Page 61 of All You Need is Greece

‘Absolutely, why should you?’

‘Thanks, Beth. I don’t really talk about it as I don’t want to bore people. At the end of the day, it’s something women have to go through, although some women seem to breeze through it. Where is the justice in that?’

‘You are not boring me, I am always here to talk to, if you feel like offloading. Or screaming. Or having a glass of wine with,’ I offer. ‘And you know, I’m sure Judith has been through at least some of what you mention. She might be good to talk to sometime.’

‘That’s not a bad idea. And I’ll definitely be up for a glass of wine, despite what the doctors say about it.’ She smiles. ‘I’m really looking forward to this evening at the bar.’ She squeezes my hand before she heads back outside and I make my way upstairs to sort some laundry out in my bedroom.

As I glance out of my bedroom window that has a good view of the pool, even though, just yesterday, Lars pulled the pool cover over for the approaching autumn, I see Lars and Doll hanging around the pool area, practising some dance steps. Judith’s room is on the opposite side of the house, and doesn’t give the same outlook. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not; maybe it would put her mind at rest if she noticed them simply dancing together.

‘Are you looking forward to the fishing trip?’ I ask Lars as I pass him later, carrying some bags of food to a storage area.

‘I am. I used to enjoy sea fishing. And it is a long time since I had time at sea with a bunch of men. It will give me a chance to get to know Nicos a little more too,’ he tells me. ‘Judith is thrilled that Tania has settled down here in the village.’

‘I can imagine.’

‘She also tells me your fiancé is joining us. Or should I say ex-fiancé.’

‘It’s complicated.’ I sigh. ‘But I think we are trying to work things out.’

‘Well, I hope you manage to do just that,’ says Lars kindly, and I thank him.

‘Oh, Lars, while you’re here, how is the dancing coming along?’ I ask him.

‘Absolutely brilliantly, if I say so myself. Doll is such a great teacher.’

‘I’m glad to hear it. And I hope you don’t mind me saying, but perhaps you could be a tiny bit more discreet,’ I tentatively suggest.

‘I thought we were.’ He looks surprised. ‘What makes you say that?’

‘Well, to be truthful, it hasn’t gone unnoticed by Judith that the two of you seem to disappear together. I heard her mentioning it to Yolanda.’

‘You did?’ Lars looks horrified. ‘Surely she doesn’t think there is anything untoward going on between us, does she? I love Judith more than anything,’ he says, a worried expression on his face. ‘Besides, Doll and Michael are completely happy together. I would never dream of doing anything like that under his nose.’

‘I know you wouldn’t, and I know how much you love Judith. But you can see how it might look. I once spotted you both entering the rescue at different times, having seen you get out of your car together.’

‘Oh dear.’ Lars runs his hand over his head and sighs. ‘I don’t know what to do now. The wedding is in a few days’ time. Do I come clean and ruin the surprise? I hate the thought of Judith worrying over nothing,’ he says, genuinely concerned.

‘I don’t think there is any need for that. Maybe just be a little more careful when you practise together,’ I gently advise.

‘Thank you, Beth. And maybe I ought to make an extra special fuss of Judith.’

‘Then you might arouse even more suspicion. You are loving enough towards Judith. Just be aware, that’s all I am saying.’

THIRTY-THREE

We feed the animals a little earlier than usual, around five, as we prepare for the hen night at the bar. It’s six o’clock by the time we are gathered in the kitchen, and Judith offers us an ouzo cocktail before we head out. Lars came over and said goodbye before he left, kissing Judith on the cheek before he departed.

‘What exactly is in it?’ I ask, still thinking about the night I overdid it on the stuff.

‘Well, there are various recipes out there, but I have discovered my favourite cocktail is an ouzotini.’

‘An ouzotini? That sounds interesting, what’s in it?’ asks Hannah.

‘Pineapple juice, ouzo, vodka and fresh lime juice. Poured over ice.’

‘That sounds wonderful,’ says Doll, who is looking lovely in a white jumpsuit, and a bunch of silver bangles on her arms.

‘Sounds lethal, more like,’ says Hannah.

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