Having seen the wildflowers bloom in spring, my mind goes into overdrive. I could rent it out when I’m not there for part of the summer, and still be able to eat outside into early autumn. Okay, it might be difficult getting flights after late October, but I don’t mind that, as by then I go into full-on excitement mode for Christmas. My brother, his wife, and my gorgeous nephew, George, will join us this year at my parents’ place for Christmas Day, as they do every year. Wherever we are in the world, we always all spend Christmas together.
‘I have an idea,’ I tell Evie. ‘Do you fancy a long weekend in Corfu?’
‘When? I feel as though we have only just come back.’ She sounds surprised.
‘At the end of the month?’ I suggest, just two weeks away.
Evie joined me for a few days last time, towards the end of my week, as she was feeling a bit burned out.
‘You do remember I’m married. And a mum,’ she reminds me, chuckling.
‘I know, but the girls aren’t babies, are they? And didn’t Nick say you should have a break occasionally? And he does have his golf weekends. Just saying.’
‘You’re right, of course, and, actually, the timing couldn’t be better. Nick is in fact off golfing that particular weekend and the girls are going to stay with my parents in Cheshire. They’re going horse riding.’
‘Yay. So, you have no reason not to come then?’ I ask her, fingers crossed she says yes.
‘Well, let me see, I was all set to paint the bedroom ceiling and… Too right I’ll come.’ She laughs. ‘Will the flights be pricey, though?’
‘Don’t worry about that, I’m paying. And don’t argue. I’ve invited you, remember.’
‘Oh yeah, and you’re loaded now, I forgot,’ she says, still chuckling.
‘We can still be friends though, right?’
‘Hmm, maybe. Unless you start frequenting high-end restaurants and walking around in haute couture outfits. Then you’re on your own,’ says Evie.
‘Don’t be daft. The bistro on the high street will always be more than enough for me. And the usual mix of high street stores for clothes.’
‘Okay. I guess we can still be friends then.’
‘Does that mean you will come to Corfu with me?’
‘Freebie weekend away. Hmm, let me think. Oh, go on then.’
‘Ah, so you are only with me for my money,’ I tease.
‘Don’t say that,’ she says, adopting a serious tone.
‘Oh, Evie, I’m joking for goodness’ sake. You’re hardly skint.’ Evie and her husband run a successful haulage business, although she told me recently that the cost of everything has shot up. ‘Besides I have something to show you when we get there,’ I tell her.
‘Sounds interesting. Any clues?’
‘Let it be a surprise,’ I say, which I know will drive Evie mad as she hates surprises.
‘At least give me a hint,’ she pleads.
‘It may involve water,’ I say, throwing her completely off the scent. I was thinking of booking us a scuba diving lesson anyway,something we have both always wanted to try. And the rental apartment is near the sea, so it’s not a complete lie.
‘Okay, in that case, great! A weekend in Corfu sounds preferable to painting our bedroom. Maybe I’ll get a man in instead.’
‘I hope Nick doesn’t find out.’
‘Funny.’ I imagine her rolling her eyes.
‘And I know it seems like a long way for a weekend, so I’ll book a seven a.m. flight out, and an early morning flight back for Monday, to make the most of it,’ I tell her.
‘Sounds like you have thought of everything. You will at least let me pay towards the accommodation?’ she asks.
