They had a fun evening, drinking cocktails and playing charades, which included lots of amusing photos for their Instagram account.
When Leo had, left Patti and Sandra helped Mary clear up. Patti followed Mary into the kitchen with a tray of snacks.
‘It’s so kind of Leo to organise this surprise for Keith. Howstupid of me to think you were having an affair I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you.’
‘Goodness, it’s a compliment that you think someone like Leo would be interested in me. He’s quite dishy, isn’t he? But my heart belongs to Keith, even if I do want to wring his neck sometimes.’ She put a tablet in the dishwasher and closed the door. ‘I asked Leo if he would come around more often while you and Sandra were here as I thought if another man was here Keith would join in, instead of leaving us women to it. He always gets on with Leo.’
‘I should have known.’
‘How could you? You’re right, things are a bit strained between me and Keith but we’ll sort it out.’ She gave Patti a hug. ‘Now stop stressing about it. It’s late, let’s all turn in for the night. I’ve got a feeling we’re all going to wake up with headaches tomorrow.’
39
SANDRA
She’d had such a marvellous time, she didn’t want to go home, Sandra thought on Thursday morning as she relaxed on the sunbed feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin. It was still morning, so it wasn’t burning hot yet, just warm and pleasant. She didn’t want to go back and face real life. Didn’t want to have to make the decision whether she moved to Cambridge or not. The clock was ticking. Don told her that both parties had already booked surveys and were expecting to exchange within the next few weeks, looking to complete before the summer holidays.
This break had done her good. Done them all good. Patti looked so relaxed now. And Keith and Mary seemed closer. Yesterday evening had been fun.
Mary was taking them to a pretty white village up in the mountains later – Mijas Pueblo – so they were chilling out before the journey.
Then, tomorrow, all being well, Leo was taking them to Marbella for a ride in his friend’s Cadillac. Patti had told her about it when they returned to the casita last night, saying it was a secret from Keith until Leo had the go ahead from his friend.And they were all dressing forties style. Apparently, that’s what they’d been whispering about, and Patti said she felt mortified thinking that her sister-in-law was having an affair.
Saturday was the flamenco night and Mary had booked them in for the Caminito del Rey on Tuesday. Then it was home on Wednesday and back to real life. It had been such a marvellous time. And such a shame they didn’t have longer because anyone could see the growing attraction between Patti and Leo. They had really hit it off. Perhaps that might encourage Patti to visit again.
She opened her eyes as her phone buzzed in, reaching for it from under the sunbed where she’d put it so that it didn’t get hot. She sighed when she glanced at the screen and saw that it was Don again. This time with the link to a small, detached bungalow for sale in Cambridge. He’d sent her at least two properties a day for the last few days. She sighed again as she put her phone back down on the coffee table.
Patti glanced over enquiringly. ‘Let me guess… another property for sale?’
‘Yep.’
‘When does he go? Is there any more movement on his house sale?’
Sandra filled her in.
‘A month or so then. Are you any nearer to making a decision?’
‘It’s difficult to decide while I’m here. We’ve had such an amazing time. Your brother and sister-in-law are wonderful hosts and it’s so kind of Mary to run us around like this.’
‘It is, but she’s enjoyed it too.’ Patti edged herself into a sitting up position, sensing Sandra was keen to change the subject. ‘I’m so glad we came, Keith and Mary seem in a happier place now. Maybe he’ll even start going out with Mary again, once we returnhome. Doug and Thelma will encourage him, I’m sure. As will Leo.’
‘They’re all lovely people, aren’t they? And how kind of Leo to ask his friend if he can borrow his car tomorrow.’
‘Yes, I’m really looking forward to that. We’ve ticked so many things off our bucket list, haven’t we?’ Patti sat up, hugging her knees, pulling her kimono down over them. ‘I do feel a bit awful that Mary is doing the Caminito del Rey walk with us though, when it was something she and Keith had always planned on doing together. I wish he would join us.’
‘Maybe he will later on. I’m sure she won’t mind doing it again.’
‘I guess you’re right. After all, look how long it took me to pluck up the courage to get on a plane!’
‘And me to learn to swim. Sometimes things take time.’
‘Yahoo! Lunch is ready!’ Mary was waving to them from the terrace.
‘Coming!’ Sandra stood and grabbed her maxi dress from the back of the chair, pulling it over her head. Then they both slipped their feet into their sandals and went over to join Keith and Mary who were sitting at the table outside.
‘I can’t believe we’ve been here more than a week already! I shall miss it so much,’ Sandra said as she sat down. ‘You two have been very good to us both. I really appreciate it.’
‘It’s a pleasure,’ Mary told her.
