‘I did tell you to pack your trainers last time,’ I remind her.
‘I know, but they are so unflattering.’
‘So are pig’s feet from walking around in fancy sandals.’
‘Oi, I don’t have pig’s feet.’ She laughs. ‘Although I take your point. I’ll buy some trainers. I think I saw some sparkly ones in a sale at Kurt Geiger.’
‘Anyway, there won’t be much walking this time, just a bit of sunbathing and shopping,’ I reassure her. ‘We’ll have an evening drink on the terrace of the apartment. Oh, there’s a great little taverna not far away that we must try too.’
Last time Evie came out we headed to the main street in Roda, shopping and eating at pretty restaurants overlooking the sea. It will be nice to explore the area around my new home again and I almost blurt that out before I stop myself.
‘Can’t wait.’
‘Me neither. See you tomorrow. Eleven o’clock sharp outside Flannels.’
It’s going to be a struggle keeping things from Evie, as we share everything, and I know I will be bursting to say something as soon as I see her.
A feeling of apprehension washes over me for a split second as I wonder whether I really have done the right thing. As Josh had reminded me, what do I know about builders, not to mention Greek law? I am going to be relying on my friend Thea to set me on the right path, which I am sure she will, so maybe there is no need to worry about that side of things. Other people buy houses abroad, don’t they? It’s all about having a positive attitude.
Besides, I’ve done it now, the house is mine and if I can’t do this type of thing while I’m young and with an unexpected inheritance, when can I do it, right?
I place the phone down and think about the people I really hope will agree that I have made a great decision as I try and get a little more work done.
After dinner, I close my laptop and make the short drive to my parents’ house to break the news.
Not before I take one more look at the house on the computer with more than a little bit of pride.
TEN
‘Twice in one day! To what do we owe the honour?’ Dad asks as he opens the front door, a banana in his hand.
‘I have something to tell you,’ I say, feeling inexplicably terrified. Didn’t my dad always say to invest in property? So, I’m not sure why I feel so nervous. Maybe it’s because I don’t actually know whether or not I have invested in a money pit. I tell myself it doesn’t look too bad on the photos though.
My mum switches the volume down on the television, her expression a mixture of concern and surprise.
‘Well, come on then, don’t keep us in suspense. What do you have to tell us? Although I’m not sure why you didn’t tell us earlier.’
‘Because I have only just done it.’ I swallow hard.
‘Done what? For goodness’ sake, spit it out,’ says Dad, reaching over for a two finger Kit Kat.
‘I’ve bought a house,’ I say brightly.
‘Have you really? Well, that’s wonderful news. I’ve always said, haven’t I, put your money in bricks and mortar,’ says Dad with approval. ‘Oh yes, a very sensible thing to do with your inheritance. I’m sure Uncle Jack would approve.’
‘Oh, I agree, love, that’s wonderful. I did wonder whether you might buy a bigger place. Your flat’s lovely, but there’s something about having a whole house,’ says Mum. ‘So where exactly is it?’
I decide to tell them quickly. Rip the plaster off.
‘It’s in Greece.’
‘Greece!’ Mum exchanges a look with Dad, open-mouthed. ‘You’ve bought a house in Greece?’
‘I have. You know how much I love it there. And before you ask, I’m not emigrating, it’s going to be a holiday home. I only paid just under forty-five thousand pounds. It’s a bit of a renovation project, although nothing too drastic. At least I hope not.’ I can hear myself babbling.
My dad gives a low whistle as he runs his hands through his thick head of greying hair.
‘Well, you’ve always been a bit impulsive, but I think this takes the biscuit,’ he says finally. Mum is silently absorbing the information. ‘But actually, why not? I hope it has a spare bedroom for me and your mum to come and stay.’ He nods, warming to the idea.
