Page 27 of Never Too Late to Date

‘Suppose so.’

Vicky carefully picked out the cheese and handed her the rest, along with a bottled water.

‘Thanks. I’m not trying to be deliberately difficult, but I’ve only got one chance to get this right. I’ve got to do everything I can to make it work.’ She sat down on the grass beside Vicky. ‘Do you really think I’m good enough?’

Having heard the pure notes coming out of her friend’s mouth, Vicky couldn’t believe Suzie was even asking her. How could anyone with such a talent not realise how good she was?

‘Yes, most definitely, and can we give the self-doubt a rest for a while, please.’

‘Sorry?’

Suzie’s startled look made her realise she’d gone too far. Stroking Ian’s fragile ego had taken up a lot of her free time, and she’d taken out her resentment on her friend, which wasn’t fair. If she’d said something like that to Ian, she’d probably have got a burst of vitriol back, or, on occasion, something worse.

Vicky scrabbled for the right words.

‘All I’m saying is that you’re a fabulous singer, and you have no reason to doubt yourself. Be more Suzie S.’

‘Thank you. Your support means a lot.’

Vicky let out the breath she’d been holding. She’d saved that one, but it was a warning not to blur the lines between her past and her present.

Suzie reached for her hand.

‘I really do appreciate you being here for me in your precious lunch hour.’

‘What else am I going to do? Hang out with creepy Graham or cheerful Alex? I haven’t seen Angeliki for a couple of days; sadly, it’s just been Alex on duty.’

‘I thought things with him were good after the rescue?’

‘I will admit I saw a different side of him, which was a lot more palatable, but since then he’s been just the same as before. Standoffish and distracted.’

She’d certainly not seen that million-dollar smile again.

‘Shame.’

‘On the plus side, the kittens are doing really well. They’re back at the sanctuary, and I can see them every day. Plus, we’ve already had some enquiries about adopting them when they’re ready.’

‘That’s great news.’

‘Sure is.’

She had to admit to being somewhat disappointed that Alex hadn’t been more friendly when she next saw him. Still, it was his loss.

A change of subject was sorely needed.

‘Now we’re into Holy Week, you must tell me all about our exciting plans for the weekend.’

Suzie smiled.

‘Megáli Evdomáda, as we call Holy Week, is huge. You have no idea what’s going to hit you. Everything basically shuts down for people to be with their loved ones. Even the bar’s closed from Saturday afternoon until Monday, and you know how rare that is. We’re open on Christmas Day, to give you some idea.’

‘Sounds exciting. We’re meeting on Friday evening in the main town, aren’t we?’

‘Yes, but that’s way before the partying starts. Megáli Paraskeví is the most sombre day of the Holy Week, marking the crucifixion of Christ. You need to dress formally, as you would for a funeral, dark clothes, and everything covered up, or you’ll stand out a mile.’

A mental sort through of her wardrobe at the sanctuary drew a blank.

‘Crikey, no one told me that. I haven’t got anything suitable.’