mothers; but they always seem to know what's going on. We finished our breakfast, and they had finished their coffees; so Carlos announced that we were going to take the rental car back and then he'd show me around the city. Later he wanted to take me to his yacht. We would be back for dinner with them before the restaurant opened tonight.

Upstairs again to collect keys and licences, and towels and bathers in case we felt like a swim at the beach. Then back down to get his car out of one of the garages. I'd never bothered to ask him whether he even had a car, or what it might be. I was pleasantly surprised and also excited when he opened the door and there before me was his sports car; a white Alpha Romeo 2000 Spider. I told him I was very impressed, as this particular convertible is one of my favourite cars. It was an older one, but I prefer the earlier models; and it looked in good condition and well cared for. He asked me if I was okay driving a manual; and I told him I'd learned to drive in manual cars, though these days I always bought automatics for sheer ease of driving.

He backed the car out, showed me how everything worked and gave me the directions to where we were heading in case I lost him in the traffic. It was only about a 15 minute drive from here, so I said I should be okay; just not to drive too fast, as I obviously don't know the area yet. We set off into the traffic; he was right, Spanish traffic is hectic; well initially I thought it was hair-raising. But I managed to keep up behind him until we returned the BMW. I was happy when he took over driving again; not because of the car, I loved it; but because of the traffic and the fact that I obviously had no idea of where we were heading. I said I'd love to drive it on a country road sometime.

For an hour or so he took me on a brief tour around the city he'd grown up in, pointing out some of the beautiful old buildings. Like me he was far more interested in the historical architecture, rather than the modern buildings. It's a lovely Spanish sea-side city really. My hair, which had grown a fair bit longer during our months on Skopelos, was blowing everywhere in the open-top car; and I remarked that I'd probably have to get it cut. He said, No; leave it long, I love it. I'll pull it back in a sort-of pony tail for you. So he found something in the glove box and tied it back. I looked in the mirror, and to my surprise I liked it. With our dark glasses, our suntans, and my long silver-blonde hair tied back in a pony tail, I felt like a movie star from some past era being driven around Spain in a convertible sports car by my handsome young Latin lover. I told him so, which produced a nice laugh. No more like a distinguished author, he said. That made us both laugh.

Then we headed north, he said he was taking me up to Pensicola; it's about a 40 minute drive. He told me there is a magnificent old Templar castle there in the old part of the town; a lovely long wide sandy beach, where we could have a walk and a swim; and his yacht was also there in a marina. He thought we might do a little sightseeing, have a swim, and pick up some lunch to enjoy on his yacht. It all sounded absolutely perfect to me; especially the swim, we hadn't had a swim since our last morning in the pool at our villa on Skopelos and we both really loved to swim whenever we got the chance. At the villa we swam several times every day; and we'd even made love in the pool a few times which I thought was quite sensual and fantastic; so did he.

The drive along the Costa del Azahar is beautiful. There are older parts, with older houses and farms; new tourist developments; and some lovely long stretches of beach fronting the western shore of the Mediterranean. A very pretty area indeed; it is no wonder that so many people from England, and other northern European places have made their home here in the sun. Pensicola was everything he had said it would be. We intended doing as much touring around Spain as we had time for. I particularly wanted to see some of the magnificent old castles and palaces. I'd seen pictures of them, and on TV shows, but I really wanted to see them for myself. If we didn't have time this trip, then we'd be back of course to visit his family many times in the future. We had the rest of our lives together, so there was no great urgency.

The beach was very crowded and finding a parking spot wasn't easy; but it was Sunday. It's been a while since I've had to change into swimwear under a towel in a car, but I managed. We would not be able to swim naked here like we had back at the villa, or in our own private little rocky cove below it, on Skopelos. It was going to feel a bit odd really swimming in clothing, it had been a while. We both agreed it would be wonderful when our own villa was built back on the island. I'd designed for a 16 metre pool on the terrace, and we had our own private cove and beach below the villa. There we would have no need of swimwear; great, because we both love to swim naked. But it was nice to jump into the ocean here and enjoy a splash around and a bit of a cooling swim.

