Fanny Blake Getting Away From It All

It’s best to choose your holiday companions very carefully – as Tina and Jack are about to find out.

The villa was perfect. As they drove up, Tina felt a rush of relief. The responsibility for booking the holiday had weighed heavy on her shoulders – largely because Jack had shown virtually no interest in where they went.

“Are you sure going with them is a good idea?” He had drained his glass of wine. “Sarah can be pretty full on.”

Tina didn’t want to admit she was having second thoughts about her suggestion, made after a few drinks, that they should all holiday together. Sarah did like being the centre of attention but Tina didn’t, so that shouldn’t matter, and Jack got on well with Paddy.

She plumped for a two-week package to the Greek island of Paxos.

“You’ll like it when we get there,” she told him firmly.

And indeed as they parked outside the villa, Jack said, “Nice place.” Though that might have been because they’d passed a golf course less than a mile back.

Sarah and Paddy turned into the drive behind them. They all entered the villa and dumped their cases in the living area.

“Toss for rooms?” said Paddy, balancing a shiny Euro on his thumb. He must have forgotten they had agreed Tina should have first choice as she’d done all the spadework. But Sarah didn’t correct him, and Tina didn’t like to.

“Why didn’t you say something?” Jack asked as they pushed the two single beds together.

“Why didn’t you?” She opened the French windows that gave on to a tiny patio overhung with bougainvillea and with just enough room for two chairs. The expansive terrace outside the other bedroom came with sunbeds and a view not of the washing line and dustbins, but of the sea. The photos in the brochure had been deceptive.