Willow returned from Durban – a poster child for relaxed fun in the sun.
“You look gorgeous: all tanned and glowing. And a bit heavier too, hmmm,” observed Lucy, pinching her at the waist.
“Bugger off,” Willow laughed, slapping away her hand. “It’s all that delectable Durban food and Gramps is great in the kitchen too. He conjured up heavenly dishes, with just a few ingredients. I simply couldn’t resist them,” she said, patting her stomach.
“It looks good on you though,” Lucy complimented her. “You look kind of grown up now.”
Willow lowered her eyes, then raised them quickly again, as though she wanted to tell her something.
“Out with it, Willow,” Lucy said, slapping her friend’s upper arm. “What are you not telling me? It’s not just your grandfather’s food and the fabulous Durban weather that has you looking so radiant, is it?”
Willow chuckled as she pulled Lucy down onto the garden swing seat.
“His name is Jason–”
“I knew it!” Lucy interrupted, shrieking. “I knew there was more going on. Please proceed, Miss Jenkins.”
“As I was saying, before you so rudely interrupted me,” Willow said, poking Lucy playfully on the forehead. “His name is Jason – Jason Patel – and he’s a second year architecture student at the Durban University of Technology. Want to hear more?” she teased.
“I don’t want to hear more,” Lucy answered. “I want to hear eh-ver-ree-thing! You know I’m all about the details, Willow, so please, stop interrupting yourself.”
“Yes, Miss Bossy Boots. Your command is my wish,” she answered sarcastically. “So, anyway, he’s a keen hiker and they’re coming to Cape Town on Wednesday – him and his hiking crew – to ‘blast the hiking trails’. Those were his words, and we’re invited to join them. Before you object, I told him we’d happily do easier Table Mountain and the Silvermine day walks with them. Anything else they’ll have to do on their macho-man own,” Willow said assertively. “We’ll be happy with close-up pictures of the Elephant’s Eye and provide the food. How’s that sound to you?” Willow asked hopefully.
“Sounds like a great plan, Willow,” beamed Lucy. “It’s different from our usual movies, cooking, shopping and party scene. I love it!”
Tell us: Are holiday romances usually worth following up on, or should they be left ‘on holiday’?