‘Shut it!’
‘Aramis was very charming though, so that suits you.’ Charlotte paused a moment. ‘Hang on, let me think. Athos was brooding and noble, so you can have him, Mads, and I’ll be Porthos who was known for his strength, but also his vanity. I can get very touchy about my hair.’
‘Impressive.’ Grace nodded in Charlotte’s direction.
‘Oh, she knows loads of stuff.’
Maddie raised her beer towards the others.
‘So, all for one…’
The shout when it came even attracted attention from the committed dancers.
‘And one for all!’
Sofia put her arm around Grace.
‘That’s it now, you’re bonded with us for life.’
Grace drank the dregs of her beer.
‘Thanks for a lovely evening, you lot. It’s been like going out with a gang of mates back home. I’ve not danced and laughed so much in ages.’
‘One for the road?’ Maddie raised her hand to attract the waiter’s attention.
‘Not for me, thanks. Will’s arriving any minute and we’ve got an early start tomorrow. He’s taking me on some special boat trip to celebrate one year of us meeting.’
Sofia looked over at the entrance.
‘Ah, that’s so sweet. And… here he is.’
A tall, dark, handsome man strolled over to their table and Maddie’s stomach contracted at the way Grace’s eyes lit up when she saw him. He had the same sort of physique as Thanassis, broad shoulders and muscles honed by hard work, definitely not an office boy. His slightly apprehensive look as he approached them was at odds with his imposing presence.
‘Hello… girls, I think you prefer to be called, so Grace tells me. “Ladies” is out these days. I’m Will.’
Charlotte stood and held out her arms.
‘Hey, Will. Come closer. Don’t worry, we won’t eat you.’
Charlotte’s hug must have been extremely sweaty, thought Maddie, as Will smiled manfully and moved swiftly on to her. His relief when she stuck to a handshake was palpable. Hisgrip was firm, and close up, he was even better-looking. She managed to give Grace a thumbs up when Will’s back was turned.
He got to Sofia last, picked her up and twirled her round like she weighed nothing.
‘Sof, we’ll catch up soon, yeah.’
‘You bet.’
Before he put her down, Maddie noticed he’d whispered something in her ear. She wondered what that was all about.
The couple waved goodbye but were barely out of the door before Sofia spoke.
‘This is top secret, but I can’t keep it to myself anymore.’
Maddie guessed what was to come.
‘Well, you have waited a whole five seconds.’
‘Funny. Will is going to propose to Grace tomorrow at the little beach where they went on their first date together.’