We hopped out, dried ourselves off, and lay side by side on the beach for a while in the hot sun. He looked at me, smiled, and said, I used to come here quite often, and I like it here. But what I'd really like to do James is wrap my arms around you and kiss you, like we used to after a swim back on Skopelos. I smiled across at him and replied, I think it's lovely here Carlos and I can see why you come here. But I think if we were to do here what we did back near our pool or below it in that cove; we would be arrested, or at the very least we'd cause a riot among the other bathers. You are just going to have to wait my love, and so unfortunately am I. He sat up, gave me 'that look' and declared, Perhaps it's time we bought some lunch and I took you to my yacht. It'll be private there. I looked up at him trying to sound serious, but couldn't sustain it and ended up smiling, "Sometimes you are like a naughty boy who just can't wait to get his hands on the lolly jar. I want to make to make love with you every bit as badly as you want to, but we're not in private now. We are both obviously missing the privacy we have enjoyed so much up to now.

That's something that heterosexual couples have that we can't have. They can embrace and kiss on a beach or wherever they like as long as it's not too over the top. But I don't think that society has quite advanced to the stage where homosexual couples can display their affection in public in the same way. Maybe one day, but that day's not here yet my love. I think some lunch on your yacht, and whatever else I can read in your eyes, are great ideas. We left the beach, bought some nice take-away and a six-pack of small bottles of beer, and headed for the marina to enjoy a private lunch and satisfy our other hungers on his yacht.

It's a fairly big marina actually; he said it had been extended and enlarged because of all the tourist development that had taken place here. Luckily his yacht was down at the end and in a semi-private location which he said was reserved for permanent lessees like himself. I knew from what he'd told me that his yacht was about 40 feet [12 metres] long; and it was made of wood, not fibreglass. It is sloop-rigged, with electric winches, so one person could handle it fairly easily. He'd also told me that it was set up so that a couple could make extended sailing trips or even live aboard it. Even so, I was still very impressed when we stepped aboard her. The yacht is not new; as I say, it is wood, not fibreglass; but it is beautiful and really very spacious. On the deck level there is the main control cockpit at the centre-stern; with all of the instruments, controls, and electric winches needed to sail, and a 'U' shaped lounge and small table. Through the locked double doors and down a short flight of stairs, and then you're into lovely large and comfortable saloon and dining areas. There's a fully set up galley; and at the stern, underneath the cockpit, is a big cabin with a very comfortable queen-sized island bed and plenty of storage space. Toward the bow there are a shower, toilet, and basin; plus a washing machine and more storage space. There's full head room throughout, even for someone as tall as Carlos, as the centre ¾ of the deck above is raised along most of the length of the yacht. There was plenty of light through lovely big port-hole style windows in all areas, plus two skylights through from the deck above.

He placed our lunch and the beers on a bench in the galley and took me through into his cabin, then pushed me playfully onto the big queen-sized bed, kissed me and asked, Well; what do you think? Do you like my little home away from home? I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and pulled him down onto me, kissed him and responded, Oh Carlos, I love it. I can't wait to go sailing with you in this. It really has plenty of space and is just so comfortable and well set up. I see now what you meant when you said we could live aboard this if our villa isn't ready for us when we get back from Australia. He kissed me and gave me his best 'sexy Spanish sailor look' and said, "We could certainly live on this comfortably. I could live with you on this yacht forever. When I first bought it, it was set up for four people; but I re-configured it for just a couple, which created a lot more room in the saloon and dining areas. I've made some quite long voyages on her and I know the two of us will make many more together. It's fast and sails beautifully.

For a start we'll be having our honeymoon aboard; sailing around the Spanish Islands. Then when we get back from Australia we are going to sail her back to Skopelos. That might take a while, depending on what course we decide on. And if our villa isn't quite finished, we can live there very comfortably aboard this yacht while we wait. Now, shall we have our lunch first while the beers are still cold and the food is hot? Or would you like me to turn on the fridge and put the beers away for after? I gave him a smile and a kiss, and said, "I'm hungry for you my love, but let's eat