Chapter 12
TWELVE
I wake with a stiff neck, wishing I had climbed into bed for half an hour like Lulu, instead of on a balcony chair.
‘I should have had a snooze on the bed like you,’ I tell Lulu, who is awake and looking at her phone. ‘I might grab a quick shower, maybe it will loosen the knots in this neck,’ I say, rubbing at it. ‘Do you fancy going for a nightcap to a bar across the road?’ I ask.
‘I don’t mind,’ she says, putting her phone down and frowning.
‘What’s up?’ I ask.
‘Oh nothing, it’s just Chloe.’ She sighs. ‘She says she isn’t feeling well, and is missing me.’
‘Ah well, I guess we all want our mum when we’re ill. What’s wrong with her?’ I ask.
‘She thinks she might have tonsillitis, she sounded really awful.’ She chews her lip anxiously.
‘Ooh, poor girl. Has she managed to see a doctor?’
‘Hard to get an appointment but she has a high temperature and everything.’
‘Give her a video call, if it puts your mind at rest,’ I suggest, while grabbing a towel from my bed, ready to take a quick shower.
‘I think I will.’ She nods.
As the warm water cascades over me, I rub at my neck and feel the knots begin to loosen.
It’s so beautiful here, I really think I could get used to it.
I still have over a week to explore the island, so I might drive off up into the hills, and explore some remote villages and see how the locals live.
Or maybe Christos could show me around, I think idly.
We could stop at mountain restaurants eating food and sipping ouzo and watching the sun go down together.
Back in the bedroom, Lulu has finished her call.
‘Is Chloe okay?’ I ask gently as I get ready.
‘Yes, fine.’ She smiles. ‘She managed to see someone at a walk-in centre where she called me from. They think it is a virus rather than tonsillitis.’
‘That’s a relief then,’ I tell her. ‘Rest and painkillers and hopefully she will be as right as rain.’
‘I know, kids, hey? They still worry you whatever their age.’ She sighs.
‘I get that.’ I smile.
I do understand, of course I do. I just hope Lulu doesn’t worry too much. She does the lion’s share of the parenting, since her ex shacked up with his new girlfriend, and really deserves this break.
‘Actually, Mia, do you mind if I don’t go out for a drink?’ Lulu asks. ‘I’m a bit pooped after the wedding, which was wonderful, but it’s been a long day.’ She stifles a yawn, despite having had a little siesta.
I can’t lie, I’m a little disappointed, as I thought we might have a cocktail at one of the many bars to round off the day, and maybe even find one with some live music. But I guess there is always tomorrow.
Thinking of music makes me realise it’s ages since I’ve sung in a bar which is a shame really.
I used to love covering well-known songs, that always received rapturous applause.
I even recall doing a duet with my brother Lewis, a Kylie and Jason number at a caravan park that had people on their feet.
Maybe we ought to have got the whole family involved, as Mum and Dad can hold a tune too.
Gran admits to being tone deaf, so I’m not sure where the singing talent comes from.
Perhaps she could join our band and bang a tambourine or something!
My mind flits to the nightclub tomorrow evening that I imagine will be a sleek club with a chilled vibe and moody lighting, not to mention a gorgeous manager, who I realise I can hardly wait to see again. The photos are going to be insane.
‘Sure, that’s fine.’ I smile. ‘I guess it has been a long day,’ I tell Lulu.
‘But you have got yourself ready now,’ says Lulu.
‘It’s fine really. And if you change your mind, we can go for a drink later. The night is still young here.’
‘Sorry I am being a party pooper,’ she decides, sliding off the bed. ‘It’s only ten o’clock, so go out with Patsy and Irene if you like. Really, I’m happy hanging around here, and getting an early night,’ she insists.
Right on cue, Patsy knocks on the bedroom door and asks if we are heading out.
‘Come in.’ I smile at the sight of Irene and Patsy, who have changed outfits and are raring to go.
