Page 29 of It Takes Three To Tango

“Biographies are hugely popular. Everyone likes to snoop into someone else’s life. Not only will people get to hear about your incredible life, but they’ll get an insight into the lives of all the stars you’ve met as well.”

“Yes, you’ve told me that. Now tell me why you want to write it.”

I blink at her. I feel excited about writing it, but she wants to know why. Can I put it into words? I chuckle inwardly, that I’ll probably be all right as long as I don’t apologise. I get off the lounger, finding it easier if I’m moving.

“Since I started listening to the stories you tell us, I’ve been fascinated by the life you’ve led. Your career has spanned many decades and you’ve met so many people. I’ve always had an interest in the stars, and to hear about them from your perspective would be really special for me. When I discovered your room of photographs...” I pause, catching myself about to apologise for being in a room I might not have been allowed to be in. Then I remembered that this was all an assumption, and I hadn’t been told that. I swallow and start again, remembering how it made me feel instead.

“When I was in the room surrounded by all those pictures, I was transported to another time, another age. I could almost hear them talking, their conversations, a whispered snippet of gossip, the laughter, the good times as well as the bad. I wanted to stay in there for a while ... with those stars, with you. I’d like to bring that to the readers.” I stop, panting slightly with the need to draw breath. My heart beats fast as I await her verdict.

“I knew there was some passion in there somewhere,” she says, and I relax a little, still unsure what she thinks. But then she smiles.

“If you can create that, then I say yes, you can.”

“Thank you so much.” My knees go weak with relief, and I lean against the balustrade for support.

“Good. I’ll have my lawyer draw up a contract,” she says, and I remember the legal side needs to be dealt with. Heaven knows what Helen will think, but I don’t care.

“It will be amazing!” Florencio jumps off his lounger and I’m drawn into a big hug, which takes me by surprise. I enjoy being enveloped in his arms after the emotions of the last few minutes and lean into it, hugging him back.

I can hear Florencio’s raised voice from my room. We all have bedrooms next to each other—Florencio in the middle with myself and Rafe on either side—occupying a different part of the house from Estrella and Juana. I step out into the hall, meeting Rafe coming out of his own room, no doubt disturbed by the same noise as me. Florencio’s door is open and we can see him sitting on the bed, almost shouting down the phone.

“I don’t care what you said. I’m not doing it.”

I glance at Rafe, and he shrugs. Clearly, he doesn’t know either. We’re due to leave for our trip to Castle Montjuïc in a few minutes.

“Yes, señor.” Florencio forces the words out and rings off. He flops back on the bed, his arms outstretched.

Rafe is first through the door and I follow closely behind.

“Is everything okay?” he asks and Florencio finally notices we’re there.

“No, it’s not! I hate my family,” he says vehemently.

Rafe sits on one side of him and I sit on the other; he ping-pongs his head between us.

He stops his head and looks straight up at the ceiling. “My father is still threatening to cut my allowance.”

“That sucks,” Rafe says.

Florencio sighs loudly. “I need to find a way to live without him. I’m twenty-six. It’s ridiculous at this point. I’m pathetic.”

“I don’t think you’re pathetic,” Rafe says quietly.

Florencio twists to look at him. “You’re so sweet, but I need to do something. I can’t let him keep controlling my life.Urgh!” He grimaces and resumes staring at the ceiling.

“We’ll help you come up with something,” I say, though I’m not sure what right now.

“Yes, of course we will,” Rafe chimes in.

“Thanks.” Florencio gives a crooked smile.

“Do you still want to go to Castle Montjuïc?” I ask.

Florencio sighs again, closing his eyes. “My father wants a video call in an hour, and I can already feel a migraine coming on. I’ll just stay here. You guys go and enjoy yourselves.”

“Ah, you sure? Will you be all right?” Rafe asks.

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll get over it, given enough time,” he says dramatically, which I know means he really will be fine.

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