Page 101 of Oar Than Friends

‘And where did you learn to make these?’

Kate’s smile returned, ‘Oh, my grandma taught me. It was her recipe, and she used to make them for us as kids every weekend. My grandpa would bring in the hauls, and always save the best-looking lobster for her. It was his business, and my dad took over the boats about fifteen years ago.’

‘Does she still make them?’

‘No, she died a few years ago, before Jake. So I’m sure they’re all together with my grandpa laughing down at us.’

‘They certainly are. In Greece, we believe happy memories are what keeps the spirits living on, and they’re sent to Elysium to continue a new and brilliant existence.’

Kate picked up a fry and fed it to a slobbering Biscuit, who’d been glued to her side since she sat down. ‘That’s a lovely thought, thank you.’

‘Now tell me, what will happen when your father retires? He doesn’t want you to take it over?’

This time Kate blushed, ‘Oh no …’

‘… because you want to work in medicine?’

‘Actually,’ Kate’s cheeks flared even redder, ‘I get seasick. Those waves are huge sometimes. It’s much safer for me to be on land. Or flat water.’

My mother stared at her, then burst out into loud,loudlaughter. Louder than we’d heard in a long time. Next to her Phoebe started giggling, so did Hector, then Olly and finally Alex. Suddenly each of the dogs stood up and began jumping around.

‘Oh my goodness, that is the funniest thing I’ve ever heard.’ My mother wiped her eyes and picked up a new bottle of champagne, which I took from her to open and poured out three glasses; for her, Kate and Phoebe. ‘At least rowing only needs calm waters.’

‘Yeah, my dad wasn’t too impressed,’ Kate chuckled, ‘but when he retires, my cousin Vinny is going to take over. He’s worked on the boat with my dad since he was a teenager, and he was always much more talented at catching than Jake or me. I’d have probably ended up working in the boatyard office.’

‘Family-owned companies are important. Family is important.’

‘Yes, ma’am.’

Since we’d been talking Marco’s team had cleared away the lunch, replaced all the dirty plates with clean ones, filled the ice bucket with more drinks, and – the best bit – brought an enormous bowl of marshmallows along with chocolate buttons, digestive biscuits and little bowls filled with M&Ms, sprinkles and gummy bears.

Our own personal sweet shop.

Olly, Alex and Hector had started up a new game ofMonopoly, pretending to listen to the rest of our conversation, and Phoebe had gone back to whomever she was texting but chiming in with a comment every now and then.

I threw half of my blanket over Kate’s lap and pulled her into me. She softened against my side, and somehow I felt myself relax further as I tried to recall a time when I’d ever felt this content.

I couldn’t.

For the first time ever I didn’t want to go back to Oxford. I was suddenly desperate to slow the hours, so we’d have more of them. Christmas had passed too quickly.

‘You must come out and visit us in Greece this summer; Arthur will usually make some time outside of his rowing commitments. And I promise our yacht won’t be sailing in big waves.’

‘I’d love to, thank you.’

‘Have you two thought about what you’re going to do?’

My fingers stilled where my arm was draped over Kate’s shoulder. ‘What d’you mean?’

‘With the Boat Race …’

‘Mama, we’re not racing against each other. Kate will be in Blondie.’ I received a nudge to my ribs and peered down to find Kate staring with pursed lips, ‘What?’

‘I doubt I’ll be racing at all, I’m still a first year. Don’t jinx it.’

‘You’ll get selected,’ I assured her at the same time as my mother added, ‘Arthur said you’re a natural.’

‘What?’ I shrugged at Kate’s frown. ‘You are. Even Phoebe said so.’

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