‘I spotted karaoke tonight at a bar along the front,’ says Patsy, glancing at her watch. ‘I think it starts shortly.’ She touches her lipstick up in a compact with a mirror. ‘I might get up myself. I used to do quite a good rendition of Tina Turner’s “Nutbush City Limits”,’ she reveals.
‘Now that I simply have to see.’ I laugh.
‘Maybe you ought to lower your expectations,’ whispers Irene. ‘Although, I do recall you and Tash singing in her bedroom as little girls, dreaming of being in Girls Aloud,’ she says. ‘So, you should be the one on the karaoke. As I recall, you had a very good singing voice.’
‘Thank you. I do still sing occasionally,’ I tell her, realising it’s been a while. I still remember my first paid gig at a local working men’s club when I was eighteen. It went down a storm, especially with the older people who adored my covers of a couple of country songs.
When Lulu tells them she won’t be joining us, Patsy does her best to persuade her, but she isn’t budging.
‘Then at least come and have one cocktail at the Sea Breeze bar over the road,’ she suggests. ‘We will leave you alone after, that I promise.’
‘Hmm. Oh, go on then, one drink won’t hurt.’ She smiles and I couldn’t be happier. I’m glad she is joining us or she will only sit worrying about her daughter if she stays here alone.
While Lulu does a quick change, we arrange to meet the ladies at the Sea Breeze, when my phone rings.
It’s my gran asking me how the holiday is going.
‘Hi, Gran. Oh it’s great. Look.’
I walk outside onto the balcony and show her the view all around, of twinkling lights around the village, gently illuminating the rapidly darkening sky.
‘That looks amazing. If only I was twenty years younger, I’d be there with bells on.’ She laughs. ‘I bet there are some fit men there.’
‘Gran!’ I can’t help but laugh. Especially as she would be in her sixties even twenty years ago.
‘So how was the wedding?’ she asks.
‘Oh, it was wonderful,’ I tell her, recalling the event that was just about perfect. ‘Tasha and Owen looked fabulous, so happy.’
‘I look forward to seeing your pics on that Instantgram,’ she says.
‘Instagram, Gran,’ I correct her, laughing once more.
‘Well, whatever. I’m sure your followers will love it. Santorini is very popular, I believe.’
‘It is. And thanks, Gran. I’ll post some pics tomorrow, just not the wedding ones until the official ones are out there,’ I tell her. ‘But I can send you one of Tash and Owen that I took myself. Just don’t post it anywhere.’
‘Don’t worry about that, love. I wouldn’t know how.’ She chuckles.
Just then, Mum comes into view, depositing some tea and biscuits down in front of Gran and we have a little chat.
‘Perhaps we could do a little family holiday to Greece next year.’ She smiles.
‘I’d love that, Mum.’
It would be lovely for Gran to come too, but she is so unsteady on her feet these days. Still, you never know.
‘Okay, well enjoy the rest of your holiday and give my congratulations to Tasha and Owen,’ says Mum, before she ends the call.
Half an hour later, we are across the road at the Sea Breeze, where Patsy and Irene are enjoying a cocktail and I wonder where this pair get their energy from.
‘Ooh here you are,’ says Irene with a beaming smile. ‘I highly recommend this,’ she says, lifting her drink. ‘It’s an ouzo-based cocktail,’ she informs us.
‘Oh nooo, not for me,’ I say, recalling a bad experience with too much ouzo at a Greek restaurant back home that I have no desire to repeat.
‘So what are you ladies up to tomorrow?’ asks Patsy.
‘We thought we might have a lazy morning, then head up to Oia later in the day for the sunset views. There’s a trip going from the hotel, leaving at around four, including a light dinner.
The restaurant balcony is a prime location for the sunset apparently. ’
‘That does sound lovely, but I kind of fancied a day exploring the streets of Fira tomorrow. What do you fancy doing?’ I turn to Lulu.
‘Actually, yes, I like the sound of exploring Fira, I believe there are lots of little shops and galleries there,’ she agrees.
‘Okay, just thought we’d ask.’ Irene smiles. ‘Maybe see you back for a nightcap when we return.’ She winks.
