Page 45 of The Old Gals’ Bucket List
MARY
Leo had suggested a trip to Nerja on Sunday and offered to do the driving, ‘It’s only an hour away and it makes sense to all go in one car,’ he said. ‘You’ll join us won’t you, Keith? Don’t leave me alone with these mad women. Who knows what they’ll be getting up to?’ His eyes twinkled.
‘I guess I’d better,’ Keith said, to Mary’s delight.
She was so glad she’d confided in Leo about her worries about Keith, and he had offered to organise the ride in the Cadillac, and come out with them a few times in the hope that Keith would join in.
Their plan was working nicely. And a bonus was that Patti and Leo seemed to be getting on really well.
Mary was sure that Patti was as attracted to him as he was to her.
Which could mean that they would be able to coax Patti over for a visit more easily in future.
Sandra seemed to be having a good time too, she had really relaxed since she’d arrived.
She was a nice woman, hopefully she would return home stronger and more sure of what she wanted.
It was good that her son cared about her, but he had to listen to what Sandra wanted too, not just decide for her.
They had all piled into his car on Sunday morning and set off.
It was a glorious day, and cool in the car with the aircon on.
As before, the three women sat chatting in the back with Keith in the front next to Leo.
They’d left Rags in the garden with plenty of water, he had the cool shade of his large kennel to go into and Leo had brought Coco around so that the two little dogs could keep each other company.
Nerja was one of Mary’s favourite places.
She loved the Andalucian old town with its pebbled streets, whitewashed houses, colourful terraces and quaint shops selling a variety of goods from homemade honey to souvenirs and clothes.
Patti and Sandra were fascinated with it too, not being able to resist popping into the shops and buying a couple of souvenirs to squeeze into their cases.
‘Wait until you see the Balcón de Europa,’ Mary told them, leading the way to the famous tourist spot in the centre of the town.
The three women were leading the way, with Keith and Leo walking behind, chatting.
They stopped to admire the beautiful tall white arches, decorated with blue flowerpots, taking it in turns to take a photo of themselves standing in the arches that perfectly framed the sea below.
She heard Patti gasp. ‘This is wonderful! No wonder you love it.’
Patti and Sandra both gazed around them at the amazing views as they walked along the promenade, stopping to look at the various monuments.
They sat together on one of the benches and got Leo to take photos of them.
Then they walked onto the balcony itself, the spectacular views taking their breath away, as it always did for Mary.
She and Keith had come here for their anniversary every year, until he’d had his heart attack last year.
‘Oh goodness, this is totally gorgeous!’ Patti said as they all stood on the left side, looking down at golden sands of the beach below.
‘Isn’t it? And look at that cute little house. I wonder if anyone lives there.’ Sandra pointed to a little white house with a blue door that was nestled under the rocks against the cliff. ‘It looks like it’s actually been carved into the cliff.’
‘I think it used to be a fisherman’s house. I’m not sure if anyone lives in it now but someone definitely looks after it. Look at the plants in the pots, there’s a little vegetable garden too.’
They then walked onto the viewing platform and gazed down at the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea below.
It really was spectacular. Keith stood next to Mary and put his arm around her waist, Mary smiled up at him, leaning her head against his shoulder.
Leo and Patti were standing side by side, gazing out at the sea then Leo turned to Patti and said something and she threw her head back and laughed. Sandra quickly snapped a photo.
They took a selection of photos, Patti and Sandra standing in one of the white archways, gazing out at the sea and mountains; standing each side of the monument of Alfonso X11 as well as several of the scenery and group photos.
Then they went down the steps to the beach for a closer look at the little cottage cut into the cliff, took a few photos of it, then had a paddle in the sea before going back up the steps to have lunch in a bakery that had a balcony overlooking the beach. It was a wonderful day.
‘Only two more days left,’ Patti said wistfully when they were all back at home again. ‘I’ve had such a lovely time.’
‘I thought that you might want a chill day tomorrow seeing as we’re doing the Caminito del Rey on Tuesday so I’m quite happy to stay in and relax around the pool tomorrow. If everyone else is?’ Sandra said.
‘Sounds good to me,’ Patti agreed. ‘Although I might take Rags for a walk, have a bit of an explore around, if you don’t mind. Don’t think you have to come with me. Company accepted but not expected.’
‘Coco could do with a walk too, we could join you,’ Leo offered. ‘Then you can pop in and see the picture of my mother doing the flamenco. That is, if you wish.’
Patti flashed him a smile. ‘That sounds perfect. I’m sure these two will enjoy the run together.’
‘Let me give you Leo’s number, Patti, so that you can message each other when you’re ready to go,’ Mary said, wanting to give her sister-in-law the option of contacting Leo or not.
‘Thank you, if that’s okay with you?’ Patti looked questioningly at Leo and he nodded.
‘Of course.’
Mary sent the number via WhatsApp and Patti immediately sent a message to it. ‘Best for you to have my number too,’ Patti said.
Mary was pleased that they were going on a walk together tomorrow, hopefully they would decide to keep in touch.
It was a shame that Patti was going home the day after tomorrow, but her connection with Leo might make her come over again.
She hoped so. Leo was a close friend, he would be good for Patti, and she for him.