Page 29 of More Than Just Friends

I turned to see Adonis taking Ali’s hand. The blood was literally draining from her face. And I knew why.

When I was doing research online and saw those cable cars, I knew they’d be her idea of hell.

The ride involved a descent from Fira above the water to the old port and the drop was steep and dramatic. Apparently when you were on them, it made the boats and everything beneath you look like toys.

Ali would be terrified. That’d be right at the top of her activities to avoid list. The same went for the quad bikes that were popular in Santorini.

Of course, I wouldn’t expect Adonis to know that. They’d only just met. But surely the right thing to do would be to ask her if she’d like to go on the cable cars, rather than assume or tell her that was what they were categorically doing.

The temptation to tell him to back off was strong, but like I’d reminded myself, I was here with Kayleigh. I couldn’t keep interfering with Ali’s relationship with this guy.

Even if I didn’t like him.

Even if I knew that he wasn’t right for her.

Ali was a grown woman. I had to leave her to make her own decisions.

If she asked me what I thought of him I wouldn’t be able to lie though.

‘Uh, I… I’d prefer not to,’ Ali said. They’d paused a few feet away but hadn’t spotted me yet. ‘I saw it online and the drop is really steep.’

‘It will be fine,’ Adonis said. ‘It is perfectly safe.’

‘I’m sure it’s safe, but I… I just wouldn’t feel comfortable.’ Ali’s voice trembled.

‘This is Santorini!’ He laughed. ‘The island is shaped by a volcanic crater with dramatic cliffs – some that reach hundreds of metres above the sea. The most beautiful sights are seen from the highest viewing points. So, my darling, you cannot come to a place like this and be scared when there is something that is higher than a few steps! I will hold your hand and give you cuddles like a baby if you feel scared. Come.’

So fucking patronising.

‘I don’t⁠—’

‘Hey, Ali, Adonis!’ I jumped in. I knew I said I wouldn’t interfere but I couldn’t stand here and listen to him try to force her to do something she didn’t want to a second longer. ‘I didn’t see you there. How’s it going? Beautiful place, isn’t it?’

I decided that a friendly approach was better than going in all guns blazing.

‘Yeah.’ Ali’s face instantly brightened. ‘I love these narrow, cute streets.’

‘Kayleigh’s just inside buying some souvenirs,’ I added. ‘Which reminds me. We should get our postcards.’

‘Yes!’ Ali’s eyes lit up.

‘Did I hear my name being mentioned?’ Kayleigh suddenly appeared beside me.

‘You did!’ I smiled at her. ‘I just bumped into these two. And Ali and I were just saying we needed to get some postcards.’

‘Postcards?’ Kayleigh frowned. ‘Do people even do those any more? Is it for your grandparents?’

‘No,’ Ali replied. ‘It’s to send to… each other.’

Kayleigh and Adonis’s faces crumpled with confusion.

‘I don’t get it?’ Kayleigh said. ‘You’re both here. In the same place. At the same time. Why would you bother sending each other postcards?’

‘I know it sounds unconventional,’ I attempted to explain. ‘It’s just a thing that we do. A tradition. We’ve done it since we were kids.’

‘Do you remember that one I sent you from Spain when I went on my girls’ holiday? It was a bit naughty so we weren’t sure if it’d reach you.’

‘Yeah. Just a shame that my mum got to it before I did!’ I chuckled and Ali burst out laughing.