The Olive Tree by Lucinda Riley Read Free Book Online Page A

in hot weather?’ he smiled.
    ‘It’s a well-known fact that a hot cup of tea cools you down. That’s why they drink it in India,’ remarked Alex.
    ‘Nothing to do with the fact they all lived on tea plantations, then,’ murmured Helena, with a grimace at her son. ‘Come on, Immy, you can help me. I’ll be back in a
minute.’
    Alex sat down in his mother’s vacant chair, folded his arms across his chest and glared at Alexis. ‘So, how do you know my mother?’
    ‘We met, many years ago, when she was last here, staying with Colonel McCladden.’
    ‘You mean Angus, her godfather? And you haven’t seen her since?’
    ‘Oh yes, I have, actually,’ he said with a smile, ‘but that is another story. So Alex, you like Cyprus?’
    ‘I don’t know yet. It was dark when we got here and I’ve been in bed all day due to possible malaria. It’s very hot, with mosquitoes and stripy hornets everywhere. And I
don’t like those.’
    ‘And the house?’
    ‘It’s cool. I mean, it’s not at all cool, it’s boiling, but I love history and this place has got lots,’ Alex conceded.
    ‘This is a very historical area. If you like history, you may know of the Greek myths. According to them, Aphrodite was born in Paphos, and spent her life with Adonis on the island. You
can go and see his bath, only a few miles from here.’
    ‘Let’s hope he’s taken the plug out or the water will be very stale by now,’ Alex muttered under his breath.
    ‘It is a beautiful waterfall in the middle of the mountains,’ Alexis continued. ‘You can jump from the high rocks into the water, which is clear and pure and very refreshing in
the heat. I will take you there if you wish.’
    ‘Thanks, but extreme sports aren’t really my thing. So’ – Alex eyed him – ‘what do you do around here?’
    ‘My family has run the local vineyard for hundreds of years. We make wine. It provides a good living for our family. And we are starting to export more and more abroad. Ah, here is your
mother.’
    Helena emerged onto the terrace and put the tray down on the table. ‘I’ve settled Immy upstairs for a rest. She’s exhausted from the heat and the hornet. Alex, do you want some
tea?’
    ‘Yes.’ He stood up. ‘You sit down, Mum, I’ll pour. I’ve just been hearing about Adonis’ Bidet.’
    ‘You mean the waterfall? Oh, it’s so beautiful, isn’t it, Alexis?’ Helena smiled at him as they both shared a memory.
    ‘Perhaps Dad will take us all when he arrives,’ Alex announced loudly. ‘When is Dad arriving, by the way?’
    ‘Friday, as you know perfectly well, Alex. Milk, Alexis?’
    ‘No, thank you.’
    ‘But it might be sooner, mightn’t it, Mum? I mean, Dad might surprise us and just turn up here any time.’
    ‘I doubt it, Alex, he’s got work to do.’
    ‘But look how he misses you. He’s always calling you on the mobile. It wouldn’t surprise me if he did arrive earlier, you know.’
    Helena raised an eyebrow as she passed Alexis his tea. ‘Well, I hope he doesn’t. I’d like to get the house looking a little more welcoming before he does.’
    ‘Do you need any help with it, Helena?’ questioned Alexis. ‘It has been empty for a long time.’
    ‘Actually, I’d love it if you knew someone who could sort out the pool. It needs cleaning and filling.’
    ‘What pool?’ asked Alex, suddenly animated.
    ‘There’s a gorgeous swimming pool just through that gate and down the steps,’ Helena indicated the location with her hand. ‘Unfortunately, most of the olives seem to have
fallen into it and there are a few broken tiles that probably need replacing.’
    ‘Then I will send Georgios up to look at it,’ said Alexis. ‘He is the cousin of my wife, and a builder.’
    ‘You’re married?’ asked Alex, suddenly animated.
    ‘Sadly, no longer, Alex; my wife died many years ago. I will call Georgios now.’ Alexis produced a mobile from his pocket, dialled and spoke in fast Greek. He put the mobile down