Will wipes a tear from his eye. ‘I do love bringing people together.’
Chapter Thirty-Two
WILL
Day Seven
Something about last night at Sam’s has got my head spinning, and not in a good way. I wander the streets of Athens, staring but not seeing, unlike Tim, who has profusely thanked me for making him realise how much he cherishes Jemima, and how he doesn’t want to lose her.
Turns out Jemima told Tim everything during their meal, and it must have gone well because their curtains were drawn when I returned home last night and they were still drawn this morning when I left.
Unless they’re dead.
I pause, considering this, buffeted by someone passing by.
I’m sure they’re not.
Jemima seemed so disconnected from Tim at the pool. How long has that relationship been struggling? Can a single romantic evening help make everything better?
Perhaps reconnecting is all I need with Ollie. I thought I was doing the right thing by putting distance between us, but if I wanted him back in my life, I should have been proactive inmaking that happen. That’s why, when he texted this morning to ask if I’d thought any more about helping him, I replied almost instantly. Now, I find myself waiting for him to pick me up from Syntagma Square.
Chewing the edge of my lip, I slip my hands in my pocket and look left and right, trying to remain casual and Chill Will but probably looking like I’m planning to rob the pharmacy across the road.
All Tim and Jemima needed was a moment together, one on one, to talk, to remember why they loved one another. Perhaps this is my chance to do the same with Ollie.
When a blacked-out Mercedes pulls up, I don’t bother to look at it. When someone whistles, I preoccupy myself with my phone.
‘Look up, would you?’
Ollie. Leaning and waving at me from the shining Mercedes that reflects my dazed expression.
I get in, relishing the cold air con on my skin. ‘Fancy ride.’
‘It’s a rental, but Alec has one just like it at home.’
Bam.Alec talk straight away. A constant reminder of how silly all of this is.
‘Well, get you. So, what am I helping with?’ I ask, as Ollie smoothly joins the flow of traffic and heads out of Athens city centre.
‘Wine tasting.’
‘Wine tasting? Oh, goodie.’ I cringe.
‘I thought you’d be perfect for the job.’
‘Why?’
‘You always did love your wine.’
That’s right, I did– I still do– and the fact he still remembers it has me wishing for old times.
‘Why do you need my help with that, though?’
‘I want your opinion. Want to make sure we’re getting the right wine for the table. Plus, I need someone to sample more than me so I can drive us home.’
I laugh, before saying, ‘Red and white, can’t go wrong, then.’
‘But surely it’s more than that?’ He beams, and I try to smile, but it’s hard to do when I’m winded.
