Epilogue 1

Two months later

“Hola Padre.” The first time I see my father in four months is in the church for the funeral.

His returned greeting is cold, but I expected nothing less. He took my decision to stay in Barcelona badly, which, considering I’m now not costing him anything, is surprising. Constantin seems to think it’s more that he no longer has any control over me, and I think he’s probably right.

We exchange a few words, but in the end, we have nothing to say to each other, and he’s certainly not travelled all this way to see me. With my sister, it’s a bit easier, but not much. Again, I’m no longer a resource to be exploited, and that suits me. My father’s manner couldn’t be more different from Rafe’s parents, who came to visit a few weeks ago. They were warm and welcoming, and we all got on really well, though I think Rafe was more amazed than anyone that they were so accepting of our relationship.

Although I knew it was going to happen—after all, it was why I was sent to Spain in the first place—Estrella’s death was a shock. Although we saw her getting weaker and more frail every day, her spirit remained as indomitable as ever and I was lulled into a belief that she would live forever.

When she was taken to the funeral home, either Juana or I stayed with her, keeping vigil. For the most part it was a quiet, contemplative time, which helped me come to terms with her passing, but at other times there was a steady flow of visitors paying their respects. Those who attended the party we gave her two months ago and many others who had heard the news.

After the funeral, which I’m pleased to see is well attended as it seems she was well liked despite her seclusion in later years, we follow in procession to the cemetery. Estrella’s wishes were that we would all gather back at the house afterwards, where Sofia has made some food for the guests.

Rafe, Constantin, and I are still staying at the house, though we have talked extensively about what we will do next. Mostly along the lines of renting somewhere until we can buy a property. Constantin still has his place above the bar, but he’s reluctant to move back or invite us to live there with him. He says that now he’s been living separately from the bar, he feels like having a bit of distance from it helps him to not overwork. I think this is just half the story and there’s more to it than that, but I don’t mind. Having a new place that is just wholly ours is a good idea.

I spend some time thanking the guests and learning some stories about Estrella I hadn’t heard before. Word gets round that Rafe is writing her biography, which is now largely complete, and he is soon commandeered by those who want to hear more or who want to tell him some snippet of gossip they know.

I’m taking some air on the terrace, thankful to be away from everyone for a few minutes, when my father appears.

“Are you still keeping up this nonsense of staying here, then?”

His manner irks me, though it’s a question and not a command for once.

“I have a life here now. More than I ever had in Argentina.”

“But we are family and it’s your duty?—”

“No!” I say vehemently, the sharpest tone I’ve ever taken with him, which stops him in his tracks. “Family are people who love and support you, who you trust and have shared values. I’m not sure you’ve ever been family to me.”

I’m done talking with him and make my way back to the guests. As I pass him, he says, “You’ll be vacating my house immediately.”

Even if he inherits every last euro of my aunt’s money, the house is held by the estate until probate is granted and I have permission to stay until then, so at best a power play of words. I don’t bother answering him and instead seek Rafe and Constantin, suddenly needing my true family close.

Most of the guests have left when Senor Bernat seeks me out.

“This is unusual, but your father has requested to see the will. I cannot refuse him, but I need you to be present. You two as well.” He directs the last to Rafe and Constantin. We all exchange curious glances but follow the lawyer to my aunt’s office. My father is already there, accompanied by my sister. Juana is sitting in a corner, trying to make herself as unobtrusive as possible.

Senor Bernat takes a place behind my aunt’s desk and takes a document out of his case. I’ve come to respect the lawyer over the last couple of months as he has handled the setting up of the bank storage for me, as well as arranging the sale of a couple of pieces of art.

I take a chair and Rafe and Constantin sit next to me. My father gives us all a glare.

“Why are they here?” my father demands. Senor Bernat looks at my father over his glasses, ignoring him, and looks back down at the document. I can’t help but admire him.

“I have here the final will of Miss Estrella Delgado, which was created and authorised by the correct notaries.” He then says a date, which was just over two months ago.

My father makes a noise, and again, Senor Bernat looks at him. When my father doesn’t say anything Senor Bernat begins reading,

“In accordance with the inheritance laws of Spain, I leave one-third of my estate to my nephew, Antonio Delgado.”

Senor Bernat glances up and then back down to continue reading.

“I leave a third of my estate to my grandnephew, Florencio Delgado.” My mouth goes dry, and I seek Rafe’s hand as he’s closest. I can’t believe she would leave me anything after being so generous with her collection and her art. My mouth goes dry, and my heart starts pounding.

I dare not look at my father.

“Of the remaining third of my estate, of which I may dispose as I wish. I leave one-third to my grandnephew Florencio Delgado, one-third to Juana Garcia.” I hear a sharp intake of breath, and I steal a look at Juana, who has her hands over her mouth.

“One-sixth to Rafe Alderson, and the remaining sixth, along with my Steinway piano, I leave to Constantin Marin.”

Everyone is frozen in stunned silence as Senor Bernat folds the papers and then opens his case. He takes out further documents and lays them out on the table .

“I have made copies for you so you can read them at your leisure. I will, of course, be handling the disposal of the estate.” He rises and my father jumps up, shouting.

“This has to be a mistake. I should get everything.”

“I think you’ll find that everything is correct, Senor Delgado,” Senor Bernat says, unruffled by my father’s outburst.

I stand and turn to Rafe, who still looks stunned, if not a little puzzled. He stands slowly.

“Why would she leave me anything? I hardly knew her?”

I have no answer as I have no idea why she left me, according to what Senor Bernat’s just read out, the bulk of her estate. Except that she was a canny old woman who did whatever she wanted. I look over to where Constantin is hugging a very shocked-looking Juana and ushering her over to us. I hug her too. She has tears running down her face, and she’s overwhelmed with emotion.

My father comes over and says venomously, “Whatever it is you think you’re playing at here, you won’t get away with it.”

I stand up straighter, the first time I’ve ever done so in my father’s presence, and look him in the eye. “I want you to vacate my house immediately.”