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CHAPTER THREE

A good friend

In London, Stephany put the phone down.

‘Well, she seems to think it’s OK,’ she called out across the flat.

Max came out of the bathroom drying his black hair.

‘Who’s she?’

‘Carlo’s wife, Ruth.’

‘Oh,’ said Max. He was pleased to hear that Carlo was married.

‘Great!’ he said. He sat down on the sofa. ‘I’ll get the plane tickets.’

He held Stephany in his arms.

‘I feel better for a shower. Now I can relax. It’s been a long week.’

But Stephany couldn’t relax. She stood up. Something about Ruth’s voice had made her feel strange.

‘I’m a little worried. I don’t know Ruth very well. Maybe it’s not a good time for them,’ said Stephany.

‘Oh, let’s not worry now,’ said Max. ‘It’s late and I’m tired. Let’s go to bed.’

‘OK,’ said Stephany. But that night she didn’t sleep very well. The next evening, while Max was cooking supper for Stephany in the kitchen, the telephone rang.

‘Hello,’ Stephany said.

‘Hi, Stephany, it’s Carlo.’

‘Hello Carlo!’ Max watched Stephany. She looked very happy.

‘How lovely to hear your voice!’ she said. ‘Ruth says you want to stay in the flat,’ said Carlo.

‘Yes. If possible.’

‘Of course you can! Are you coming alone?’

‘No, I’ve met someone. He’s called Max. He’s very nice!”

Stephany looked up at Max and smiled.

‘Well then, we’ll see you in a couple of weeks!’

‘How are you, Carlo?’ Stephany asked.

‘So-so. Up and down. We worry about money, like everyone, and my wife is angry with me because I work too much. But if I don’t work, we don’t get any money!’

‘Is Ruth working too?’

‘Yes, she says she never stops working. She works in the day with the children and at night in a restautant. But never mind. You come and have a holiday. It will be good to see you!’

‘Yes, I hope we can all meet for dinner?’

‘Sure. I’ll see you then.’

‘Bye, Carlo. And thanks!’ Stephany turned to Max.

‘I knew it would be OK if I spoke to Carlo,’ she said. ‘He’s a very good friend. He’s really pleased that we are coming!’

‘Shouldn’t we offer to pay for the flat?’ Max asked. ‘No!’ said Stephany. ‘Carlo would be angry!’