Page 9 of The Greek Villa

‘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.

SEVEN

‘It’s been so lovely having your brother here. It’s a pity he only manages to turn up for special occasions,’ Mum says with a deep sigh as she pours me and Dad a cup of tea from the pot. I’ve logged into work and have agreed to work at Mum’s for a few hours. I know she finds it a wrench when we all leave, even though I only live a few miles up the road.

I’ve decided not to tell anyone other than Josh about my plan to buy the house, as they will only try and talk me out of it, but there is no way I am missing out. Properties in that area so close to the sea hardly ever come up for sale, and when they do they are completely out of my price range. As for the tradesmen, I’m sure my friend Thea at the bakery will be able to recommend someone reliable; she pretty much knows everyone in the village, and I do seem to vaguely recall her saying her nephew was in the building trade. Even so, my stomach churns over a little every time I think about joining the auction later. I hope I don’t lose my nerve.

‘It’s a long trek, I guess. And you do know you are welcome to visit them down there,’ I remind Mum. Josh often suggests this to my parents.

‘Hmm,’ says Mum as she switches on the dishwasher.

‘What does “hmm” mean?’

‘Well, I know he says that, and I’m not saying we aren’t made welcome, but I always feel Zoe is putting on a show and would rather we were not there. That’s why we stayed in a hotel last time.’

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