Even if the relationship had become a habit, even if she wasn’t sure she liked him any more, there was still history between them. She couldn’t just forget the last few years of her life – yet. The memories of so many moments and shared experiences, time invested and friendships made as a couple, hadn’t disappeared just because he was no longer in her life.
Penny wondered if, without the job offer in Italy, she and Bruce might have muddled along for longer. She admitted to herself that there had been times, even after they’d separated, when she might have been tempted to call him, in those shadowy, stark days after her dad had died. But what now? Even at a distance it felt like he’d reopened a closed book with his messages.
‘You okay?’ Lily was at her side with the coffee Spiro had promised her.
‘I think so. I was miles away.’ Penny smiled. Lily’s arrival brought her back into the new reality of Corfu. ‘How are you today?’ Penny asked.
‘I’m all right, thanks. Feel a bit better now actually, about Guy and Rich knowing that I’m not going back to uni . . . less pressure in my head somehow. I wasn’t intending to keep it a secret. It just sort of became one,’ she continued. ‘I’ve told Tess now as well. She was great . . . like you. So, thanks.’
Tess wandered over. ‘What’s the plan for today?’ She stood with one hand resting on her hip, cloth in hand.
‘I’m wandering down to the harbour to paint, take photos, and probably just watch the sea for a while.’ Penny almost added – wanted to add – Bruce left me a message last night. He wants to see me. I’m not sure what to say or do. But she didn’t.
‘That sounds good to me. We will be super busy today: more arrivals expected at lunchtime and a welcome meeting. Ah, the heady excitement of it all.’ She laughed at herself, as Theo ran up.
‘Mama, it’s Nic on the phone.’ He handed her the unit. When she hung up Tess looked down at her son and pulled a disappointed face.
‘Nic can’t make it today. Something has come up with the university. He says he’s sorry and will make it up to you later on this week.’ She gave Theo a quick hug and he shrugged, looking up at his mama.
‘It must be important,’ he said simply.
Penny looked at the little boy and wondered at his calm acceptance of not being able to spend time with Nic. He was clearly disappointed.
‘What was the plan?’ Penny found herself saying.
‘Monday is one of our busiest days, so Nic usually tries to take Theo to another beach, harbour, somewhere as a treat. But today he can’t and that’s unusual, so something very important must have come up with the university.’
‘Would Theo like to come with me down to the harbour, to paint?’ Penny heard herself say the words before she’d had time to think them through.
Theo nodded enthusiastically.
‘I’ll keep a close eye on him, I promise.’
‘Are you sure? I mean, you’ve already got a vote of confidence from Theo, as you can see. If you’re planning on painting for an hour or two, then lunch is on me, for both of you.’ She laughed at Theo, who had rushed off to fetch his crayons and sketchpad.
‘There’s no need for the free lunch. It’ll be fun and we’ll be back for something to eat later.’ Penny stood up and grabbed her rucksack.
Chapter 25
Nic sat on his terrace with his laptop and a pot of strong coffee on the table in front of him, checking his emails – a daily ritual through the summer.
In the villa behind him Ulysses chatted away to himself soothingly, Nic decided, with only a few words here and there that needed censoring. He skimmed casually through the collection of messages, half a mind on his plans to take Theo out for the day, to give the boy a change of scene and Tess a chance to cope with one of her busiest days.
Clicking on an email from Melina, his departmental colleague – a friend and someone Nic respected – the first few lines immediately grabbed his attention.
It was a message he had been half-expecting for a while, but somehow that didn’t lessen his sadness or shock. She had decided to resign from her post for health reasons. Nic immediately wanted to help her, give her the support and space that would hopefully mean she didn’t have to make such a drastic decision. He picked up his mobile, searched for a flight to Athens, and booked a ticket for that evening. Then he rang Tess.
He felt a pull in his stomach as he heard her voice, hating the thought that he was letting her, and Theo, down. He apologized for not being able to take Theo out, as her usual kindness and understanding made light of it.
