‘That’s handy, him being in the trade.’
‘I know. You sound happy, Josh, at least a lot happier than the last time we spoke.’
‘I am. I’ve been painting a bit. Actually, I was wondering what you thought about this.’
He produces a striking watercolour in front of the screen, and I gasp at its beauty. It’s a painting of a forest glade, the lighting so haunting it gives it an almost ethereal look.
‘You really did that? It’s gorgeous, Josh, really good.’
‘Do you think so? Zoe said it was, and so did George.’ He laughs. ‘But I wanted to ask you. I’m right in thinking you will give me an honest opinion?’
‘You know I would.’
‘That’s good, especially as I am going to pitch it to a local gallery. I’ve noticed some stuff in there selling for hundreds of pounds, and well, without sounding big-headed, I think some of my work is every bit as good.’
‘Of course it is, it’s fantastic! They would be mad not to want that. Oh, Josh, I’m thrilled for you, I really am.’
‘Thanks, sis. Oh and me and Zoe have been having a bit of a chat, you know, about us. We went for a picnic last week in the Peak District, and stayed overnight. It’s done us both the world of good, and got us thinking about something, but I’ll tell you more about that when I see you.’
‘Oh, please don’t leave me in suspense,’ I say.
‘Okay. Well, it’s nothing major, we’re just thinking about a house move, somewhere closer to some forest or a beach, maybe something with a bigger garden for George.’
‘That sounds like a great idea. I’m sure George would love that too.’
It makes me think of Phoebe’s granddaughter who lives in a village and cannot really afford to move closer to the sea, but I have an idea about that.
I feel happy for Josh when we finish our chat, and really hope he and Zoe can work out any differences they have had. I think back to Zoe in the early days of her relationship with Josh, and she was like a different person then, so much more carefree, and she definitely laughed more. Perhaps they have just been sucked into a world that, deep down, they never truly desired. I hope they realise that before it’s too late.
I’m just out of the shower and in my pjs around ten thirty, when I receive a text from Dimitri.
Still in the bar if you fancy a nightcap?
The temptation to get dressed and join him is almost too hard to resist. But then, what would that look like at this hour. Would he be expecting an invite inside afterwards? I remind myself once more of his comment about not mixing business with pleasure.
Thanks so much but I’m in bed and almost nodding off. See you in the morning.
Of course. Kalinychta. X
I try not read too much into the kiss at the end of the text, even though it is the first time he has ended a message that way. Maybe he has just had one beer too many.
I toss and turn for hours then, wishing maybe I had gone to the bar, strictly for a nightcap that might have sent me off to sleep. I try my mind healthy app on my phone then, and eventually drift off listening to the sound of whales in the ocean.
TWENTY-FIVE
‘Wow, everything is looking really good.’
Phoebe is inside, taking a tour of the villa, nodding in appreciation, especially at the free-standing bath with the clawed feet.
‘Very nice. You are happy with all of the work?’
‘That should be, “Are you happy with all of the work?”’ I say.
‘Yes. But what does it matter what I think?’ she asks, and I laugh.
‘No, I am sorry, Phoebe, I was correcting your grammar. You tend to say, “You would like” when actually it should be, “Would you like?” As it is a question and not a statement.’
‘I see, I see. “Would you like?”’ She repeats the phrase several times.
