Page 52 of One Hot Summer

“I will, tomorrow. Ah, although he’s taking me out for the day tomorrow, somewhere called Spinny Blonga or something. He’s really looking forward to showing me around. I can’t do it then.”

“If he’s making plans for you to have the best time together, I can’t see that the issue is with him. Talk to him, please.”

“I will. I think I’m just going to go to bed for now. I can talk to him tomorrow evening or something. I don’t want to ruin a day trip.”

There was silence between us.

“How’s Bing doing?” I finally asked.

“He attacked and successfully killed my laundry basket today. And now I’m missing a bra.”

“Glad to hear he’s settled in quickly.”

“You were up early. How are you feeling this morning?” Zack joined me at the breakfast counter, where I was picking at a croissant. “Have you still got a migraine?” He put his arm around me and kissed me on the head. When he’d finally came up to bed last night, he’d snuggled up to me and asked if I was okay. I’d told him I’d felt a headache coming on and fell asleep without meaning to.

“No, it’s not too bad this morning, I’m glad I avoided the gin though. Did you guys have a fun night after I left?”

“Yeah, Chloe is mental. I’m too old for shots now. I feel like such an old man next to her.” He helped himself to some coffee. “Is it too much sun, do you think? With your headache? Your shoulders looked pretty burned yesterday, maybe the walk on the beach was a bad idea. And there was me trying to be romantic, ha.”

I tried to laugh with him, but it wasn’t convincing.

“The walk on the beach was very romantic. It’s so beautiful here.”

“I’m glad I could bring you.” He sat on the stool beside me. “This place means a lot to me. I wanted to share it with you.”

He was being completely normal with me. Perhaps I was taking this Chloe business the wrong way. Sarah was right, I just needed to speak to him. Maybe he could have a word with Chloe and tell her to stop being so touchy-feely with him.

“I’m glad you brought me.” I smiled. “I love it here.”

“Are you sure you’re up for today though? We could go another time. It’s quite a drive up to the port, and then a quick boat ride across to the island.”

I sat up. “It’s an island?”

“Yeah, a very small one, but I think you’ll enjoy it. There are tour guides there who take you around. They leave every hour, so if we time it right, we can join one of them. It’s quite exposed to the sun though. Do you still want to go? I don’t want your shoulders burning any more than they have done already.”

“Absolutely, I want to go.” I grinned. “I have a white blouse I can wear so I’ll be covered up. Is it just going to be us two?”

“Of course it is,” he assured me. “Who else would I invite?”

“I can’t believe that was still a leper colony not that long ago,” I said as we sat at the port of Spinalonga, waiting for our boat back across to the main island.

“I know. I’ve been over here a few times and it still amazes me.”

We had managed to find some shade as we waited for our boat back, and had a clear view of the medieval fortress. It seemed small, but I felt as though we’d been walking around it for hours. My trainers had finally seen some use. I was glad I’d worn my white blouse. Whenever there was a breeze, it flapped around a bit, allowing some cool air to circulate and provide some relief for my shoulders. Miranda had insisted I took her sun hat too, which I’m glad I did, as we were very exposed to the sun on the tour. The guide showed us around everything from the old houses to the church.

“Thank you for bringing me.” I linked his arm in mine and leaned my head on his shoulder.

“You’re welcome.” He kissed the top of my head. “Are you hungry? We can get some food in Elounda if you like, when the boat drops us off. There are some nice little bistros dotted about.”

“That sounds good, but please let me pay,” I insisted. “I haven’t paid for anything yet and I feel bad. I owe you.”

“This holiday was my idea.” He laughed. “You don’t need to pay for anything.”

“I want to, though, please. Or else my mother’s voice in my internal monologue will accuse me of freeloading.”

“Ha! Okay, fine, the food is on you. But we’re heading into Agios Nikolaos at some point so that I can buy you something. A trinket, a keepsake. You need something to remember this trip by, and I know how you love a gift shop.”

A man at the port called out.

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