‘That was one time,’ I retorted. ‘And I was nine.’
‘We had to call the fire brigade.’
‘Again, I wasnine.’
She laughed. If Claude outlives me, she’ll probably tell this story at my funeral.
‘And you’re sailing there – to Naxos?’ she asked, switching back to tomorrow’s plans.
‘Ah, nope. Going by helicopter.’
‘Mmm.’ A single syllable, yet it conveyed multitudes, Claude’s sisterly concern crossing two bodies of water and a continent to beam into my phone.
‘Perfectly safe,’ I assured her. ‘It’s how I got here, remember?’
‘Fine,’ she relented – as if it were up to her.
I didn’t care if I had to hitch a ride on the back of a seagull – I was going. Especially since Julian and Tommy weren’t. Naxos would be blissfully husband-free.
I suddenly remembered the bath and went to check it. It hadn’t overflowed, but it was close. I turned off the tap. ‘I’ve got to go – my bath’s ready,’ I said.
‘Talk tomorrow night?’ she asked, and it occurred to me that, selfishly, I hadn’t asked after her, not even her plans for the evening.
Although, Claude would be the first to admit that her Saturday nights were about as exciting as a trip to Tesco.
‘Will do my best,’ I replied, not wanting to lock something in. I had no idea how I’d feel tomorrow night. And maybe I’d be otherwise occupied with a Greek firefighter.
We ended the call and I shimmied out of my jumpsuit and slipped into that glorious bathtub, fragrant with the citrusy bath salts I’d liberally scattered into the water. I closed my eyes, releasing a delicious sigh.
It was Ally time, and anyone who dared to interrupt could bugger right off.
Even Tommy.
* * *
I woke Sunday morning well before sunrise after another fractured night’s sleep. I thought I’d done everything right to sleep through the night – I stopped drinking a few hours before bed, I had a relaxing bath, I gave myself an orgasm… But alas, I was painfully wide awake at 2a.m., a burning question ricocheting around my mind:How the hell did Tommy end up on Aetheria?When I eventually fell back asleep hours later, it was fitful and marred by disturbing dreams. All of them about Tommy.
Now it was nearly 6a.m. and there was no sense in lying there stewing. I threw off the covers and drifted over to the coffee machine, made a double-shot espresso, then took it out to the porch. With the resort facing west, the sun was rising behind me, but it was still glorious to behold.
And as I sipped my coffee, my eyes drinking in the pale-blue sky streaked with ribbons of clouds in fiery yellows and oranges, I thought about Naxos. I’ve always enjoyed exploring new places.
Plus, it would be a reprieve from the stifling proximity to Tommy and Julian.
Only two days to go.
It was a comforting thought and if I focused on my professional obligations and did my best to avoid the exes, I’d be back in London before I knew it, unscathed by this bizarre set of circumstances.
I finished my coffee, then went inside to get ready. Niki and Minh were coming along to capture the excursions for the campaign, including a cooking class at one of the restaurants in Chora, also called Old Town. I had to be camera ready (as always), but at least I wouldn’t have to bare my boobs or arse cheeks.
I chose a pair of wide-leg cotton trousers in sunshine yellow and a gold woven-silk tank top, and because we’d be walking cobblestoned roads, sneakers. I packed my small leather backpack with the essentials and walked down to the restaurant. I had just enough time for breakfast before meeting Niki and Minh at the helipad.
‘Ally!’ Trudy waved vigorously from across the restaurant and I headed over, passing two other couples, who greeted me with friendly smiles.
‘Kalimera,’ I said to Trudy and Dale.
‘Kalimera. Would you care to join us?’ Dale offered.
‘Actually, that’d be lovely, thanks.’ I took the seat opposite Trudy. ‘Ooh,’ I said, eyeing her breakfast enviously. ‘That looks delicious.’
