After our delicious lunch, we are sitting around in the lounge chatting. I show my folks more pictures of the piano bar in Oia, and some of the unofficial wedding photos.
‘Oh, doesn’t Tasha look a picture,’ says Mum. ‘And Owen looks so handsome. I can’t wait to see the official photos.’
‘Smart venue,’ says Lewis, looking again at the photos I took of the piano bar in Oia. ‘I’m sure you will have a great time working there.’ He smiles as he hands me back my phone.
‘And I will come and visit you, Gran. I’m home for six weeks now, remember, so any little jobs you need doing around the house, I’m your man,’ he tells her and I can’t help wondering whether he will be happy to cut Gran’s toenails.
‘You might regret saying that,’ she says with a wink as she sips a cup of tea.
Dad is about to protest, I’m sure, but maybe thinks twice about doing some DIY at Gran’s, as he remembers his slight back problem. He does offer to mow the lawn though, as gardening is something he enjoys.
‘So where will you be posted to next?’ I ask Lewis as we tidy the kitchen and load the dishwasher.
‘Cyprus,’ he tells me. ‘Which isn’t actually that far from Greece, so I might have time to pop over and see you sing.’ He smiles. ‘In fact, I know a bloke who runs a tribute bar near Paphos if things don’t work out. He could sort you a job,’ he says as he places some cutlery in a drawer.
‘Not sure about being a tribute act,’ I tell him. ‘But thanks anyway.’
‘Not a problem.’ He smiles.
I have fond memories of Lewis and myself growing up together, even though he could never stay indoors for long, always seeking out people to play football with, or go off somewhere for the day. Sometimes, he would allow me to trail along with him to the park, but only if one of his friends had one of their siblings with them too. He always looked out for me if he was around, but it came as a surprise to no one when he decided to spread his wings and join the army.
It seems Lewis’s arrival home couldn’t have come at a better time with my imminent departure, although Mum and Dad have never been the type to insist we stay around for them, although I have been immensely grateful to have spent time here since I lost my job and flat.
Mum finds the Prosecco in a cupboard, and after Dad cracks it open, we sip from paper cups, also left over from Christmas, to avoid any more washing-up.
‘Here’s to our Mia,’ says Dad. ‘And Lewis. We are bloody proud of you both,’ he says as we raise our paper cups, and Mum holds back a tear.
‘And you know, that Greek holiday we have been thinking about, perhaps it might be possible this year,’ says Mum. ‘Do you reckon you would be up for that?’ She turns to Gran as everyone raises their cups in the air, after Dad proposes a toast.
‘Just you try and stop me,’ says Gran, and suddenly, all feels well in the world.
THIRTY-THREE
The following week I am preparing for the evening out at the opening of the furniture store with Lulu.
As expected, once I had tipped Phil off at the catalogue about her birthday, he ordered in some food and fizz, and had a whip round for a gift.
‘It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?’ Lulu shows me the pretty silver bracelet, dotted with pearls.
‘It really is. They are a good bunch,’ I say, fondly recalling my colleagues at the catalogue phone line.
We sip our drinks as people wander about, some I recognise from social media, who stop to say hi.
‘They are, I am blessed to work with such good people. I still miss you being there though,’ she says kindly.
‘You have Phil though.’ I nudge her and she laughs.
She has been out on two dates and I couldn’t be happier for her. It’s so lovely to see her dating again after being single for so long. My friend deserves nothing but happiness.
‘I still can’t believe we went roller skating,’ she says, laughing. ‘It took me right back to my youth and I was thrilled that I managed to stay upright.’ She giggles. ‘Thankfully so did Phil.’
I am also happy to report that her children took her out for a meal before Tom went on his travels, and downloaded some photos of them all together which went into a thoughtful gift album, along with some of her favourite perfume.
‘They have been fending for themselves a lot more,’ she tells me as we help ourselves to some canapés offered by a passing waitress. The buffet table is impressive with various dips, wraps and a selection of Korean tapas that include savoury pancakes, and delicious crunchy salads.
‘Which I have to say is down to you,’ she continues as we load our plates up. ‘When I suggested a rota, they kind of looked sheepish and said that wasn’t necessary, and promised to pull their weight. Up to now, they have stuck to their word.’
‘I am so pleased things have worked out,’ I tell her.
