Keith reached out and put his arm around Patti’s shoulder, pulling her into him. ‘Well, I guess if my little sis can beat cancer and overcome her fear of going on a plane to come and visit me, then maybe I can start getting out a bit too. You should hear all the other things they’ve been up to as well.’
Mary came back out and the conversation turned to their bucket list – with Leo asking, ‘Bucket list? What is that?’ and the others realising that they hadn’t mentioned it to him before, explained. Mary showed them the photos of the jet skiing yesterday, and on the speedboat.
‘You’re a gutsy trio, I’ll say that for you,’ Doug said. ‘Now what’s next on the list?’
‘A hot air balloon ride, going to a music festival, walking the Caminito del Rey.’ Seeing a flamenco dance, Mary related. She grinned at Sandra and Patti. ‘I’ve just added that because I’m sure you two will love to see one. And you said you fancied learning a new dance, Patti.’
‘Ah, I might be able to help you with that. My friend has a restaurant in Estepona and sometimes he books two flamenco dancers at the weekend. I can check if they’re here this weekend, book us a table, and give you a lift there so that you can enjoy a glass of sangria, if you wish.’
‘Leo, you are a hero,’ Mary kissed him on the cheek and he smiled affectionately at her.
Sandra saw a frown cross Patti’s face as she watched Leo and Mary. They looked close, yes, but surely nothing more than that. And it was nice of Leo to arrange this for them. This was turning out to be quite a holiday.
36
PATTI
‘Oh goodness, I don’t know which one to choose!’ Patti said, looking at the display of delicious looking cakes laid out on the counter in front of them. They’d spent the morning looking around the local town of Coín and had now stopped for a snack.
Mary and Sandra were having a similar problem choosing, luckily there wasn’t a queue behind them and the lady serving was obviously used to her customers being indecisive and patiently waited until they made up their minds. Iced coffees and a cake ordered, they headed for a vacant table in the corner and sat down, putting their bags down on the floor by their feet. Patti had treated herself to a delicate red shawl embroidered with silver to put over her shoulders when the evenings got chilly, and Sandra had fallen in love with a pale green handbag.
‘Are you going to be able to fit that into your case?’ Mary asked as they sat down. ‘If not you might have to leave it with me.’ She grinned.
‘She has a point, your case was already pretty full, and so was your hand luggage,’ Patti said. ‘Thank goodness I only bought a scarf.’
‘Oh, it’s fine. I can pack it flat and slip it in. I’ve done that many a time when Brian and I used to travel. I never could resist a nice bag.’
‘I can’t believe that we’ve been here a week already,’ Patti said as the assistant brought their order over and placed their respective cakes, coffees and three glasses of ice in front of them.
‘Gracias,’ they all chorused.
‘De nada,’ the woman replied. Patti had heard that phrase a few times this week and now knew that it meant ‘You’re welcome’.
‘Me neither. It’s been a wonderful break. Thank you so much for your hospitality,’ Sandra said as Mary poured her coffee into the glass of ice. She and Patti did the same.
‘De nada!’ Mary grinned. ‘Seriously, it’s been a pleasure. I’ve loved having you both here.’
Patti dug her fork into her cake and scooped up a mouthful. ‘It’s not over yet though. We have another week to go. So what adventure are we going on next?’
‘Well there’s the flamenco dance hopefully, thanks to Leo. Keith’s agreed to come too,’ Mary reminded her. ‘We can have a drive out tomorrow. And don’t forget we have the Caminito del Rey on Tuesday.’
Patti was so glad she’d come to visit them. And it was good that Keith was going to join them. He’d perked up a bit and really seemed to enjoy the barbecue. And she was worrying too much about Leo and Mary, they were clearly only good friends.
‘Most of the shops are closed now but there’s still plenty to see, I’ll take you for a tour after we’ve eaten. And then shall we go back and have cocktails by the pool?’
‘That sounds perfect,’ Sandra said.
‘Why don’t we have a go at making cocktails?’ Patti suggested. ‘That’s on Sandra’s bucket list.’
‘Great idea!’ Mary agreed.
They spent the afternoon exploring Coín. As Mary had said the smaller shops were closed for siesta but cafés and restaurants were open. Mary took them to the big square with a picturesque church where Mary explained the religious icons were carried out for the Easter parades. ‘It’s a shame that you didn’t come for Easter, they’re quite spectacular. Maybe next year.’ And where everyone gathered in fancy dress on New Year’s Eve. ‘That’s such fun and you’d be amazed at the variety of costumes. Maybe you could come over for that, Patti? You too, Sandra, if you’re not spending New Year with your family.’
‘I’d like that. Thank you,’ Patti said. She turned to Sandra. ‘What about you?’
‘It’s very kind of you to include me and I really appreciate the invitation but I’m not sure what I’ll be doing yet. I’m really hoping I can pluck up the courage to go to Australia and see Becky and her family.’
‘That would be wonderful. No rush to make a decision, there’s plenty of time. You can let us know later,’ Patti told her. She had an idea that Sandra didn’t want them to think that they had to invite her along every time Patti came to visit. Not that she minded, Sandra was good company. Patti was definitely going to come over again. Now she’d flown over once, she could do it again. And by herself, if necessary. It would be good to see more of Keith and Mary.
