Page 72 of An Island in the Sun

Despite wanting to rewind the morning and erase the new tension between them, she didn’t have time to with a Zoom meeting scheduled and admin stuff to do that she couldn’t put off any longer, particularly now the rest of the week would be disrupted. She managed to change her flight to Lisbon on the weekend to one leaving the next day. Madeira was done and she certainly wasn’t intending to spend any longer than necessary with Raff’s parents.

Elspeth phoning in the middle of the day took her by surprise. She’d hoped it was Cordelia calling to say they’d be delayed.

‘Hi, E.’

‘Hey there, I couldn’t wait any longer to speak to you.’ Her sister’s voice was the slice of home that Tabitha was most definitely craving. ‘I’m surprised you haven’t phoned.’

‘There’s been a lot going on.’

‘Oh really?’ she said with interest.

Tabitha gave a hollow laugh. ‘You don’t know the half of it.’

‘Ooh,’ Elspeth said, ‘then tell me all of it.’

Tabitha sighed and sat down on the sofa. ‘First, how did the wedding go?’

‘Oh Tabs, the hard work was worth it. Perfect Indian summer weather, a happy bride and groom, incredible photos – the guests loved it and so many commented that it was one of the best weddings they’d ever been to because of the location.’

‘Oh Elspeth, I’m made up for you.’

‘I could sleep for a week now, though.’

‘I bet.’

‘Mum and Dad took the kids out yesterday morning so Gethin and I could have a lie-in. It was just nice to have breakfast sitting outside together, peace and quiet with no kids squabbling. Mum and Dad went home this morning.’ She sighed. ‘Going to miss them big time.’

‘I’m surprised you have time to phone me in the middle of the day.’

‘It’s Olivia’s first full day in school and Gethin’s taken Nancy out for a couple of hours. I’m supposed to be catching up on paperwork, but I’ve stopped for lunch and wanted to talk to you. So, tell me, how was the wedding you went to with Raff?’

Where to start with that? ‘It was, er… amazing actually. I don’t know if the location would beat your barn in the Brecon Beacons, but it was pretty special.’

‘And how did you and Raff get on?’

Snapshots of the last couple of days filled Tabitha’s head. ‘Are you trying to ask if we slept together?’

‘Um, yes.’ Elspeth laughed. ‘Did you?’

‘Yep.’

‘Oh my goodness, Tabs! Well…’

‘It was everything I’d hoped for and more.’ Tabitha sighed inwardly, knowing that nothing further would come of it.

Elspeth squealed. ‘I’m so happy you’re happy.’

‘I was, but things have turned rather pear-shaped.’ She filled Elspeth in with that morning’s events, emotion weaving through her words. ‘So, there you go. Typically, things are not quite so straightforward any longer.’

‘Is he still there?’ Elspeth asked.

‘For the moment.’

‘Then talk to him again. Tell him how you feel.’

‘I don’t know how I feel.’

‘Well, you sound upset and I can tell you really like him.’

---