He knew she’d be fine: busy days were not a new phenomenon to Tess and she balanced many things. She’d told him once that losing Georgios had felt like looking over a cliff edge. It tripped him up too, especially when he passed old haunts that he and his best friend had made their own, a lifetime before Tess had even arrived on the island.
He looked at his watch. He had a few things to organize before the flight, but planned to pop into the Athena for something to eat after one o’clock.
As he walked into the house, he saw Annabelle, his neighbour, heading for her car. He raised his hand and called out to her. He needed to ask a favour . . . he hoped she liked parrots.
Penny and Theo walked slowly down the street, towards a spot by the rocks at the harbour entrance that provided some shelter if there was a breeze, and several views to choose from.
‘I’ve got my best sketchbook with me and my new pencils from Nic. He brought them from Athens, from a special shop for artists like me. Although I’m not an artist all the time. Sometimes I’m a writer. Sometimes I help Mrs Papadopoulos with animals that need help, in St George. I have a badge at home, but I can show you later.’
Theo hardly paused for breath, as though he’d made a bet with someone to share his entire history, likes, dislikes, list of friends, and favourite foods with Penny before they reached the harbour.
She responded with the odd ‘Really?’ ‘That’s good’, and ‘I didn’t know that’, as she listened to his seamless monologue.
They turned left to follow the short dusty track down to the sea. Settling themselves at the edge of the water with the sun behind them, they started to unpack their pencils and sketchbooks. Penny noticed Theo’s self-possession and quiet confidence as he set out his crayons and a bottle of orange juice in front of him.
A wave of compassion and tenderness towards him almost overwhelmed Penny as she watched. To lose a father at just 4 years old was beyond her comprehension. All the years of paternal love she had received felt more miraculous than ever. Gratitude blocked out her grief as its healing warmth embraced her. It was a blissful moment, her feet touching the water, the coolness of the gentle waves flowing over her skin.
‘I’m going to draw the boats.’ said Theo, his face a picture of concentration.
‘Good plan. I think I’m going to look around for a minute or two and have a think about what I’d like to draw – see what catches my eye.’
As she said this, she saw a familiar little blue and white boat edge towards the harbour. Already she could make out the distinctive figure of Dimitris at the front gathering up some rope. Theo hadn’t spotted it yet and Penny prepared herself for his inevitable reaction when he did. She decided to sit back, try and focus on the sketchpad in front of her, and go with the flow.
A few seconds later came the cry: ‘It’s the Dora!’ Theo jumped to his feet and waved excitedly as the boat pulled into harbour.
‘Dimitris!’ Theo hailed his friend, who waved back and jumped ashore as the Dora bumped into her usual spot. Penny swung her legs back onto the side of the harbour and stood up.
Theo reached Dimitris in a few paces and threw himself at him. Dimitris responded with a smile and hugged his young friend as he looked over Theo’s head at Penny. It was the first time she’d seen him smile. The effect was heart-stopping.
‘So, you’re painting today?’ As he asked the question, he looked over at Penny again. The smile was still there.
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‘Yes, Nic couldn’t come over, so Penny is my new friend. We’re going to have lunch later, when I’ve drawn the boats.’
‘Can I see?’ Dimitris started to walk over to where they’d settled to draw. As he came closer Penny felt as though she wanted to move closer and step back at the same time. His closeness made her aware of every part of her body. The way she was standing – hands in pockets, her bare, damp feet planted on the stone path – felt defensive. What was she afraid of?
‘We haven’t really started yet,’ she said.
‘Perhaps you can show me your drawings when they’re finished,’ Dimitris said to Theo, then looked at Penny. ‘I have to help my father with the catch. I’ll see you both at the Athena later, I hope. Perhaps I can buy the artists a drink?’
As Dimitris turned and walked back to the boat, Theo slipped his hand into Penny’s and pulled her back to sit down and draw.
Sitting cross-legged on the stone paving, reaching for her sketchbook, and feigning interest in the far horizon, her eyes darted back to the figures on the boat unloading the fish.
