‘No. Nothing. We had a lovely evening. It was great. Yeah.’
‘Yes, so, anyway, we’re back to the rain tomorrow. Do you know, it hasn’t stopped raining at home since last September?’ I say.
‘Yeah, the wettest year on record apparently,’ says Soraya.
There is nothing like talking about the UK weather to get someone to change the subject. The four of us talk about what a miserable winter we had, and then the conversation turns to us leaving early in the morning.
‘I was just telling Lucy she should stay on a while and see if she can get some inspiration for the book she’s trying to write. So far, she’s done nothing.’
‘Oh dear. Too busy partying around this playground, perhaps,’ says Elias, with a teasing smile.
‘Yeah, definitely. That’s why I’ve told her she needs to stay on. The apartment we’ve got is vacant for ages. It’s not a problem. Don’t you agree, Elias?’ says Soraya.
‘I think that sounds like a great idea. If you stay on, maybe I could take you on a day trip somewhere on the boat. If the wind in your hair and the sea air don’t give you inspiration, then I don’t know what will. How about it? I could take you somewhere tomorrow if you like?’
‘What about your boss?’
‘Oh, yeah. I’ll check, but I think the Andalusia trip is a bit delayed. It shouldn’t be a problem.’
‘I’ve asked Andrew to see if it’s okay with Gianni, who lent us the flat, which it will be, and you, Mrs, are getting your flight changed. What have you got to rush home for?’
‘Well, Poppy and Jasmine. They’ll be wanting me back in case they need something.’
‘Tough. They’re old enough to manage. This is your time now. How often does an offer like this come along? They’ll still be whinging at you when you get back,’ says Soraya.
‘Yeah, I love them to bits, but they do take me for granted sometimes.’
‘Grown-up kids can do that. I know the feeling well. Sounds like someone needs to change their flight,’ says Elias.
Carol, Soraya and Elias stare at me. I have never been a spur-of-the-moment type of person. I have to meticulously plan any holiday, and even a trip in the car must be carefully prepared by checking my tyres and ensuring I have my warning triangle in the boot. I never say yes to anything immediately. I have to mull things over. I can’t believe I have been so easily swayed.
‘If Gianni agrees, then, yes, I’d love to. Thank you, Soraya.’
‘I think I still have your number, so shall I message you later and see what’s happening?’ says Elias.
‘Yeah, sure. That sounds great.’
The bartender puts down an ice-cold beer in front of Elias, and it feels like the right time to move along.
We say our goodbyes and make our way further along the street.
‘Can you believe we bumped into him? That was meant to be, definitely. I might get the tarot cards out when I get back. Have a look if he comes up,’ says Carol.
‘Don’t you dare. I don’t believe in all of that. Stop it.’
‘Well, they’re usually right.’
‘No, they’re not. Remember when you were convinced Steven was the one because your tarot cards told you so? Only one date you went on, and you couldn’t stand each other.’
‘Well, most of the time they’re right. Maybe I didn’t shuffle the cards properly. Anyway, that was a long time ago. So, where are we off to next?’ says Carol.
‘I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted after all the sightseeing. How about we pick up a final bottle of that nice French wine and watch the world go by from Gianni’s balcony?’ says Soraya.
‘Do you know what? I must be getting old, but that sounds amazing,’ I say.
We pop into the supermarket and head back to the comfort of our apartment, where we open another bottle of French wine, kick our shoes off and lounge around on the balcony, putting the world to rights.
The evening is every bit as wonderful as being in the casino, looking at the palaces, or exploring the yacht, because what is important is the friendship we share, no matter what we are doing.
