Free Pictures of You by Barbara Delinsky Page B

process of elimination all over again. She finally settled on two pairs of blue jeans, one to wear and one to pack, several T-shirts, the necessary underthings, and a heavy pullover sweater. For want of something better, she would wear sneakers, though she had to admit that Paul’s arguments in favor of hiking boots made sense. Water over the dam, she sighed, as she stowed a towel, soap, and the minimum of makeup needs into the pack.
    Standing back, she realized that there was no way she could get any camera equipment into the knapsack. Knowing full well that she risked Roberto’s wrath, she proceeded to repack the duffel that usually held her camera equipment. She would need everything in it—her tripod film, flash, lenses, and various accessories—at one point or another, though she would keep the camera itself around her neck. She was able to eliminate only the film she had already exposed. Taking a deep breath, she prayed that the case wouldn’t really be all that noticeable. It had a broad shoulder strap, and she was well used to carrying it. This crucial decision having been made, she put everything else back into her large suitcase, turned out the light, and climbed into bed.

    Even then, she lay awake for what seemed to be hours. As her mind reviewed the amazing events of the day, she momentarily relived each of the experiences and their emotions. Perhaps it was this past excitement, perhaps it was anticipation of tomorrow, perhaps it was no more than the cafèzinho, which had keyed her up. When exhaustion finally engulfed her, she fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.
    It seemed mere moments later that Eva felt a movement at her shoulder. Shrugging it off, she turned deeper into the pillow … before bolting upright in alarm at the sudden realization of where she was and that there was someone with her. In the faint bluish light which was quickly replacing the dark of the night, she saw Roberto sitting on the edge of the bed.
    â€œYou startled me!” she gasped breathlessly, trying to get her bearings amid the lingering grogginess.
    He nodded understandably, his hand remaining on her shoulder for a minute too long, and he informed her in a low tone, “It’s time to get up. Maria will have breakfast ready in five minutes.” Then, mercifully, he left the room without another word, permitting her the privacy to dress.
    Breakfast was a quiet, peaceful affair, as Eva readily let her persisting drowsiness cushion her. She felt in no rush to completely wake up, and rather enjoyed the eggs and bacon from her semidazed state. Roberto was faintly amused by her condition, though he made no effort to alter it. He talked periodically to Maria in low, fluent Portuguese, relieving Eva of any responsibility for conversation. Whenever Maria passed behind Eva in the course of her work, she put a gently reassuring hand on the latter’s shoulder; Eva returned the gesture with a smile, grateful for the comfort as well as for the most satisfying breakfast. When Eva did occasionally raise her eyes to Roberto over the
rim of her coffee cup, she encountered a pleasant, if impersonal, expression. Even through her stupor she guessed that it was the impending embarkation that had put him in relatively good humor.
    It was only when breakfast was done and the two passed through the living room to pick up their packs that this good humor was tested. As Eva bent to lift her two bags, the knapsack and the duffel, Roberto’s gaze caught the latter. With a flicker of impatience in his eyes he faced her.
    â€œI said you could bring only one bag. You have two.”
    Eva had prepared herself well the night before and now, fully awake, she advanced her case.
    â€œI only have one—my knapsack. This duffel holds the tools of my trade much as your pack donkeys carry the tools of yours. I’m used to carrying it and can easily handle both. Without this duffel, my whole purpose for this trip is lost.