‘I like Dimitris.’ said Theo, matter of factly, tracing the outline of a boat with a blue crayon. ‘Do you?’
‘Yes,’ said Penny. ‘He seems nice.’
‘I’m glad,’ said Theo. ‘I like my friends to like each other.’
Chapter 26
Tess had seen the Dora return, as she watched Penny and Theo choose their spot and hoped that Dimitris and Aris had caught some sea bass as Anna wanted to make it the ‘Special’ that evening.
Glancing around and seeing that all was well and no one was waiting for service, Tess popped into the kitchen and cut a slice of bread, drizzling some honey onto the soft white surface. She closed her eyes and savoured the moment. Anna, busy chopping onions, smiled across at her.
‘Don’t forget to have a coffee.’ Anna sounded like a benevolent aunt. A sprightly 65-year-old, her energy had not diminished with the years. She loved to cook all day and considered the kitchen at the Athena her own space and sanctuary.
‘Aris and Dimitris are back with the catch. Let’s hope they have some sea bass.’
At the mention of sea bass, Anna’s eyes looked over to the large basket of fresh lemons and the garlic hanging above her head.
Tess pushed the last piece of honeyed bread into her mouth, aware that Anna would already be creating the fish dish in her head, checking she had everything she needed to make it.
Minutes later Aris and Dimitris appeared carrying boxes of fish. They set them down on the counter at the far end of the kitchen and washed their hands. Dimitris leaned back and watched Anna as she examined the glistening sea bass and red snapper.
‘Coffee?’ Tess addressed both men and as they nodded their thanks, she headed back into the bar.
She heard Anna chattering animatedly about the plans for the fish, Aris enjoying her appreciation. Dimitris had followed her back into the restaurant and sat at the bar.
As he sat waiting for his coffee, he heard a large coach, the first of the day, pull up outside the Athena.
‘Here we go,’ said Tess, passing him an espresso. Dimitris raised the cup to catch the aroma, transported momentarily back to his favourite coffee shop off Chancery Lane – very different days.
‘I’ve just seen Theo down at the harbour with Penny, the small girl who draws . . . the Durrells fan.’
Dimitris looked intently at Tess, trying to read her face as she spoke about Penny. ‘Yes, bless her. When Nic couldn’t make it today, she asked if Theo would like to join her while she sketched. He jumped at the chance, but I won’t share with Nic how quickly he got over the disappointment of him not being here.’
‘Well, they seemed like old friends when I spoke to them. Theo seemed happy and excited. He said they’re coming back here for lunch.’
‘That’s the plan. She didn’t have to offer to take Theo with her.’
‘Maybe she wanted company. She’s here on her own, isn’t she?’
‘She is, but I think she’s okay with being on her own when she has to. She’s always drawing, reading, or planning trips.’
‘Do you know why she’s here on her own?’ Dimitris tried to look nonchalant as he drained the last of his espresso.
Tess paused, turning away to clean the coffee machine steam pipe, trying to decide what to say and how much.
‘Well, I know she’s a book illustrator from Yorkshire,’ Tess began.
Dimitris immediately thought of Leeds and wondered if Sally was still there.
‘She lost her father last year and the Durrells thing is tied up with her dad and a promise to him to come here, I think.’ Tess looked across at him, as he listened intently to every word she said.
She didn’t know why, but she suddenly didn’t feel comfortable telling him the rest, about Penny’s break-up with her fiancé. It was Penny’s story to tell in her own time, if she wanted to share it.
After an hour or so, Penny and Theo sat with their sketchbooks in front of them. They’d chatted with a few visitors who had stopped to look at their drawings, something Penny had always been uncomfortable with, although Theo handled comments about his work with thanks and ease. It was now so hot that dangling their legs in the cool sea was a necessity. A familiar voice rang out. ‘The artists are having a rest, I see.’
Nic crouched down beside Theo and picked up his sketchbook. ‘Very good. I love the colour of the boats.’
Theo scrambled to his feet and nearly knocked Nic over as he tried to hug him.
‘Hello,’ Nic said.
