Читать книгу A Greek Affair - Linn Halton B. - Страница 11

I modelled my approach to evaluating a holiday venue on the iconic hotel inspector, Yolanda Jackson. I figured from the outset that whilst I didn’t have the scathing tone and quick-to-anger attitude I’ve witnessed her dishing out so often on her TV programme, I do admire her integrity. And the way she is simply trying to help owners to raise their standards so that visitors get value for money. That’s essential if they want to stay in business.

Today’s post contains several parcels addressed to Rosie, and I always leave her to open them herself. Aside from that, now I’m back from my walk it’s time to hit the emails.

With Easter only ten days away we already have a day trip to a theme park and a visit to a children’s petting zoo in the diary. It looks like our next trip abroad isn’t until the summer half-term holiday, at the end of May. So even if the UK turns out to be wet and windy, which is often the case for bank holidays, hopefully we’ll be basking in sunshine.

Surely it can’t get any better that that?

~

‘Rosie, can you see who’s at the door please? I’ll be there in a second.’

I press ‘send’ on the email I’ve just finished and a little frisson of excitement makes my stomach do a dip.

‘Mum, it’s Naomi and Callie.’

There’s a lot of laughter coming from the hallway as they all barrel into the kitchen.

‘Well, this is a nice surprise, neighbour. Shall I pop the kettle on?’

Naomi shakes her head, still laughing at whatever the girls found funny, as she walks over to give me a hug.

‘No, sadly we can’t stay. We’re on a mission.’ She looks across at Callie, her eleven-year-old daughter.

‘I’m doing a walk for charity, Leah. Will you sponsor me? It’s five miles and I’ve been training, so I know I can do it.’

‘Ah, that’s great, Callie. When is it?’

‘Saturday morning.’

She hands me the form and I take it, grabbing a pen. It’s for childhood cancer and who wouldn’t want to give to that cause?

‘That’s very kind, Leah. Every little bit helps.’

‘My pleasure and way to go, Callie – that’s awesome. Well done, you!’

‘Can I give some money too?’ Rosie pipes up. We all turn to look at her.

Naomi flashes me a glance and I nod.

‘Of course, Rosie. You can spend your savings on anything you want and I can’t think of a more deserving cause.’

As Callie and Rosie lean over the form on the table, Naomi gives me a look of ‘ahh!’

‘Sorry I’ve been absent lately, I had meant to pop down now I’m around a little more.’ I do feel guilty and I miss our interaction since Callie moved to the senior school last September. Her school is the other side of town and it’s not possible to do both trips and car share anymore.

‘I understand, Leah. Besides, judging from the papers, you’ve been very busy. First the local and now the national papers.’

‘What?’ It comes out like a pistol crack. Why am I always the last to know about these things?

‘I saw it in the Daily News, this morning. It was a big spread about the travel industry and some sort of awards ceremony. I didn’t know your blog was so popular. I mean, I knew you had a website for your photography business, but I had no idea! And is that your award?’

She looks over to the bookshelf and I nod, thinking maybe I should move it somewhere slightly less noticeable. But I work from the kitchen table and it’s the hub of the cottage.

‘Yes. It was unexpected news but very welcome. I’ll be focusing on that in future and the Rosie’s Suitcase feature is a big part of it.’

Rosie’s smile extends from ear to ear, as Callie gives her a gentle nudge.

‘You’re practically famous,’ she grins. Rosie blushes.

‘Can I give Callie one of those sun protector sprays? They’re brilliant, Mum, they don’t feel gluey on your skin.’

I laugh and Naomi joins in.

‘Of course. How about one of the inflatable cool bags, too? They’re next to your wardrobe in the black bag.’

The girls head off upstairs and even though there’s a two-year age gap between them, I ponder on the fact that only a couple of inches in height separates them. In terms of maturity, Rosie is ahead of her years. Should I be sad about that?

‘Thanks for your donation, and Rosie’s. We have a lot to be proud of with our girls, don’t we? I’d heard on the grapevine that you were working from home full-time now, but didn’t want to barge in and break up your working day. That must be a real relief, though,’ Naomi says.

‘It is, to be honest. You were brilliant with the car sharing. And Mum and Dad have lived their lives around my schedule but now, finally, I can ease the pressure on them. The award has made all the difference but, ironically, I didn’t give winning a moment’s thought because I was nominated alongside the best bloggers I know.’

I indicate for Naomi to take a seat while we wait for the girls to return.

‘Rosie will, no doubt, ask Callie for feedback on the freebies for her next review. She’s turning into a right little journalist.’

Naomi’s eyes widen. ‘She’s an old head on young shoulders, that’s for sure. Anyway, share the rest of your news – what trips do you have coming up?’

I try to contain my excitement.

‘Well, today I’ve been offered a chance to be flown out to a cruise ship for forty-eight hours. And a family-run hotel in Athens are keen for me to feature them and are offering Rosie and me a five-day stay during half term.’

Naomi’s jaw drops.

‘Don’t say anything when the girls get back as I haven’t told Rosie about Athens yet and for the cruise I’ll have to go on my own as it’s in term time.’

‘Wow! Now I understand why you’ve been working yourself into the ground. You’ve made it happen, Leah, and no one deserves it more.’ Callie looks suitably impressed. It gives me a warm glow for a moment and then I stop to think about her words.

Am I being a tad oversensitive here, or does everyone around me feel that I’m a bit of a sad, and therefore deserving, case?

‘I guess, but maybe it’s my turn for a little boost from the universe.’ I mean, everyone is due a little good luck every so often, aren’t they?

‘Well, when you’re constantly sending out good karma, you gotta eventually get some back!’

Is Naomi right? Or is the residue of my anger and resentment still festering in the pit of my stomach, waiting to be unleashed? Sometimes I feel like there are two of me, the good Leah and the bad Leah. The bad one wants to scream, but the good one won’t let it. That’s negative, Leah, and it’s not a road you want to travel down.

‘Let’s see what the girls have discovered, shall we?’