Page 48 of Not My Greek Wedding

‘Fancy a drink?’ Irene calls and I lift the carton of milk.

‘I’ve just bought some milk to have a brew on the balcony,’ I tell her. ‘Although I’m not sure why either of us are drinking tea in this weather.’

‘I’m sloshing about in water I’ve drunk so much of it,’ Irene tells me as I approach their table. ‘Nothing like a good cup of tea,’ she says.

‘And this is nothing like a good cup of tea.’ Patsy pulls a face. ‘I’ll bring my own teabags next time I go abroad.’

‘Right,’ says Bryn as he and Ash stand up. ‘I’m off to see if we can win the jackpot at an afternoon quiz in a pub up the road. It’s up to two hundred euros. Anyone fancy making up the team with us?’ he asks hopefully.

‘Sounds like fun. But we’ve only just returned from a Jeep safari. I’m a bit pooped, so will save my energy for later,’ I tell him.

‘You disappoint me.’ Bryn puts his hand on his heart.

‘See you all tonight at the karaoke though?’ I ask.

‘Oh, I wouldn’t miss it.’ Bryn smiles. ‘I might even get up myself, if you fancy doing a duet,’ he jokes, while Ash shakes his head behind his back.

‘Not unless you want to ruin your reputation,’ Ash warns me.

Back at the apartment, I enjoy a refreshing cup of tea before I take a shower, then upload some more photos for my social media accounts. I have also received an invite to the launch party of a new upmarket furniture store in the town centre at the end of the month that sounds like fun. They are having acrobats and fire-eaters apparently, along with the usual free cocktail and a buffet. I quickly tap out an acceptance to the party, before I select an outfit for this evening.

I notice Lulu smiling at her phone as I am getting ready.

‘All okay?’ I ask as I apply some mascara.

‘Yeah, it was Phil from work asking if I could bring some sunshine back with him, apparently it’s pouring down back home.’ She pulls a face. ‘There have even been floods, but thankfully not where we live.’

‘Great. I might stay here for a bit longer then,’ I say, only half joking.

‘Oh, and Tom messaged me earlier to say he’s off next week trekking in the Andes.’

‘Is he?’

It’s Lulu’s fortieth birthday at the end of the month. I know she will be upset that he won’t be around, but I decide not to say anything.

‘I guess he won’t be joining in my birthday celebrations, although I’m sure they will be pretty low-key anyway,’ says Lulu, with a resigned shrug.

‘Who says so?’ I go and place my arms around the shoulders of my friend. ‘I’m sure Phil will brief everyone at work and do something nice. And, of course, there is me and Zoe,’ I tell her.Zoe being another friend she has from work. ‘And your gym friends.’

One thing Lulu does do is look after herself, with regular trips to a local gym and a hairdresser.

‘I know, you’re right, although I won’t be broadcasting it. Forty and single, with rubbish job prospects, is hardly something to shout about.’ She manages a laugh.

‘Nonsense! And I was actually wondering if you would you like to be my plus-one for a party at the end of the month?’ I tell her all about my most recent invitation. ‘It’s close to your birthday, if you fancy it? It sounds like it could be a great night.’

‘Oh, that does sound like fun. Thanks, Mia.’ She smiles warmly.

I imagine she feels hurt that her son won’t be around to help her celebrate her big day and I wonder how he could be so thoughtless. It’s not as if he doesn’t know when his mother is turning forty.

I will also message Phil at the catalogue to make sure they have at least a cake, although I’m sure there will be a little collection for her when he finds out it’s her fortieth.

TWENTY-ONE

‘Right, let’s go,’ I say, grabbing my bag. ‘Apparently karaoke night at the Oyster Bar is very popular, so we will need to bag a seat.’

‘Sure. And to get your name down for singing your duet with Bryn,’ Lulu teases and I can’t help but laugh.

We meet up with Irene and Patsy, and are soon strolling along the front in the balmy evening air, where the gentle buzz from the busy bars and restaurants can be heard.

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