Page 25 of The Island of Hopes and Dreams

‘Only five days to go till your wedding!’ Deni said as they stepped onto the street and into blazing sunshine.

* * *

After lunch at a nearby pizzeria, Mirabel’s parents headed back to the hotel for a siesta, while the friends climbed the steep stone lanes towards the top of Bosa, where Malaspina Castle overlooked the town from its perch on the hill. Sunshine bathed the lanes and they were all puffing by the time they reached somewhere they could stop and admire the view. A heat haze rippled towards the hills that edged the town. The terracotta-red tiled roofs soaked up the sun, while the colourful pastel stonework of the houses brought warmth to the valley which was enclosed by hills and the sea. The low wall in front of them was packed with pots blooming with flowers and swarming with bees in the September sun. It was the perfect time after the intense heat and crowds of the summer; something that Sarah and Polly always complained about. With school-age children, they missed out on the blissful quiet away from peak season.

They continued on up the hill. ‘Your mum seemed happier after going shopping this morning,’ Lola said as she tucked her arm in Mirabel’s and they followed after the others. ‘And all the parents were okay at dinner last night.’

‘Only because they were ignoring each other,’ Mirabel said. ‘I think this place tipped Mum over the edge. It’s one thing them staying at the family house and you lot at one of their villas, but this night away has felt unnecessary even if we did combine it with shopping for the wedding. I know Giada wants to show off the island, but it’s come across as them flaunting their wealth and connections by putting everyone up here all foronenight. That wasn’t their intention because I understand they’re not like that, but for my parents, knowing they’re spending this sort of money…’ She shook her head and clasped Lola’s arm tighter. ‘And Mum and Dad really can’t afford that jewellery?—’

‘They can or they wouldn’t have and it’s something they wanted to do for you when so much else is out of their hands.’

They continued on in silence, their calf muscles aching with the climb, the gentle heat wrapping around them.

‘What does Fabs think about the whole situation?’ Lola eventually asked.

‘Fabs is being Fabs and trying his hardest to keep the peace, but I feel trapped in the middle. This should be a joyous time, but it’s just a melting pot of tension.’

They’d trailed behind the others but caught up when they reached the top of the hill. The stone walls of the imposing castle came into view.

Mirabel paused and tilted her head towards the sun, while the others continued across a narrow road and began the climb to the castle.

‘I told you it was a bad idea having everyone come out so far in advance. Our parents are already at each other’s throats; imagine how awful it’ll be by the actual wedding.’

‘You’re talking about family, but not your friends. If it’s any consolation, I’ve never seen Sarah look so happy, and this time away for Deni has already taught her a thing or two about getting a little more balance in her life. Everyone is having a good time, although none of that matters if you’re not.’

‘Oh, it’s not that I’m not enjoying myself, it’s just there’s a pressure I can’t shift. I’m constantly trying to please everyone. It’s exhausting.’

‘Come on, you two!’ Deni’s voice from further up the path floated down. ‘Stop gossiping about Lola’s helluva night with Rhys!’

Lola cringed at the confirmation that it hadn’t been just Freddie and Zoe they’d managed to put a show on for last night; no wonder Rhys had been out of sorts this morning.

Mirabel smiled knowingly as she pulled Lola close and they started up the last bit of the path.

‘Remind me why we climbed this flipping hill?’ she muttered as they followed after the others, their pace snail-like.

‘For the view and to see the castle.’

‘Cocktails by the river might have been preferable.’

‘You were the one who seemed keen to walk things off this morning.’

‘I was, I am, it’s just… Ugh. I’m tired, that’s all.’ Mirabel’s shoulders dropped. ‘I needed to get out. Get away.’

Lola nodded. ‘Maybe have a word with Fabs about easing back on big days out, keep it simple. Just spending time together at the villa is more than enough.’

‘We have a restaurant booked for tomorrow evening, just friends mind, but yeah, no big plans after that until the evening before the wedding. Maybe he can try to rein his mum in.’ Mirabel gave her a look that suggested she wasn’t at all convinced by that idea. ‘Come on, let’s go see this castle. At least it will be downhill on the way back.’

‘And a cocktail or two waiting for us, I’m sure.’

* * *

The sun was retreating towards the horizon by the time they returned to Hotel Melis. The river, reflecting the golden sunset, glistened amber, while the tightly packed lanes in the old town were lit up with light spilling from windows, and the open doors of restaurants enticed with welcoming warmth and fragrant scents. But with their whirlwind trip to Bosa at an end and the nearly two-and-a-half-hour journey back to Villa Capparis still to go, cocktails on a picturesque terrace had been replaced with a glass of Malvasia wine from the family’s vineyard in the hotel bar.

Lola sipped her glass of dessert wine while they waited for the taxis to pick them up. She wondered how wise it was to have everyone waiting together. There was an obvious division with Fabs and Mirabel’s families sitting on opposite sides of the bar, while the friendship groups were clustered together. She couldn’t tell if Rhys was purposely avoiding her or if he was just too embarrassed to talk to her with everyone there. The idea that her actions had put a wedge between them upset her more than she thought possible.

Downing the remainder of the wine and leaving her rucksack with Deni and Sarah, Lola nipped to the bathroom off the lobby. She slicked on lipstick, ran damp fingers through her hair, pushed open the bathroom door and came face to face with Zoe. Instead of letting her through, Zoe paused in the doorway, her head cocked as if studying her.

‘Having fun with Rhys?’

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