The Olive Tree by Lucinda Riley

Author:Lucinda Riley
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781509824748
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Published: 2016-07-14T06:00:00+00:00

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Eighteen

‘Night, darling, see you in the morning.’ Helena kissed Fred on the forehead and moved across to Immy’s bed.

‘Where are you going?’ Her daughter eyed her suspiciously. ‘You’ve got lipstick on.’

‘Out with Daddy.’

‘Can I come?’

‘No. It’s just Daddy and me. Chloë’s here, and Alex, and Jules.’

‘Don’t like Jules. She smells,’ said Fred.

‘Okay, you two, shush now.’ Helena walked to the door and switched the light off. ‘Sweet dreams.’ Collecting her handbag from the bedroom, she heard her mobile ringing inside it.

She dug around and actually managed to catch the caller before he or she rang off.

‘Hello?’

‘Helena! Mia cara! How are you?!’

It was a voice from the past, but so recognisable she’d have known it anywhere.

‘Fabio!’ Helena’s face broke into an excited smile. ‘My goodness! How wonderful to hear from you!’

‘It is a surprise, yes?’

‘Just a little! It must be, I don’t know . . . over ten years?’

‘I think it is at least that.’

‘Where have you been? How have you been? And how on earth did you get my number?’

‘It is a long story, cara, which you know I will enjoy telling you.’

Helena heard William calling her from downstairs. ‘Fabio, I’d love to chat all night, but we’re about to go out for dinner. Can I take your number and call you back? Where are you? Still in New York?’

‘No, I am back in Milan these days, but travelling on and off with the La Scala ballet company. And you are in England?’

‘Well, mostly, but I’m actually in Cyprus at the moment. My godfather died and left me his house, so I’m here with my family for the summer.’

‘But I am coming to Limassol in three weeks’ time! Remember how we danced together on a hot summer’s night in the wonderful amphitheatre? It must be fifteen years ago now.’

‘How could I forget?’ Helena’s eyes glinted with emotion at the memory. ‘Actually, we’re not that far from Limassol and Fabio, I’d adore to see you.’

‘And I you, mia cara. It has been too long.’

‘Yes, it has.’

‘Then I will see if I can arrive in Cyprus earlier than I had planned and impose myself upon your hospitality for a day or two,’ he announced.

‘Wonderful. Is this the best number to call you on?’

‘Si, it is my mobile number, you can reach me on it day or night. So, my Helena, we will speak tomorrow and arrange everything. Ciao.’

‘Ciao, Fabio.’

Helena sat for a moment, her mobile in the palm of her hands, remembering.

‘Who was that, Mum?’ Alex was standing at the door.

‘That, darling, was my old dancing partner, whom I haven’t spoken to for at least ten years. And I’m so very pleased to hear from him.’ She smiled and kissed Alex on the top of his head. ‘Now, I must go. Dad’s waiting for me downstairs.’

As William drove the car up the hill, Helena sat next to him, his close proximity and the fact they were finally alone making her stomach flutter with nerves.

‘Okay, where to? I’d prefer not to go to Persephone’s Taverna, if you don’t mind,’ he said.

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