Grace thought for a moment. Such a lot had changed in such a short time. Since leaving Oxfordshire and her reliable but– she had to agree with Sofia– rather dull life, she’d met so many new people, and experienced the best that Greek culture, food, weather and good-natured hospitality could offer.
‘Yes, I really think I’m beginning to.’
ChapterEighteen
Karen the kitten definitely recognised her now, there was no doubt about it. Grace put her hand into the cage and pulled out the kitten, who purred the moment she touched her.
‘You’re getting very attached to her, you know.’ Angeliki’s voice held a slight edge of disapproval. ‘She’s almost at the point where she could be rehomed.’
Grace’s stomach lurched. She knew it was coming, but she couldn’t bear it.
Angeliki put their coffees down on the bench.
‘You can’t take her, obviously, in your situation, so is there anyone you know who could?’
Grace shook her head. Or was there? Will had his own house, and he’d be on holiday for a couple of weeks soon, so he could easily settle her in– and he had a vested interest in Karen’s welfare.
‘Why are you smiling? Have you thought of someone?’
She’d have to find the right time to carry out her cunning plan.
‘Maybe…’
Grace gave the kitten a kiss on the head and put her back in the cage. Her open bag on the floor reminded her that she had something for Angeliki.
‘Here, I’ve got you a present. Some nut loukoumia.’
‘Yummy.’
Angeliki’s eyes shone as she ripped open the packet.
‘Let’s have some now. I can’t wait.’
A woman after her own heart. Grace savoured a piece of the sweet treat and watched Angeliki roll her eyes in ecstasy.
‘This is fantastic. Are you going to Will’s party on Saturday?’
Grace couldn’t quite see the connection between the two things.
‘Yes, are you?’
‘You couldn’t keep me away.’ Angeliki put her hands either side of her own face in an imitation of a waif. ‘I don’t get out much.’
‘You poor little thing. Why don’t we get a cab together? I don’t fancy walking if I’m going to get dressed up. Arriving all hot and sweaty isn’t a great look.’
Angeliki raised her eyebrows. ‘Not if you want to impress.’
‘I’m not looking to impress anyone. It’s just nice to wear something other than shorts and a T-shirt.’
‘Agreed. I like to get out of my white coat now and then too. Let’s liaise on timings. In fact, why don’t you come to mine first and we can get ready together? I’ll send you the address.’
‘I’d like that. I might even buy something new. I’m not sure I’ve got anything suitable for a space party.’
* * *
Grace made her way back down the hill from the vet’s in the direction of the language school and her room. She’d taught one of Rose’s clients earlier in the afternoon for a one-on-one lesson, a chatty Greek businessman called Nick, but her evening was her own.
She debated whether to go for a swim at the cove. Will wasn’t back for a few days, and in many ways she preferred swimming there when he wasn’t around. Knowing that he could appear out of the sea at any moment wearing very little was a bit unsettling. Now she had a solid tan, she’d graduated from the hold-it-all-in swimsuits to the bikinis she’d brought with her.
