Bed of Roses

By Susan J.

Miguel came for me later that night and we went to dinner; while we ate we talked and laughed. Even though I knew what kind of man he was, I couldn't help but remember how charming he could be when he wanted to. After we finished dinner, we walked along the crowded streets of Madrid, as we walked he held my hand tightly. I looked upwards at the night sky.

"I almost forgot how beautiful the nights were here," I said.

"Yes they are. I still can't believe that you're here."

"Well, I am. You know what I'm going to do before I leave this beautiful country."

"What?"

"I'm going to visit the beach after I do some shopping."

"Sounds like an eventful day for you. When will this day take place?"

"Tomorrow."

"So you'll be leaving soon?" We stopped walking and he looked at me.

"Yes."

"But why so soon?"

"My main reason for this trip was to see that you were all right, and now that I see that you are, I see no reason to stay any longer then I have to; besides you have someone else to keep you occupied."

We started walking down the street again.

"She means nothing to me, she just around for me to pass the time between jobs."

I looked at him. "That's cold Miguel, that's cold."

"Well, it's the truth. She's nothing like you."

"Well, I hope not."

We stopped walking and he turned towards me, he gently touched my cheek. "Every woman I've come across can never compare to you."

"Well that's nice to hear, thank you."

"Serena, please stay a little longer." The look in his eyes was sincere.

"Well, I would like to visit Cadiz while I'm in the country."

"And the beaches of Cadiz are beautiful this time of year, also they are having their annual festival this time of year. Let me be your tour guide."

"Do you charge for your tour guide services?"

He took me in his arms. "Well, we can discuss my price over a glass of champagne in your hotel room."

"Mmm I like that idea."

The next morning Miguel arrived back at his house; while he packed a small suitcase with clothes Melinda walked into the bedroom.

"Miguel, are you just getting in?"

"Yes."

"What are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?"

"Packing a suitcase."

"Very good."

"Where are you going?"

"I have to go away for a few days."

"Where to?"

"Now you know better than to ask me a question like that."

"I was just wondering."

"I have things to do."

"You're going with her, right?"

"Even if I am it's none of your concern."

"You were with her last night, weren't you?"

"I told you, it's none of your concern. Now stop asking me questions."

She walked over to him. "Miguel you can't go with her! I forbid it!"

He looked at her and laughed.

"You forbid me? Now quit acting like a fool."

"I am not a fool! You can't go with her!"

"And why not if that is what I chose to do."

"Because you're mine and I will not allow it!"

Miguel slowly looked in her direction. "Miguel Bain belongs to no one."

"Then why are you running off with her if you belong to no one?!"

"Listen, I go where ever I want, with whoever I want, and no one -- no one tells me where or what I can or cannot do."

He closed the suitcase and started out the door, Melinda followed right behind him.

"Miguel, when will you be back?"

"A few days, I really don't know."

"Will you at least tell me where you are going?"

"No I will not! You never questioned me before so don't start now."

The phone rang and Miguel went into his study to answer. Melinda picked up the extension in the hallway to listen to the phone call.

"So are you ready to walk along the beaches of Cadiz?" I asked.

"Very ready. I'll be by to pick you up in about 30 minutes."

"Okay, I'll be waiting."

Miguel hung up the phone and headed to the hallway. Melinda had already heard the information that she wanted to hear and was now sitting on the stairs waiting for him.

"Well take care and I'll see you when I see you," Miguel said.

"What ever you say, Miguel."

He looked at her, and then he picked up his suitcase and left closing the door behind him. Melinda looked at the closed door.

"You'll see me sooner than you think Miguel."

Miguel and I arrived at the hotel in Cadiz a few hours later; once we were in the room we unpacked and sat down to relax.

"I can't wait to check out the festival," I said.

"The nighttime should be the most fun."

"Miguel."

"Yeah?"

"How's work?"

He looked at me and smiled. "Making a killing."

"What a typical answer. Well?"

"It's been busy and let's leave it at that."

"Okay."

"Now why, don't we get started on our adventure through the streets of Cadiz."

"Let's go."

Miguel and I shopped and walked through the town. It reminded me of the site seeing tour that I gave Miguel when he was in Miami recovering from his gunshot wound. While we were eating lunch at a restaurant Miguel's pager went off. He looked at the number and put it in his pocket.

"Damn it," he said.

"Go and make your phone call."

He stood up and walked over to me; he gently kissed me and smiled.

"That's why I love you -- because you understand."

While he made his phone call I could help but think that he never used the word love before, at least not with me. I decided that I was not going to dwell on it and just concentrate on having a good time while I was there. Miguel returned a few minutes later and sat back down.

"So, when do you have to fly off to who knows where?" I asked.

"I don't. I turned down a very small contract, not even worth my time, so you still have to put up with me."

"I will sure do my best."

For the next few days we enjoyed shopping and walking through the country fair-like surroundings. One night while we slept the nightmare occurred again. I met up with Miguel while walking on the beach, as we talked a shot rang out and he was hit, as he lay in my arms he was trying to tell me something, but once again I woke up in a cold sweat. I sat up and looked at Miguel who was sleeping peacefully. I got up and went into the bathroom and washed my face, I then left the bedroom and went to outside on the balcony. I looked out at the city below and tried to calm down. I then heard Miguel's voice.

"Serena? Where are you?"

"I'm out here."

Miguel came outside a few minutes later. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing."

"Don't start that nothing shit again. What's wrong?"

"I had that dream again."

"Did it end the same way?"

"Yes, it ended with you still trying to tell me something. Damn I wish I knew what it was that you were trying to say."

"I'd kinda like to know myself."

He put his arms around me and hugged me tightly.

"Don't worry about me querida."

"I can't help it, I always worry about you."

"It's nice to know that you care about me."

"And I always will." He kissed me passionately and I felt that old familiar feeling that I felt whenever I was with him. We went back to bed and made love, we fell asleep in each other's arms. While we slept the night away Melinda was checking into a nearby hotel, once she was unpacked she got into bed and thought out loud.

"When we meet tomorrow Serena, I guess you can say it will be the death of you."