Diners all around are enjoying delicious-looking food, and the tantalising smell makes my stomach rumble a little. It’s been hours since we ate at the wedding, so we decide to order some food.
We have the most relaxed evening tucking into calamari, drizzled with lemon and parsley and a huge Greek salad dotted with olives and salty feta to share. Warm pittas and dips jostle for space on the table, and we tuck in hungrily.
‘I don’t know why I’m so hungry, perhaps it’s the sea air,’ Irene says as she polishes off some complimentary honey cake at the end of the meal.
‘Well, it was hours ago since we ate at the wedding,’ I remind her.
‘You’re too kind.’ She smiles. ‘I just can’t seem to stop eating.
I’ve tried to lose weight, of course, it’s no good carrying extra weight in this heat.
’ She admits. ‘I think it all started after Malcolm died, even though I was still angry with him.’ She sighs.
‘Some people drown their sorrows; I ate my way out of grief. I still am, truth be told.’
‘As long as you’re happy,’ ventures Lulu.
‘And are you?’ I ask honestly.
‘That’s the thing though, no, I’m not.’ She says honestly. ‘But I just sort of give up, as it’s like climbing a mountain. I make a little progress, then slip back,’ she admits.
‘I know someone who could help you with that, if you like. Are you on Instagram?’ I ask.
‘What, no I’m only just on Facebook.’ She laughs. ‘And even that I hardly bother with. Why do you ask?’
‘There is someone on there who busts the myths about weight loss. Lots of people are like you, they give up after the first hurdle.’
‘What kind of myths?’
‘Well, it’s about the calories you consume. For example, did you know you would need to eat around eighteen Mars bars to gain a single pound. It’s all about calorie deficit, which I am sure you already know.’
‘I do. I just seem to make the wrong choices,’ she says as she pushes her plate away from her.
‘But you know, I think it is time I joined a slimming club again. I need the support of other people,’ she admits.
‘And I know a lot of overweight people are fit, happy even, and that’s absolutely fine if that is the case,’ she says.
‘But I’m not. Trudging about in this heat has made me realise I need to do something. ’ She sighs.
‘People can only make changes when they are ready to. I think joining a slimming club is a great idea though,’ I tell her. ‘Lots of people need the support of a group.’
‘I am definitely one of those people,’ says Irene. ‘I have been watching reruns of Fat Friends on Netflix, and it reminded me of how being part of a group really can motivate you, in any situation.’
‘I’ll come with you, if you like,’ offers Patsy supportively. ‘At least for the first few sessions.’
‘As if you need to.’ Irene laughs, rolling her eyes. ‘Although it’s kind of you to support me.’
‘Ah, but you would be surprised. I have got a right old tummy on me. I just dress to disguise it,’ says Patsy.
‘Thank you,’ says Irene softly, reaching for her cousin’s hand, and I feel almost emotional witnessing the strength of their friendship.
‘But for now, as we are still on holiday, let’s enjoy these cocktails,’ says Patsy as she raises her glass.
‘I wonder how Tash and Owen are enjoying the secluded island?’ I ask no one in particular, imagining them sharing drinks on the terrace of a villa overlooking the beach, and watching a sky studded with stars.
I sip my delicious pina colada when it arrives and try not to imagine sharing such a romantic location with a certain Greek guy who I can’t seem to stop thinking about.
‘I bet they will be having the most wonderful time,’ says Lulu. ‘They just seem so happy together. It was a beautiful wedding, and thanks for inviting me as your plus-one,’ she says to me.
‘I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else.’ I smile, thankful that she appears to be enjoying herself.
Having decided to head to the karaoke bar at the end of the beach road, I ask the waiter to take a picture of us all together and he takes my phone.
The photograph shows us all happy and beaming, and it makes me think that whoever said the camera never lies wasn’t maybe quite telling the whole truth.
We all look great on the surface, don’t we?
Especially on social media, yet no one’s life is perfect, despite the image they might present.
Not many people post about their boring days, me included.
All the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare once said. And it really is true.