Page 38 of Atticus Arnott's Great Adventure
Atticus laughed. ‘A few screws loose too, I think.’
‘But you’re enjoying your trip, aren’t you?’ Cheryl squinted in the sunshine as she studied Atticus’s face.
‘I’m having a great time. The journey was a joy, and meeting you and Ruby has been the icing on my cake.’
‘Well, don’t listen to Mungo for now.’ Cheryl gripped his hand. ‘You enjoy every minute and don’t let anyone tell you what they think you should do.’
‘Thank you,’ Atticus said and smiled at Cheryl as he returned her grip.
Wiping his brow again, he wished he’d worn something cooler. He hadn’t bargained for such warm weather at this time of year. Feeling hot and sticky, Atticus rolled up the sleeves of his heavy cotton shirt and felt the dampness on his skin as perspiration accumulated. Even his moleskin trousers clung to his legs.
Ruby returned with a bowl of water for Ness and patted the dog as she greedily began to drink. Taking a seat, Ruby looked at Atticus. ‘You look uncomfortable,’ she said. ‘While we’re at the market, it might be a good idea if you got kitted out with some lighter-weightclothes.’
‘That’s a great idea!’ Cheryl clapped. ‘We know just the right vendors to go to, eh, Ruby?’
‘Yep, just call us “Bargain Brits Abroad” when you want the best deal,’ Ruby grinned and reached out to stroke Cheryl’s face. In return, Cheryl leaned forward and kissed her.
Atticus was caught off guard. He’d never witnessed affection so openly displayed between two women who were clearly loving partners. It didn’t shock him, quite the opposite, in fact. He felt a warm glow. Love for another was a splendid thing, and his own life felt empty without it. Watching Cheryl and Ruby seemed to highlight his own loneliness.
A waitress arrived with a jug of sangria, which Ruby poured. Dishes of tapas followed, and soon, the table was covered with tasty treats.
‘Photo opportunity!’ Cheryl held out her phone and began to snap.
‘Cheers,’ Ruby said, holding her glass to toast Atticus. ‘Here’s to making a new friend.’
They chinked glasses and Atticus swallowed. ‘I think sangria is going to be my new friend, too.’
As the musicians played, Atticus sampled the delights of tapas. He tasted his first mouthful of garlic shrimp, seasoned with chilli, and dipped crusty bread into warm olive oil. Splitting the bread, he passed a chunk to Ness.
‘Try this,’ Ruby urged, forking thinly sliced ham onto his plate. ‘It’s made from acorn-fed Iberian pigs, which are prized for their rich flavour.’
As the soft meat melted on his tongue,Atticus closed his eyes and thought he’d never tasted anything so delicious. Next, Cheryl spooned spicy chorizo onto his plate. The peppery sausage had a fiery flavour that made his eyes water. ‘By heck, that’s got a kick!’ he gasped.
When the jug of sangria was empty and the tapas dishes were clean, Cheryl sat back and rubbed her tummy. ‘I feel better for that,’ she said. ‘Now, before shopping, should we finish with a coffee?’
‘Cracking idea,’ Ruby said as a server approached the table. ‘Tres cafés Belmonte, por favor,’ she said.
Atticus wondered what Ruby had ordered. Jake hadn’t included more than acafé con lechein his list of essential Spanish phrases. He was intrigued when a small glass cup, with a layer of creamy condensed milk at the bottom and topped with strong coffee, was placed before him.
‘Get your laughing gear around this,’ Cheryl said. ‘It will set you up for your shopping expedition.’
Atticus took a swig of the coffee and almost choked as a considerable measure of brandy hit the back of his throat. But as a sweet hit filtered through the shot of espresso, he licked his lips.The café Belmonte was delicious!
‘Fancy another?’ Ruby smiled.
‘Why not…’
Atticus sighed with pleasure as his hand gently stroked the top of Ness’s head. Feeling mellow from the brandy, he felt like time had suddenly slowed. Sitting here in the sunshine, listening to music, and experiencing new tastes, he could hardly believe that he’d only been in Spain for three days. Despite the heat, Atticus felt like he’d been wrapped in a cosy blanket on a chilly winter evening andwas grateful for the simple pleasure of good company with two new friends.
Suddenly, Cheryl stood. ‘Come on, cowboy,’ she said. ‘We need to source some bargains before the market shuts up for the day.’
Atticus settled the bill, and with Ness pulling ahead, he found himself linked by Cheryl and Ruby. ‘Lead on,’ he replied, placing his hat on his head. ‘I am entirely in your capable hands.’
At Barn Hill Farm, Jake was fed up. Saturday was stretching out like the longest day ever, and with two more days of being grounded, his bedroom walls felt like they were closing in on him. At least he’d been able to go to school during the week, but as soon as he got off the bus and arrived home, Mungo had been at the door waiting for him.
‘Bedroom,’ his dad commanded and pointed towards the stairs.
Dragging his rucksack and cursing under his breath, Jake stomped off to his room. ‘Why do I have to have the most unreasonable parent in the world?’ he grumbled and threw himself down on his bed. He’d only been trying to help his grandad. If his dad couldn’t see that things were suddenly looking up for Atticus because of his and Arthur’s help, then his dad was a miserable old git who didn’t deserve Jake as a son.
