‘And have you started work yet?’
‘Yup, I’ve done my first week. It’s OK. Colleagues are all right, kids seem fine.’ Helen was hardly an expert at description.
‘That all sounds great!’ Libby tried to sound as enthusiastic as possible as they chatted. She was determined to encourage her sister and felt proud of her for being so brave. In return she told Helen all about life in Positano so far, realising just how lucky she was to be there – it all sounded pretty idyllic, she had to admit. As she ended the call, with Helen promising to get in touch soon, a beach-seller came along selling cups of ice-cold lemon sorbet. Libby bought one and relished the refreshing spoonfuls of crushed syrupy ice as she looked out on the sea. It reminded her of the Slush Puppies her dad used to buy them after trips to the local swimming pool: blueberry and cherry. He would laugh as the dye slowly turned Helen and Libby’s lips bright blue and neon pink. She felt overcome with emotion at the memory.
Later that afternoon she wound her way back through the shops, buying a pair of blue espadrilles and some ingredients to cook pasta arrabbiata back in the hostel kitchen. Tonio offered cooking lessons to interested guests, teaching small groups how to cook local specialities. Libby was determined to watch and learn as much as she could; she would sneak into the kitchen during these sessions, keeping an eye on the desk and listening out for the phone whilst scribbling notes. This evening’s meal would be an exact replica of his recipe, and she hoped it tasted as good.
She was remarkably pleased with the results of her culinary efforts. The heat of the chilli was complemented perfectly by shavings of Parmesan cheese. She knew she would never get bored of Italian food.
After dinner she decided to call Jules and Angus on their landline.
‘Hello?’ It was Angus. As soon as she heard his voice, Libby realised that it was Angus she had been hoping to get through to.
‘Angus, it’s Libby.’
‘Libby! What a lovely surprise. Jules is out this evening so you’re stuck with me, I’m afraid.’
‘I was actually hoping to speak to you.’
‘Well I’m flattered. Not that Jules and I compete over the affections of our oldest friend… much!’
‘Ha! I love you both, equally, you know that.’
‘You damn well better. So, what’s up?La dolce vitastill going well?’
‘La dolce vitais truly incredible. I’m still determined you must come and see me – the Amalfi coast would be your idea of heaven; so much inspiration for your painting. No it’s not Italy, it’s Helen. I’m worried about her.’
‘Have you spoken to her?’ Angus asked.
‘I spoke to her today. She seemed OK actually. I guess I just feel so sorry for her, and the thought of her all by herself in a foreign country, trying to sort out a life for herself, it makes me anxious.’
‘She’s quite tough you know, Libby. I am sure she will be all right. She just needs time.’
‘But what if she takes a turn for the worse?’
‘It can happen… You just need to be there for her, keep checking in on her.’ Angus’s father had suffered from depression on and off all his life, taking a lot of his frustrations out on his son; as a result they had had a very difficult relationship. As the eldest child, Angus had been the voice of reason, trying to calm any explosions of temper, attempting to mediate between his parents and his siblings. He had spent a long time in his teens and early twenties studying depression, and had always been Libby’s sounding board for any problems that had arisen with Helen.
They talked about her for a while, Libby feeling reassured – as always – by his words of wisdom. ‘I think she just really needs to meet a decent guy…’
‘There’ll be someone out there – for both of you, Libs. Maybe you just need to stop trotting the globe to give them a chance to find you!’
‘I hope so. One day…’ said Libby. ‘When the time comes, I just want what you and Jules have – to marry a best friend who I adore. Something natural and uncomplicated.’
‘You mean me and Jules minus the arguments, I hope!’
‘You and Jules have always argued – you don’t know any other way.’
‘She’s certainly feisty,’ Angus said ruefully.
‘Tell me about it… I honestly don’t know how you cope sometimes.’ Libby laughed as she thought fondly of Jules.
‘Me neither.’
‘Angus!’ He might say that, but Libby knew he loved her best friend just as she did.
Sadly they had been having some of their very worst rows over the last couple of years about having children. Angus was desperate to start a family, whereas Jules seemed to be becoming less and less convinced. It really worried Libby. Such a fundamental disagreement couldn’t be resolved without one or the other of them making an enormous compromise.
‘Have you had any more talks about kids recently?’ Libby dared to ask the question. She could feel Angus tense at the topic. He drew in a long breath and let out a deep sigh.
