Charlotte reached for one of the beers and leant so far over the counter she was practically lying on top of it.
‘Thanks so much, Suzie. Love your music. Always loved your music. My brother really, really loved your music. Such a pleasure to meet you.’
Suzie handed the bottles over to the others with a small smile.
‘Good to hear.’
Maddie shepherded Charlotte to her seat.
‘A little starstruck are we?’
‘You don’t understand. She was all my brother talked about. And like most teenage boys, he barely spoke in those days. We even persuaded my parents to let us go to see a gig of hers in Reading of all places. And you know how strict my parents were.’
Maddie raised her eyes to the sky.
‘Don’t remind me.’
The lying she’d had to do to release Charlotte from their clutches had involved them both developing an intense interest in art classes, followed by sleepovers at hers, which really meant clubbing for most of the night with Sofia, whose mum had beenfine with it, even turning out to pick them up at all hours. Luckily, Charlotte had always been a fantastic artist, so it wasn’t a problem to produce a few pieces as proof of their passion for both of them.
‘Honestly, I can still remember Suzie’s gig. It was amazing. It’s so weird to find her here, on a tiny Greek island. I can’t really believe it.’
‘Okaay. Maybe she’ll let you take her pic later to show your brother. I don’t think many of this lot’—Maddie pointed at the crowd pouring into the bar—‘will have a clue who she is.’
Charlotte was still staring in Suzie’s direction.
‘I wonder why she gave it all up? She just disappeared after a few hits. Never made another album.’
‘For love, it sounds like.’
‘How romantic.’
Charlotte really hoped that the love that had tempted Suzie was still alive and kicking. To give up your country as well as your unique skill was huge. Her talent for art might have deserted her for the moment, but she hoped and prayed she’d find it again soon. She couldn’t imagine going through the rest of her life without painting.
The next time Sofia looked over at the bar, Grace was there talking to Suzie.
‘Grace! Over here!’ Sofia gave an ear-splitting whistle.
Maddie put her hands up to her ears.
‘Thanks for that, Sof. I thought it was going to be the music that hurt my ears, not you.’
Once Sofia had hugged the life out of her old friend, she reintroduced her to the others. Maddie had met up with Sofia’s tall, blonde uni mate, Grace, a couple of times over the years, Sofia’s first wedding being one occasion, and at a couple of parties, but she’d not seen her for ages, and not since she’d lost Tony.
Grace had also been widowed herself a few years ago, she recalled, but according to Sofia, was now happily hooked up with an ex special-forces soldier called Will. She certainly looked well on it.
Both she and Charlotte were hugged in turn by Grace.
‘Hi. I remember meeting you both ages ago, but as madam here has basically had hardly any time off work in the last ten years, it’s been a while. But now all that work nonsense’s over…’
Sofia bumped against her friend.
‘Don’t say that! It’s not over.’
‘OK, on hold. Anyway, it’s great to see you both here on the island. Welcome andYamas!’
‘Yamas!’
Maddie and Charlotte smiled back and clinked bottles with Grace.
