Laila
That’s fantastic. You go and enjoy yourself, you deserve it. We’ll be fine. I’ve booked some time off so will be here for the kids
‘All good, Laila’s booked time off work,’ Sandra said as she joined Patti again.
‘Brilliant. Now why don’t you come for a couple of weeks? The casita is ready. A couple of women to natter to is just what I need. Keith either potters about the garden or sits in front of the TV all day. I can’t get a word out of him half the time.’
‘We’ll soon jog him out of that. We’ve got a list of things we want to do,’ Patti replied. ‘You both don’t mind running us around, do you? Or we can get taxis, or the train.’
‘You will not! I’d be delighted to run you around.’
‘That’s great then. We’ll book now and I’ll call you later for a catch-up, tell Keith.’
‘I will. And no need for you both to lug heavy suitcases around with you. There’s a washing machine in the casita so you can wash as you go.’
‘That’s great as we can bring a 10kg case free,’ Patti said. ‘I can’t believe I’m actually flying over to see you!’
‘Keith won’t believe it either. It’s just what he needs to cheer himself up.’
‘That’s good. I’m really looking forward to seeing you both. Anyway, we’ll book now, and I’ll call you back later,’ Patti told her.
‘Send us the flight times too, so we know when to get to theairport,’ Mary told her. She waved. ‘Pleased to meet you, Sandra. See you both on Wednesday.’
They said their goodbyes and Patti closed the chat. ‘I told you she wouldn’t mind. Now let’s get those flights booked.’
Patti topped up their wine while Sandra booked the flights. ‘If you get your passport I’ll check you in now, and check myself in when I’m back at home,’ she said.
A little while later the flights were all booked and Patti checked in.
‘Oh my God, we’re actually doing this!’ Sandra said. ‘Spain here we come!’ She held out her glass and they both chinked glasses, squealing with excitement.
‘Thank you for coming with me,’ Patti told her. ‘I feel a lot better now that I have someone flying with me. I actually can’t believe that we’re going.’
Sandra smiled at her. ‘It’s me who should be thanking you. Two whole weeks in Spain! It’s just what I need.’
‘I’m just glad you know your way around the airport. All of this is new to me.’ Patti said, taking a long gulp of her wine.
They’d both just finished their drinks when Sandra’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen. ‘Goodness, I didn’t notice the time. It’s Don. He was popping in to see me after he dropped Laila and the children off, they’ve stayed with him at Cambridge this weekend and he dropped them back home, so he could collect more of his things. I must go.’ She pressed answer and grabbed her bag. ‘See you tomorrow,’ she said to Patti as she hurried off home.
‘What do you mean? Aren’t you coming home tonight?’ Don sounded worried.
‘Sorry, love, I was talking to Patti. I’m on my way now. Put the kettle on for a cup of tea, will you? I’ll only be five minutes.’
When she hurried in a few minutes later, Don was pouring hot water over teabags in mugs.
‘You seem to be spending every minute you can with this Patti,’ Don said scathingly. ‘No wonder you don’t want to move to Cambridge.’
‘I thought that you would be pleased that I have a friend,’ she told him. ‘And actually I’m going to Spain with her next week to visit her brother and sister-in-law. That’s why I’m late, we were booking our flights.’
‘Laila told me. It’s very short notice, Mum.’
‘I know. Isn’t it exciting? I can’t believe that we’re flying out on Wednesday for two whole weeks.’ She stepped past him and swiftly took the teabags out of the mugs before it was too strong, then added milk. She put one of the mugs in front of Don and carried hers over to the table, sitting down in the nearest chair. Don leant back against the worktop.
‘Do you think this is wise, Mum? These people are all strangers to you. You’ve only reconnected with this Patti a month or so ago.’
‘Almost two months actually and will you stop calling her “this Patti”! She’s a very good friend. And stop overreacting. What on earth do you think’s going to happen? They’re not going to kidnap me and sell me to traffickers.’
‘There’s no need to be so flippant.’ Hurt flickered in Don’s eyes. ‘I’m worried about you, Mum. I think the grief has got too much for you. You’re so impulsive just lately. It’s not like you.’
