The Greek Villa: A beautiful and utterly addictive summer holiday rom com

Chapter 6

We’re sitting in the lounge sipping coffee, George watching a cartoon on TV, while Mum and Dad are in the kitchen, as Dad rustles up his famous breakfast.

‘Do you remember I told you that I’m considering buying a villa in Greece?’ I ask Josh as I sip my drink, and visualise the white building in the blazing sunshine.

‘I do.’

‘Well, I’ve got my eye on one that needs a little work, although not a major renovation.’ He’s about to say something, but I chatter on excitedly. ‘It’s only a stone’s throw from the sea, in the village of Roda. Remember all our family holidays there? Can you imagine spending time there again, whenever you felt like? I can almost feel the sun on my skin as I speak.’

My brother frowns for a moment.

‘Yeah, you mentioned buying a place, and of course I loved our holidays there, but what do you know about doing up houses?’ He raises an eyebrow.

‘You’ve changed your tune, you told me I ought to go for it,’ I remind him.

‘I know I was enthusiastic about it initially,’ he admits. ‘But old houses can be a money pit,’ he advises cautiously.

‘Well, I can afford to get the work done professionally, and I’m okay with painting and decorating,’ I say indignantly, feeling sad that he doesn’t seem to be even a teeny bit excited. ‘Anyway, ssh, I haven’t actually mentioned it to Mum and Dad yet,’ I tell Josh as Mum pops her head around the lounge door and tells us breakfast will be ready in five minutes.

‘Well, it’s a big thing to take on, but I guess if anyone can do it, you can,’ he says, but without much enthusiasm.

‘I reckon I can. I do have an eye for interior design and finding bargains.’ My end of line chrome shower from a shop on the high street was an absolute steal. ‘You have to admit, the flat looks good.’

‘There’s no denying that, but do you know any builders in Greece?’ he asks. ‘Or anything about Greek law. And have you seen the inside of the property?’ He bombards me with questions, bursting my bubble with every single one.

‘No, no and not really,’ I tell him, wondering if I really am crazy to even contemplate such a project. He’s right, what do I really know about building work? But then, the rest of the houses on the row look sound enough, and maybe the neighbour next door would have told me if she had any problems with rising damp or anything. Wouldn’t she?

‘Is there someone you can trust to help you?’ he asks.

‘I’m hoping Thea can point me in the direction of someone. And my potential new next-door neighbour, Phoebe. It’s a shame I’m not going until the end of month though as I’d like a chance to look inside, but hey ho.’

‘Wait. You’re telling me you are prepared to buy a house, even though you haven’t seen inside?’ He looks aghast.

‘Yes, but only if the price is right. Look, I’ve come into money and the villa could be a real bargain. The location is so perfect, it might just be my little piece of paradise.’ I resist adding, It’s my inheritance, I will spend it how I like.

‘Well, it sounds like you have already made up your mind,’ says Josh eventually. ‘So I can only wish you the best of luck.’

‘Could you be a little bit excited for me? It could be perfect,’ I say, feeling disappointed by his reaction. ‘It’s down a side street, a short walk from the beach, and as I said you can actually hear the sound of the waves from the balcony. There’s a local bar and taverna and I just know it will make the perfect holiday home. The auction is tomorrow and there is no way I am missing out.’

‘Tomorrow?’

‘Yes. Exciting, isn’t it?’ I really want him to feel at least a little bit of my enthusiasm.

‘You should go for it.’ He smiles. ‘Really, you should, although you can’t blame me for being a little cautious, I’m just watching out for my little sister.’

‘And I appreciate that.’ I smile warmly.

We enjoy a delicious full English breakfast and Mum even went to the trouble of making George pancakes with fruit, which go down a treat.

Glancing at a painting on the kitchen wall, I ask Josh if he still paints. It saddens me that he is going to use most of his inheritance to settle debts.

‘I can’t remember the last time I did,’ he admits. ‘When I’m not working, Zoe has usually arranged something or other with friends, or I’m just plain knackered. Especially since George has come along.’

‘You should make time. A hobby like painting should be relaxing. Something to help you switch off. I remember how much you used to enjoy it,’ I remind him.

‘You definitely should, you always were good at painting. I remember your pictures being displayed on the wall at school,’ adds Mum.

Josh would sometimes sit in the garden and sketch the trees and outline of hills in the background before filling them in with watercolours. I always thought he displayed real talent.

‘Does Zoe not have any hobbies?’ I ask, knowing full well she goes to Zumba classes and has regular get-togethers with her friends at a local bistro.

‘Sometimes. Look, I know what you’re getting at, but the job is so full-on it wipes me out. But, yes, maybe I should paint as a way of relaxation, or at least go for a run now and then,’ he concedes.

‘Self-care is so important. You’ll be no good to George if you end up ill,’ I whisper, as George finishes his pancakes.

‘I know.’ He nods. ‘Well, that was definitely worth staying over for, thanks, Dad.’ He pushes his plate away, having polished off every scrap of the delicious full English breakfast. ‘And, Mum, for George’s pancakes.’

‘It’s a pleasure, we love having people to cook for,’ says Mum as I pile the plates up ready to go into the dishwasher.

It’s been so good spending time with my brother and my gorgeous nephew, George, I think to myself after they have headed off to catch their train home. Maybe Josh could bring George over on holiday, when I get my place in Corfu. We could build sandcastles at the beach and swim in the clear blue sea.

I realise that I am getting a little ahead of myself. And that I can’t seem to visualise Zoe coming over with him. I dearly hope that they can work things out together. It would be nice to see a glimpse of the brother I grew up with again.