Page 20 of Old Girls Go Greek
I wanted to change the conversation into a new direction, one where he would open up and tell me about himself and perhaps explain why he looked so familiar, but for some reason I couldn’t think of anything sensible to say.
‘This is delicious,’ I said at last, ‘thank you.’
‘You’re welcome,’ he said, and I could tell that the brief moment of warmth between us had chilled. Perhaps because I was so often on my own, I talked too much when I had the chance. I tried a different tack.
‘I’m looking forward to the wine-tasting evening,’ I said. ‘I’ve heard there are some lovely wines produced here.’
‘Yes, that should be good.’
Hmm.
I wondered if he was regretting his decision to ask me over with him. What should I have done differently? And then I felt a bit cross. If he wanted to turn uncommunicative, it wasn’t my fault. It really didn’t matter if he liked me or not. I needed to stop worrying about such things.
‘Well, perhaps we should get on with some painting?’ I said.
He stood up and waited patiently for me to collect my handbag from under the table and he picked up my flimsy chair, which had fallen over when I stood up, and then we walked back towards the group, who looked as though they were already hard at work.
He paused and I turned to look at him.
‘By the way, you’ve got a bit of paper stuck to your cheek,’ he said. ‘No, the other side.’
I did too, and hadn’t realised. I pulled off a strip of paper napkin and shoved it in my pocket.
‘There’s a bit more on your chin,’ he said.
I pulled out my handkerchief, licked the end of it and scrubbed at my face.
He took my hand and guided it to the right place, where it seemed I had a dollop of something. I was aware of two things: feeling a bit of a fool, but also the pleasant warmth of his hand holding mine. Heaven knew what he thought of me.
Honestly.
6
As I got back to my chair, Anita leaned over.
‘I say, that was quick work. All the others are very interested that you nabbed him. He’s rather gorgeous, isn’t he? Nice shoulders.’
I found a wet wipe in my bag and scrubbed at my cheek again, which was still feeling very sticky.
‘I haven’t nabbed him at all. In fact, I made a bit of a tit of myself,’ I hissed back.
Anita stood up and waved discreetly at Beryl and Effie.
‘Let’s go and pretend to explore the ruins. There’s an information board over there,’ she added loudly.
The other two stood up and followed us.
‘What’s going on?’ Effie said, her face alight with interest.
‘Nothing,’ I said, feeling rather annoyed with myself.
‘Something must be,’ Beryl said. ‘You were away for ages. Do tell.’
‘Nothing. He bought me some coffee and agalacktosomething.’
‘And then?’ Effie said encouragingly.
‘Then nothing.’
