The idea that cool, calm Charlotte might suddenly become the wild one was disturbing. She’d get onto Maddie tomorrow and make it a priority to get their friend talking. It was definitely a two-woman job.
‘Sof?’
‘Yes.’
‘I’m only kidding. Don’t look so worried. Now it’s just the two of us, shall we go outside onto the terrace for a drink and a proper chat?’
Sofia’s heart sank. She was all too familiar with Charlotte’s proper chat technique. It looked like she was going to be put under the microscope first.
‘Aperol Spritz?’
‘Yes, lovely.’
Seated on the terrace with the view down to the town and the beach beyond bathed in sun, Sofia forced herself to relax and wait for the first question with a semblance of ease.
‘Are you looking forward to moving on to the next island?’
At least Charlotte was starting with an easy one.
‘Yes, it will be lovely to show you both a place that I’ve come to know and love.’
‘What’s it like?’
‘A mixture between the two islands we’ve visited so far. There’s a sophisticated main town with loads of bars,restaurants and great shops, but it’s also got good beaches and plenty of hiking country.’
‘Sounds great.’
This was all a bit too easy. Sofia braced herself for the next one.
‘And why did you choose it for us out of the other two hundred and twenty-six inhabited islands you could have picked? Is it because you’re desperate to see Adonis again?’
And there it was.
‘What? Why are you saying that?’
Charlotte gave her straw a ferocious suck, depleting the level in the glass instantly.
‘This one’s a bit different, isn’t he?’
‘I don’t know what you mean.’
‘I think you do. Tell me a bit about him. We know virtually nothing.’
‘Er, OK. He’s the manager of a very high-end hotel, which takes up too much of his time. He was born on the island, although he did his degree in hospitality in Athens and Paris.’
‘I don’t need his CV. What about personal stuff?’
‘He has a younger brother and sister and he’s an uncle to loads of kids.’
‘Better… Has he ever been married?’
‘No.’
Sofia finished her drink quickly. She’d need more alcohol to cope with this.
‘Another Aperol?’
Charlotte also had an empty glass.
