‘I’ve only recently learned how,’ Sandra added.
‘Really? Well done you, things don’t come easy as we get older, but it means you’ll be able to enjoy the pool. Now how about I show you the casita and you can unpack, freshen up, then we can have lunch on the terrace.’
Mary led Patti and Sandra past the pool and down a small pathway between two fir trees to another white building. There was a small fenced front garden with a mosaic table and two matching chairs, several colourful plant pots and a white stone Buddha statue.
‘This is the casita,’ Mary said as she opened the gate.
It looked pretty, Sandra thought, and private although it wasn’t too far from the house. It looked quite big too. She’d expected something smaller, with basically just room to sleep, but when Mary opened the door she was amazed to step into what looked like a small apartment with a lounge/kitchen area, two small bedrooms and a bathroom.
‘This is gorgeous,’ Patti said.
‘It certainly is,’ Sandra agreed. She couldn’t believe they had this all to themselves.
‘I hope you’ll be comfortable here.’ Mary opened the blinds to let some light in. ‘We tend to keep the blinds closed all day in thesummer, it keeps the heat out. Decide between yourselves what bedroom you’re each having. There’s a washing machine you can use and a cooker if you want to rustle up a snack, but you’re very welcome to have your meals over in the big house with us.’ She glanced at the watch on her wrist. ‘Shall we say half an hour for you to unpack and freshen up? Is that long enough?’
Patti looked questioningly at Sandra and she nodded her agreement.
‘I’ll leave you to it then.’ Mary went out.
‘This is amazing. What a wonderful home your brother and his wife have,’ Sandra said. ‘And how kind of them to put us both up.’
‘I think we’re going to have a fantastic two weeks here. Thanks so much for coming with me,’ Patti said. ‘It’s so lovely to see Keith and Mary again.’
‘No, thank you for asking me.’ Sandra was so pleased that she’d agreed to accompany Patti, a couple of weeks away in the sun was just what she needed to get her head straight, and sort out her life.
‘Now shall we draw straws for who picks their room first then get unpacked?’ Patti suggested.
‘I’m happy with any room, so you choose, it’s your brother we’re staying with, so that’s only fair.’
‘In that case, I’ll take the one on the front so I can look out on the little garden.’
Sandra was quite happy with that. The second bedroom looked out the back, to the mountains. It would be a glorious view to wake up to every morning. She took a photo of the view and sent it to Don.
Sandra
Arrived safely and this is the view from my bedroom.
A text came straight back.
Don
What a relief. I was worrying that I hadn’t heard from you. That’s a fantastic view. Oh, and we’ve accepted that couple’s offer so the wheels are in motion.
Sandra read the message thoughtfully. It was definitely happening. Don, Laila and the children were leaving.
26
PATTI
Patti couldn’t believe that Keith and Mary lived in such a beautiful place. It was like one of the houses that were featured onHomes in the Sun. She was so pleased that she’d finally plucked up the courage to come and see them, thanks to Sandra. She was really looking forward to spending a couple of weeks here.
After they had unpacked, she and Sandra joined Mary and Keith on the terrace, where their gifts of biscuits and chocolate were accepted with delight and thanks. Then they sipped home-made sangria and tucked into a gorgeous Caesar salad with garlic bread. Now that Rags had been introduced to them, he was quite happy to lie on the sofa or have a wander around the garden.
‘So how long have you two known each other?’ Mary asked.
Patti filled her in on how she and Sandra had worked together at the supermarket years ago. ‘We bumped into each other again on the bus – gosh, really only a few weeks ago – when I was on the way to have my tattoo done. One of the things on my bucket list.’ She smiled at Sandra. ‘Sandra came with me for moral support. And then ended up having one herself a few days later.’
‘A tattoo, where?’ Mary asked.