‘Hi,’ Penny returned, laughing at Theo’s enthusiastic greeting. ‘I think someone has missed you. We were just having five minutes off before our next drawing, but I think we may have to retreat inside. It feels extra hot today.’ As Theo’s face dropped, Penny added quickly. ‘We can carry on painting at the Athena, in the shade by the sea wall.’
Theo bent down to hug Penny, who had her legs in the water. His spontaneity was disarming and touching, and the simple gesture brought home to her how long it had been since she had hugged or been hugged.
Penny and Theo gathered up their things and the three of them began a slow, hot walk back to the Athena.
‘What did you paint?’ Nic asked her as they strolled side by side.
‘That’s a secret, for now.’ Penny answered. Nic looked intrigued.
‘A secret, eh? Well, I shall have to be patient then.’
‘Don’t expect too much. It’s just something for Tess, to say thank you.’
‘Thank you?’ Nic asked.
‘Yes. Sometimes people help you just by being who they are, listening, acknowledging you’re there, understanding without having to know the whole story. Am I making sense?’
Nic looked thoughtful. ‘Yes, you’re making sense,’ he said finally, ‘especially with regard to Tess.’
The tone in his voice made Penny look at Nic more closely, as she remembered Lily saying, ‘Have you seen the way Nic looks at Tess?’
‘Mama, Nic’s here.’ Theo ran into the restaurant and behind the bar where Tess stood.
‘So he is. Cold drinks everyone?’
Penny and Theo settled themselves at a table at the far end of the restaurant under an awning, where the freshness of the sea delivered the rich fragrance of wild herbs. A ginger cat waited expectantly on a wall, wondering whether to join them.
Nic sat at the bar, waiting for a moment when he could update Tess on his trip to Athens.
‘Don’t give it a thought, Nic. Nothing serious I hope?’ Tess put down the cloth she was wiping the bar with.
Nic waved his arm dismissively. ‘I’m sure it will be fine. I’m just a little concerned about a colleague.’
‘You must be more than a little concerned if you’re flying to Athens.’
‘It’s something that I need to do in person. I’m sure all will be well. A friend is having some health problems and she thinks she should resign. I need to talk to her, to reassure her
that if she wants to stay, she can, and that she’ll get all the support she needs to do that. It’s not the sort of thing you can express in an email.’
‘No, I imagine it isn’t. When will you be back?’
‘Tomorrow evening, I hope. Earlier if I can make the lunchtime flight.’
‘What about Ulysses?’
‘Don’t worry. Annabelle, my neighbour, has him. I don’t think I’ll be missed. I just hope he watches his language.’ Nic sighed.
‘Have you got time for something to eat?’.
‘Coffee first would be great. Is there anything I can do as I’m here?’
‘No, Nic. All’s well, thank you. And thanks to Aris and Dimitris, I have a very happy Anna, who’s planning all sorts of specials with the fish they’ve just brought in.’
‘Have they gone or are they still in the kitchen?’ Nic asked, looking through the doorway.
‘They went a while ago. Dimitris saw Theo and Penny at the harbour this morning. He was asking about Penny when he came to deliver the fish.’
Tess looked at Nic. He knew that face. It seemed to say, I could say more, but I’m not sure I should, but on the other hand, I trust you.
‘Penny seems lovely. I’m not surprised he was asking about her.’ Nic nudged the conversation. ‘But that’s not normal for him, is it? I can’t remember him asking about or being interested in anyone, particularly a visitor. There was an old girlfriend from his university days that turned up a couple of years ago, but that didn’t go well.’
‘No,’ said Tess. ‘I don’t think any of us will forget that.’
They looked at each other and then across at Penny.
‘I know one thing,’ added Tess. ‘She’s someone who doesn’t need any more heartache right now.’
Nic nodded, as if to say, ‘I see’, and Tess knew that, in his quiet and thoughtful way, he always did see. He was a kind and considerate colleague and mentor too. Whoever he was flying off to see, she was a lucky woman.
Looking for the Durrells Page 12