‘I suppose it would work.’
‘It has to, unless you’re volunteering to stuff that lot down.’
‘No way.’
Safely back in the car with the cake stowed in the boot, Maddie gave both her friends a pat on the shoulder from the back seat.
The previous day had really taken it out of her. To be so close to losing Thanassis had been terrifying. She didn’t even want to think what sort of state she’d be in if he hadn’t made it. It would have been the end of her holiday, for sure. After what she’d been through with Tony, there was no way she’d be able to smile and carry on if the man had died. Today’s trip, complete with its bickering, laughs and yet another stomach-bursting meal, had been the perfect way to ride out the aftershock.
‘Today certainly took my mind off yesterday’s drama. Thanks, girls.’
Chapter Sixteen
After an early night followed by a day of luxury on the posh sunbeds at the out-of-town white-sand beach, Charlotte was back in charge as activity leader, much to Maddie’s relief.
Thea had informed them at breakfast that Thanassis was now out of hospital and recovering well back at home, which was reassuring. Maddie just hoped the whole episode was over and done with and they could enjoy their last couple of days on the island without any more attention from the locals before they moved on to their final destination, the island where Sofia’s friend Grace lived.
Tonight, they were off to apanigýri, a traditional celebration with simple food and wine, according to Charlotte, which raised money for village activities and was usually linked to the church. They’d been warned to only bring cash.
It was right up in the hills, and they’d convinced Sofia not to drive, so she could enjoy herself, although it was as much for their benefit as hers. Country roads in the dark with Sofia at the wheel really didn’t appeal so taxis both ways had been booked.
Currently crowded together in Charlotte’s bedroom, they only had ten more minutes to decide what to wear before it was time to go. Sofia had insisted that Maddie and Charlotte each pick two potential dresses, and she’d make the final decision on what they’d be wearing.
Maddie had pulled her sensible navy linen shift dress from the wardrobe, and at the last moment added a hot-pink number with tiny shoestring straps as the second option. It clashed horribly with her red hair, although she’d read in a fashion mag in the hairdressers that clashing was a good thing.
She was slated to go last, and Sofia had already changed into a red mini dress and matching heels, which of course they’d had no say over. Charlotte was in a slinky silver number that the queen of fashion had deemed the winner from the two choices on offer. The dress could be mistaken for a nightie in the wrong light thought Maddie, but she had to admit it looked great on her friend.
‘Come out, come out!’
Sofia’s voice was loud even inside the bathroom. Maddie smoothed down the navy shift dress and prepared to step back into the room. Dressing up really wasn’t her thing. She was happiest in jeans and a t-shirt, and for work she had a series of drip-dry lilac tunics and matching trousers, so she never even had to think about what to wear in the mornings. The pink dress was definitely the odd one out in her meagre wardrobe of dark colours, the showgirl in a room full of office workers. She’d picked it up on a whim in her local charity shop, with the tags still on. She wasn’t sure she’d ever find the right occasion to wear it.
Sofia’s reaction to the navy dress was muted to say the least.
‘Mmmm. I suppose wecoulddress it up with some funky jewellery and shoes, but frankly it’s a bit school parents’ evening or applying for a bank loan, isn’t it?’
‘Charming. Not that you’ve probably experienced either.’
‘Try the other one on.’
‘Yes, Ma’am.’
Back in the safety of the bathroom, the chiffon fabric of the pink dress felt soft against her skin when she put it over her head, but the small mirror above the sink only allowed her to see down to her shoulders, so she had absolutely no idea if it suited her.
‘Are you coming out?’
‘Yes, stop going on.’
Sofia’s face had a very different expression this time round.
‘Wow! That is stunning. You look gorgeous, good enough to eat. That’s what you’re wearing. And no arguments.’
Maddie caught sight of herself in the full-length mirror and had to look away and look again.
The dress was absurdly flattering; it hugged her in all the right places and skimmed over the awkward bits. Instead of clashing with her hair, it made a feature of it, and for once she didn’t want to apologise for being born with bright red curly hair. She could appreciate her lightly tanned skin also added nicely to the effect. She didn’t look like herself at all.
Charlotte made a good attempt at a wolf whistle.
‘That is definitely the one, lovely.’
