The task she set herself wasn’t really a chore at all. She enjoyed being out there on her own as the sunlight faded and she could watch the sky slowly change colour, as if by magic.
She was thinking how easy-going Ralph seemed, despite all the tension between the others, which had nothing whatever to do with them, and how well they were getting on. She almost wished their children could see them.
Back home, Ollie, in particular, would often tell them off for ‘bickering’. Once, he even asked Edie why she and Ralph were still together.
‘You don’t seem to make each other very happy,’ he’d commented.
Edie had tried to brush the comment off, but it had really stung, and Maisie had been on their case, too. Last Christmas, she’d given them a voucher for a well-known restaurant in central London.
‘You should book a nice hotel and make a weekend of it,’ she’d said. ‘You hardly ever do anything, just the two of you.’
Edie and Ralph had thanked her, of course, for her generous and thoughtful present. Neither had been in the mood for an overnight stay, however, and they’d deliberately timed things so they could catch the last train back.
Edie couldn’t help thinking both children would be amazed to see their parents now, being so relaxed and enjoying each other’s company. Not long ago, she wouldn’t have believed it either.
She used the outdoor shower to wash, before wrapping herself in her towel and padding into the kitchen. She was wondering what to do about supper.
Yesterday, April had persuaded them to buy some Cretan sausages, along with the chopped lamb they’d made into meatballs. The sausages were made locally, she’d explained, from free-range, happy pigs that roamed for miles over the fields and hillsides, munching on organic acorns, roots and fruits.
They were stuffed with sage, marjoram and thyme, as well asstamnagathi, a wild green leaf thought to increase longevity.
Her sales pitch had worked like a charm and Edie had promptly asked for two packs. They could grill the meat on the barbecue later, she thought, unless anyone objected, of course.
Meanwhile, a quick check confirmed there was just enough in the fridge for a mixed salad, which she promptly set about making. There was also a bag of brown rice in one of the cupboards and she put two cupfuls in boiling water to cook.
She was still in her wet swimsuit and, by the time she’d finished, she was cold and keen to go upstairs and get dressed. On spotting Jessica’s white flip-flops in the hall, however, she felt a stab of guilt.
Jessica was no doubt on the long journey home and would be tired. A friendly text at this point might cheer her up.
Hope all OK and u enjoyed Knossos. What time will u be back? See u later. Edie.
She couldn’t bring herself to add kisses, even though almost all her acquaintances, from the window cleaner to the doctor’s receptionist, normally received at least one from her. The kisses had a habit of appearing all by themselves. Maisie used to hover over Edie when she was writing to make sure she didn’t go completely mad.
‘You’re soembarrassing, Mum,’ she’d say. ‘It looks like you’ve lost the plot. You need to rein yourself in.’
By the time the two couples sat down for supper, it was nearly nine o’clock. Ralph barbecued the sausages, which were delicious, and they all had fruit for pudding, with the last of Katerina’skalitsounia.
‘Let’s eat out tomorrow night,’ Hannah suggested. ‘We could spend the day at Sweetwater Beach and have supper in the village on our way back.’
‘Great idea,’ said Ralph. ‘We’ll be in our beach clothes, though. Will that matter?’
Edie took a sip of white wine before putting down her glass.
‘I don’t think anyone cares round here. Everyone’s so laid-back. What time shall we set off? Ten-ish?’
‘Perfect.’ Mac topped up her glass before refilling Hannah’s and his own. Ralph said he’d had enough for now.
‘According to my guidebook, there’s a café on the beach, but we’d better bring some snacks just in case.’
All of a sudden, Hannah let out a cry. ‘Oh my God! We’ve forgotten about Jessica. Shouldn’t she be back?’
Edie explained she’d sent a message, but when she picked up her phone, which was in the bag at her feet, she could see it hadn’t been read.
‘That’s odd,’ she said, with a frown. ‘It’s quite late. I wouldn’t have thought there’d be a ferry to Porto Liakáda at this time. Maybe she’ll stay in Chora Sfakion tonight. I’ll try calling her.’
The phone rang nine or ten times with no response. Edie messaged once more.
Hi Jessica, hope all’s well. Please call to let us know you’re safe. Are you staying another night somewhere? Edie.
