‘I’m really sorry I didn’t check properly, I was in a bit of aflap after all the work stuff, but the hotel doesn’t have a swimming pool.’
Maddie shrugged her shoulders.
‘So what? We’ve got the sea just down there.’
Theo appeared from behind Charlotte carrying a full tray of coffees and orange juices.
‘I’m sorry to listen to your conversation, but your friend is right. Why would you need a swimming pool when you have the sea so close? It is nature’s gift, and we Greeks believe that bathing in the sea is good both for your body and your mind.’
Maddie made a face at Sofia while Theo’s attention was taken up with serving Charlotte.
‘See! He agrees with me.’
‘Mmmm.’ Sofia’s tight smile didn’t convince her.
‘And I hope I’m not speaking out of turn here’—Theo put the now empty tray under his arm—‘but a swimming pool uses up so much water, which is a precious resource here on the island. We chose not to have one, and as our customers are mainly Greeks, they understand our philosophy. I hope it doesn’t spoil your enjoyment of the hotel. Thank you.’
Sofia’s face was like thunder when he walked away.
‘I didn’t realise I’d booked us in with some eco-warriors.’
‘Sof! Don’t be a bitch. They’re lovely people. And I happen to agree with them.’
Maddie used her fingers to put a large piece of the cake of the day in her mouth.
‘I’m sure this has walnuts in it. It’s delicious.’
Charlotte typed something into her phone and put the picture next to Sofia’s uneaten piece.
‘Here it is! It’s calledkarydópita, a spiced cake with lots of crushed walnuts added.’
‘It’s yummy. You must try it. Sof, aren’t you eating yours?’
Sofia had turned her face to the view down the hill.
‘No, you have it.’
‘You’re not sulking, are you?’
‘Of course not. Just to let you know, the hotel on the next island has a socking great swimming pool, I’m pleased to say.’
‘So, you are sulking.’
Sofia turned to face her.
‘Will you be boycotting the pool at the next hotel? Or popping down to see if there’s anyone left on Greenham Common when you get back? Or even bunking up with that guy… Swampy, isn’t it?’
‘Now you’re just being ridiculous. All I said was that I can see why the Greeks aren’t fussed about swimming pools in the main. I much prefer being in the sea to being bathed in chlorine. I am entitled to my opinion. Someone’s got out of bed on the wrong side.’
‘Now, now, children.’ Charlotte had her phone in her hand again. ‘I’ve been looking at my travel guides, and there are some amazing things to do on the island. We should make a list straightaway.’
Maddie managed to catch Sofia’s eye and was rewarded with a tiny smile before her friend turned away, nose in the air.
‘My number one suggestion for today is going for a hike in the hills and trying to find “the stunning waterfall at the end of a little gorge” where we can also swim. After last night’s meal and sitting on the ferry for three hours, I’m quite keen to stretch my legs. Anyone else? We can get a taxi to the car park.’
Sofia picked up her own phone.
‘Taxi be damned. We’re not going to be relaxing by a pool anytime soon, that’s for sure. So, if we’re forced to commune with nature, we might as well do it properly and hire a car for the week.’
