The Olive Tree Read Online Free PDF Page B

eh?’
    ‘Nope.’ Alex did not open his eyes. ‘Sorry, Mum.’
    ‘I’m going to take Immy into the village to buy some supplies and pay the doctor. Will you promise to drink lots of water while I’m gone?’
    ‘Yup.’
    ‘Want anything?’
    ‘Some mosquito repellent.’
    ‘Really darling, Cyprus mozzies are perfectly harmless.’
    ‘I
hate
them, whatever their nationality.’
    ‘Okay, I’ll get you some. And if you’re feeling better tomorrow, we’ll go to Paphos town. I’ve got a list of things to buy, including fans for all the bedrooms,
bedding, towels, a new fridge-freezer and a TV with a DVD player.’
    Alex opened his eyes. ‘Really? I thought TV was off the agenda here?’
    ‘I think a DVD player is just about acceptable for Immy and Fred, especially on hot afternoons.’
    ‘Wow, things are looking up.’
    ‘Good.’ Helena smiled down at him. ‘You rest today, then hopefully you’ll be up for a trip out tomorrow.’
    ‘I’m sure I’ll be fine. It’s only dehydration, isn’t it?’
    ‘Yes, darling.’ She kissed him on the forehead. ‘Try and get some sleep.’
    ‘I will. Sorry about the malaria thing, by the way.’
    ‘It’s okay. See you later.’ As Helena went downstairs, she heard her mobile ringing in the kitchen. Running through the hall, she managed to reach it just in time.
    ‘Hello?’
    ‘Is that you, Helena? Jules here. How are you?’
    ‘Fine, yes, we’re fine.’
    ‘Good-oh. How’s the house?’
    ‘Wonderful. Just as I remembered it.’
    ‘Twenty-four years ago? Goodness, I hope they’ve updated the plumbing since then!’
    ‘Actually, they haven’t.’ Helena couldn’t help a frisson of enjoyment as she gently taunted Jules. ‘It definitely needs a bit of a facelift and a couple of new loo
seats, but I think it’s sound – structurally, at least.’
    ‘That’s something, then. Glad the roof won’t fall in on us while we’re sleeping.’
    ‘The kitchen could do with some modernising, too,’ added Helena. ‘I think we’ll be relying on barbecues more than the oven. To be honest, it may not be what you’re
used to.’
    ‘I’m sure we’ll manage. And of course I’ll bring our own sheets with us – you know I always like to anyway. If you need anything else, just let me know.’
    ‘Thanks, Jules, I will. How are the children?’
    ‘Oh, Rupes and Viola are fine, but I’ve spent what feels like weeks doing prize-giving, governors’ speeches and soggy strawberries. Sacha managed to wriggle out of all that
kind of stuff, lucky sod.’
    ‘Oh.’ Helena knew Jules secretly loved it. ‘How is Sacha?’ she asked politely.
    ‘Working all the hours God sends, drinking too much . . . you know what he’s like. I’ve hardly seen him in the past few weeks. God, Helena, afraid I’ve got to dash.
We’re having a dinner party here tonight, so I’m frantic this end.’
    ‘I’ll see you in a few days’ time, then.’
    ‘You will. Don’t get too much of a head start on the tan, will you? Pissing down here.
Ciao
, darling.’
    ‘
Ciao
,’ Helena mouthed into the mobile disconsolately as she disconnected the call and sat down at the kitchen table. ‘Oh God,’ she groaned, wishing with all her
heart she hadn’t allowed Jules to railroad her into coming to stay here for two weeks. She’d used every excuse she could think of, but Jules had simply refused to take no for an answer.
The upshot was that the four members of the Chandler family – Jules, her two children and her husband Sacha – were descending on Pandora in a week’s time.
    Whatever dread Helena felt about the Chandlers joining them, she knew she must keep it to herself. Sacha was William’s best and oldest friend; his daughter, Viola, was William’s
godchild. There was nothing she could do but accept the situation.
    How will I cope
. . . ? Helena fanned herself in the oppressive heat, seeing the kitchen and its dilapidated state through Jules’ eagle eyes and knowing she