Last night’s hospital drama has caught up with all of us so everyone’s happy with a quiet night in, and after we’ve eaten, we sit outside sipping wine.
‘It’s our last night tomorrow,’ says Tig, who’s curled up on Theo’s lap. ‘I vote we do a big pool party.’
‘That’s a great idea, babe,’ says Theo.
‘How big?’ I ask.
‘Well, we should invite the cousins at least.’
I’d love to see Niki and Mario again, but I’m less thrilled about being around the pool all evening. I’ve avoided it all day and was going to suggest a trip to Paphos tomorrow so I can avoid it again.
‘We’ll do a barbecue, withsouvla,’ says Yan. ‘I’m happy to do the prep and cooking part.’
‘Perfect,’ says Tig. ‘Theo and I can buy the mains and sides, and Nella and Pen can sort out drinks and dessert. Although you’ll have to go in Mark’s car.’
‘Talk of the devil,’ says Theo, cocking his head to one side. The sound of the front door announces Mark’s return.
I check the time – almost ten. Has it taken him four hours to get to Limassol and back?
‘There’s some dinner for you in the kitchen,’ says Yan.
‘Cheers, mate.’
‘Were there any problems on the road?’ asks Pen.
The question seems to surprise him. ‘No, I went for a run at the beach near Mazotos. An old army haunt.’
‘I probably shouldn’t have let you drive to Limassol by yourself. No headaches, nausea, or blurry vision?’ asks Theo.
‘Nope. And I was only by myself on the drive back. Which I didn’t mind,’ he hastily adds. I avoid looking him in the eye. ‘It was nice to decompress after everything.’
‘Yeah, don’t blame you, mate,’ says Yan.
‘We’ve decided for our last night to do a pool party,’ says Tig.
His eyes immediately cut to me. ‘Everyone okay with that?’
‘Yeah, who would have a problem?’ She doesn’t wait for an answer. ‘We’re gonna invite some cousins. If there’s anyone you want to invite, feel free. Oh, and you’re on dessert and drink duties with Nell and Pen.’
He salutes, then goes to find leftovers.
I half-heartedly suggest we all watchMy Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, not expecting anyone to want to go back indoors, but I’m surprised when everyone agrees.
I’m enjoying the film, but can’t fully relax as we watch. I keep thinking I can feel Mark’s soft breath on my neck, even though Pen’s sitting between us.
I keep replaying his words.
You shiver when I stand behind you. You don’t know how much it turns me on.
What would have happened if we hadn’t been interrupted? The mother of all orgasms, that’s for sure, but after that? I picture myself turning round and dropping to my knees, eager to return the favour.
The end of the film pulls me out of my reverie, and probably not a moment too soon. I’m not sure I recognise the Nella in this fantasy.
‘Right, we’re off to bed,’ announces Tig. ‘I’m so tired,’ she says with an unconvincing yawn.
Pen rolls her eyes at me. ‘That means they’re off to shag,’ she whispers. ‘It helps that she broadcasts it. Now I know to stay downstairs for a bit.’
‘I’m up for a swim,’ says Mark out of nowhere. ‘Who’s with me?’
