Page 1 of The Summer Island Swap
1
‘I still think it’s madness,’ I said, getting up from the faux-leather sofa to peer over Amy’s shoulder. ‘To come into five thousand pounds, only to blow it all on a single holiday…’
Amy turned around from the circular dining table and folded her arms. ‘No. Madness would be turning down a month of luxury, all expenses paid. I’ve spotted a great deal. Even my winnings wouldn’t normally cover four weeks at this particular destination. Our break must be written in the stars.’
‘Written in platinum, more like. And who on earth goes away for that long?’
‘Someone who hasn’t been on holiday – not a proper one – for nine years, because she’s been so busy building a home and a future for her amazing younger sister. That’s me, by the way.’ She smiled.
My cheeks felt hot.
‘And I’ll be left with a bit of my winnings. Perhaps I’ll finally get to enjoy all the musicals I’ve been longing to see, like Hamilton.’
Over the years Amy had developed an obsession with West End musical shows. Perhaps it was an obvious outcome after being addicted to Disney films as a child. I’d never believed in the whole ‘prince and princess’ story. Being older, observing my parents’ relationship, I always knew that grown-up life was different.
‘But you could use your windfall to go one step further with your career. It would boost your finances to start studying full-on veterinary science and probably pay for the first year’s accommodation. What with student loans and...’
I talked for a few minutes. After years of scraping money together to keep up the payments on our modest London flat, it wouldn’t feel right splashing out on private sunbeds and cocktails. It went against all the instincts I’d honed since leaving the house I’d grown up in, to set up on my own.
Amy’s face darkened and she turned back to the screen. ‘I’ve told you a hundred times, Sarah, university… that’s one of the few things Dad was right about. I… I would have loved to be a vet. It was my life’s dream for such a long time. I’m not grateful to Dad for much, but he did at least stop me making a fool of myself by applying to study such a challenging subject. He was right – I just haven’t got what it takes.’
‘How can you say that, Amy? Your grades alone—’
‘Being a veterinary nurse is more challenging than I ever imagined,’ she continued, ignoring my comment. ‘Look, Sarah – two other members of the lottery syndicate are also taking holidays. One of the surgeons is going on a cruise… I wish you would trust me on this.’
I opened my mouth to protest but the stiffness that had taken hold of her shoulders stopped me. We shouldn’t argue. It was rare that we both had a Saturday off. Tonight we were going to the cinema. My chest glowed at the prospect of Amy’s usual excitement over a blue slush drink and ketchup slathered hot dog. Sometimes it was hard to believe she was twenty-three.
But then I was twenty-seven and hadn’t even been kissed. Not properly. One-night stands and short relationships didn’t count. I meant proper kissing like you saw in the romantic movies I loved watching, where it was savoured on a bench or under a lamppost. I should have had that with Callum but looking back, the spark wasn’t there; I never got the sense of wanting a kiss with him to last forever.
‘A trip away is exactly what we both need,’ continued Amy as tentative rays of sunshine that had snuck through the blinds retreated behind assembling April clouds. ‘Especially you.’ Her voice sounded thick. ‘You’ve worked your guts out all these years, giving me a roof over my head and so much more – like funding my training to become a nurse at Paws & Claws. Words can’t explain how much it meant to me, having this flat, your home to move into when I turned eighteen and could finally get away fromhim.’
‘This has always beenourhome – even when you weren’t here.’
Her eyes shone. ‘Well, this is my small way of paying you back.’
‘There’s no debt.’ I rubbed her arm and crouched down by her side.
She closed the screen of her laptop and turned around, face flushed as I stood up. ‘Let me do this on my own. For a change let me take charge.’
But had she checked the reviews on TripAdvisor? And I’d have to find a way to subtly remind her about holiday insurance. The last year or two she never seemed to understand when I was simply trying to help.
I loved Amy more than anything in the world but she’d always be the younger sister who’d run to me when Dad had been mean; the sister who needed me.
‘Or are you trying to sneak a peek at exactly where we’re going?’ Her sharp tone couldn’t disguise the twinkle in her eyes. ‘There are several islands to choose from and I’ve finally made a decision. Now go and make those chocolate cookies you promised, whilst I book this surprise.’
‘Ooh, anisland? Thanks for letting that slip.’ I chuckled. ‘And, um, I might have already seen a few other clues,’ I said sheepishly. ‘Like photos of a lush hotel with Roman pillars. Waterbeds. An indigo ocean. White sand beaches. Something about tropical massages and Aqua Dancing and all-day buffets offering pyramids of pastries and colourful seafood platters.’
‘Sarah! The details are supposed to be top secret.’
‘But I’m excited!’ I bent down and gave her a tight hug.
‘Get off,’ she protested and pushed me away. She peered up from under her fringe. ‘So, did it look okay? I want everything to be perfect.’ She curled a section of hair between her fingers. It was short. Gamine. Brown like mine was without the highlights. It suited her petite figure currently dressed in dungarees over a high-necked jumper. I was taller, like Dad. Her whole look shouted practical.
‘Okay? Amy, it looked idyllic. But are you sure about this? I work in the hotel business. My day is spent in hospitality, even though Best Travel doesn’t exactly offer five-star accommodation. But you work with animals. You love the outdoors. Hiking. Getting down and dirty with our window box. Spa treatments and fine dining aren’t exactly your thing.’
‘They could be,’ she said in a bright voice.
I raised an eyebrow.
