Page 56 of Atticus Arnott's Great Adventure
‘What?’ Arthur and Atticus were baffled.
‘You know, like a bunny babe or a junior jewel. A much younger girlfriend.’
‘Listen, Jake,’ Atticus began, ‘she’s not agirlfriend, just someone I got talking to and who’s agreed to a meal with me. We’ll sit by the sea and have a chat. That’s all.’
‘I can’t wait to tell Dad that you have a girlfriend,’ Jake continued, ignoring Atticus’s explanation. ‘If you get married, will the wedding be in Spain?’
‘It would be better if the happy couple came back to Cumbria,’ Arthur joined in. ‘The Black Bull is a perfect venue.’
‘Aye, and you could line the garden with wedding gnomes in dapper suits, bow ties, and top hats.’ Atticus narrowed his eyes. ‘Your Shirley would enjoy decking them out with banners and bouquets.’
‘Now you’re getting into the spirit of things,’ Arthur laughed.
‘Imagine the hits it will get on Instagram,’ Jake said thoughtfully. ‘Your followers will love it.’
‘What followers?’ Atticus asked.
‘The people who see all your posts.’
‘People? I thought only you and Arthur saw my photos.’
‘Oh, Grandad, you need to keep up.’ Jake shook his mop of hair. ‘You have more than ten thousand followers tuning in to see where and what you are doing – The Travelling Grandad is inspiring people. You’re showing the world that age isn’t important when it comes to following a dream.’
‘What? All those folk know what I am doing?’
‘Yes, and they’re loving it.’
‘Bloody hell.’ Atticus looked stunned and began to rub his chin.
‘I hate to interrupt this fascinating conversation on life,love, and how to inspire sun-seeking pensioners,’ Arthur chipped in, ‘but there’s a box of broken gnomes waiting to be mended, and our Shirley is on the warpath, heading this way with my lunchtime sandwich.’
‘Aunty Shirley will go crazy if she sees what’s happened to Serenity Sam,’ Jake said. ‘We’d better go, Grandad. Let us know how your date goes and remember to post lots of photos.’ Jake reached for Peaceful Pete.
Arthur held the phone and tilted his head, then paused as he stared at his friend.
‘On a serious note,’ Arthur said, a smile crossing his face, ‘enjoy yourself and remember, you only pass this way once.’ Giving a thumbs-up, he concluded, ‘What’s meant for you won’t go past you…’
Chapter Twenty-One
Sunday at Solma Vacaciones was always a busy day. Spanish families, vacationing for the weekend, were out in force by the chalets, where tables overflowing with food were shaded by pretty umbrellas lining the pathways. At the same time, children of all ages raced about on scooters and bikes and played games, their shouts and giggles loud as they ran around the garden area with boundless energy. In her chalet, Cheryl was ready to head off to the poolside party. She wore her baby-pink tankini under a voluminous silvery kaftan, and her eyes shone as Ruby emerged carrying a beach bag with books, suncream, and snacks.
‘You look the dog’s doodahs,’ Cheryl said and gave Ruby a peck on the cheek.
Ruby, in white shorts and a black vest, reached for a cap and placed it on her head. ‘Have you seen Atticus?’ she asked.
‘He just called tosay he’s on his way.’ Cheryl dangled car keys and stepped onto the decking. ‘He’s here now,’ she smiled as Atticus approached.
Wearing pale chinos and a short-sleeved shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders, Atticus, in new leather deck shoes, walked towards them with Ness by his side.
‘My, don’t you look smart,’ Cheryl said, studying both from top-to-toe. ‘I like Ness’s bandana,’ she added.
‘How are you feeling?’ Ruby asked.
‘Truthfully?’ Atticus said, scratching his chin. ‘Nervous,’ he admitted, his voice tinged with apprehension.
‘You’ll be fine,’ Ruby assured him and patted his arm. ‘Remember to keep the conversation light and enjoy it.’
‘Okay.’
