Sister’s voice leaks exaggerated sweetness. The couple is well dressed and the father has a warm smile.
Puri looks down at Clover. “Look, we have visitors.” She carries Clover across the room and makes popping noises with her mouth. By the time she reaches the couple, Clover’s face is alive with joy.
“¡Oh, qué chiquitita!” exclaims the woman.
“Yes, she’s still tiny,” replies Sister Hortensia. Sister puts 20 123 back in his bassinet.
Without asking, Puri hands Clover to the woman. She eagerly accepts the child.
“She’s such a sweet girl with a very calm disposition,” whispers Puri. “She loves to smile and giggle. Make this sound and you’ll see her react.”
The woman imitates Puri and Clover immediately responds. Her tiny hand appears from beneath the blanket. The man leans in and Clover grasps on to his finger.
“¡Cúcú!” says the husband.
“She loves peek-a-boo,” says Puri.
The couple is clearly comfortable with an infant. Do they have children of their own? The pair not only looks lovingly at Clover, they look lovingly at each other. The woman wears the largest emerald ring Puri has ever seen. They are elegant, wealthy, kind, and in love. And they are Catholic. They wouldn’t be here otherwise.
Puri sees Sister across the nursery, picking up 20 121, the other little boy. She feels time slipping.
Puri speaks quickly, almost blurting. “She is a sweet one. She’s the sweetest one. She’s engaged, alert, and so affectionate. She’s the very best child here and I know all of them, I promise. You should choose her. Good day.”
Puri bobs and turns from the couple. Sister Hortensia stands, holding the other baby boy, giving a questioning glare to Puri.
“Have a nice afternoon, Sister. I’m on my way to the clinic.” Puri smiles, suddenly feeling like a very good Spaniard.
97
“Look who’s here. Hola, cowboy!” says Nick, rising from the table. He greets Daniel in the entry to the breezy villa dining room.
“Happy birthday.”
“Thanks. You remember these folks from the event at the embassy, don’t you?” Daniel eyes the girls in dresses and the young men in ties. Once again, Nick has led him astray. “I thought you said it was casual,” he whispers.
“It is! Look at me. I’m not wearing a tie. I can’t help that they did.” Nick walks to the table and makes an announcement. “My friend feels he’s underdressed. Would you please assure him that his Dallas ranch wear is just fine?” Nick lifts a glass in a toast. “To comfort, Daniel Matheson.”
A girl at the table perks up. “Your people are the Mathesons from Dallas?”
“My people? Uh, yes,” he says.
The girl gives an immature squeal. “Then you must know my parents’ dear friends? The Joyce family from Preston Hollow? They have a daughter our age, Laura Beth.”
Society’s noose casts long shadows. Half a world away and this girl knows his family and also Laura Beth’s? His mother would be thrilled. Of course they know the Joyce family. Everyone does.
“I’m sorry,” says the girl. “Did I say something to offend?”
“Not at all,” recovers Daniel, realizing that his face gave him away. “Just looking for a place to put my camera.”
“Unlike the rest of us loafers, my pal Dan’s been on assignment this morning. He’s an award-winning photographer and a finalist for a big photography prize.”
Nick actually sounds proud. His mention of Daniel as a pal feels genuine.
“Holy cow, that’s impressive,” says one of the guys. “What did you photograph this morning?”
Five faces stare at him from the fancy lunch table, waiting for a response.
“I photographed Franco,” says Daniel quietly.
The table erupts with impressed chatter.
“I see you’ve got the press badge to prove it,” whispers Nick. “How’d you swing that? Shep says those are worth gold.”
“I’ll be returning it to Ben after I leave here,” says Daniel.
“Sure you will.” Nick nods with a grin.
Daniel moves to place his camera on a nearby table. Behind is a wall of shelves holding dozens of framed photos—Nick with his Le Rosey rowing team, Mr. and Mrs. Van Dorn with President Eisenhower, Mr. Van Dorn with Conrad Hilton. There are also several group photos and family photos. One image catches his eye. He moves closer. Standing in the back row of the group is Nick. Standing next to him is Ana.
Nick approaches from behind. “Evaluating the photo technique?”
“Nope. The people in the photo.” Daniel points to Ana. He looks at Nick.
“I told you, we’re friends. Nothing more,” whispers Nick. “Come on. Let’s eat.”
But Daniel has lost his appetite.
98
Ana stands in the office of her supervisor. “This message just came through the hotel operator. It says it’s urgent.”
Urgent? Ana’s mind pulls to Julia and Lali.
“If it truly is urgent, you may use the phone in my office. But do not make this a habit, Ana. The hotel cannot take calls for employees. Do you understand?”
“Sí, señor. Of course. Gracias.” She looks at the telephone message:
4:30 p.m. From Nicholas Van Dorn
Urgent. Please call.
As unpredictable as Nick can be, he’s never claimed urgency. Ana looks at the clock. She has just ten minutes before meeting Daniel on her break.
“You may call while I’m gone.” The supervisor exits the office.
A servant answers and Ana requests Nick. She twists the telephone cord, anxious.
“Hi.” Nick’s voice lacks the usual bravado.
“I got your message.”
“Yeah, listen. Dan was here for lunch. He saw the photo of our family. The one with you in it. This is getting ridiculous.”
“Why do you still have that photo?”
“I don’t know. It was on the shelf. But look, he’s asking questions. I watched you two last night at the dance. He likes you. He really likes you. Do you like him?”
Ana pauses, debating what she should share. “Nick, there’s something I haven’t told you. Please don’t be mad.”