Page 17 of Sun, Sea and Spotted Squid

Easy for you to say.

“I know, let’s go out tonight. It’s Friday night and we’re in a new city. Maybe we can find some sexy Spanish men?”Astrid said, plucking her eyebrows, which Sam didn’t think was particularly hygienic in the kitchen.

Sam had been wondering how to fill the weekend stretching out ahead of them. A few drinks suddenly sounded like an excellent idea.

“You’re on,” he said.

“Good.”

“Let’s make it just us. I need to relax.” Sam took a healthy swig from his beer.

After finally managing to get the sea salt out of his hair and ironing his favourite denim shorts and black shirt, Sam met the girls on the lower level. Astrid had dressed to impress in a short flowy summer dress that showed off her endless legs. Maria wore skin-tight jeans and a crop top. The men of Valencia wouldn’t know what had hit them.

The old cobbled streets did not meet Astrid’s approval in her impossibly high heels.

“You should have worn trainers,” Sam said, holding out his hand to support her.

“I think she looks hot,” Maria replied sniffily.

“Yes, I’m sure they’ll appreciate it in the casualty department too,” Sam replied.

Astrid ignored them both and stalked into a bustling bar that had punters spilling out onto the square. The clientele were young, and more than one head turned as the girls made their way inside. If Astrid wanted hot men, they were wall to wall in this place. She had clearly clocked that. Pushing her chest out, pulling her tummy in and fluffing her hair up, she was ready toroll. Sam had to hand it to her—when she wanted to focus, she certainly did.

The heat in the bar could only be described as slightly warmer than the centre of the sun. Sam’s face would resemble a Bloody Mary if they stayed much longer. He must have screamed “Brit abroad.” Euro dance music boomed while Astrid shouted their order to the barman.

“I’ll get us a table outside,” Sam said, desperate for relief from the heat. How did people stand this?

“I’d better wait and help her,” Maria replied.

Relieved by the night breeze, Sam commandeered a table and waited for the girls with the drinks.

The bar seemed popular with locals. Groups of young people crammed around tables, smoking, drinking and laughing. It seemed a long way from Sam’s home streets of Newcastle, where café culture suffered from the freezing winds off the North Sea.

“There you go,” Astrid said, placing a wildly coloured cocktail in front of him.

“What’s that?”

“That is for me to know.”

Sam relaxed when he saw she and Maria had matching drinks. It couldn’t be too bad. Astrid would absolutely get him drunk while they quietly sipped gin and tonics if she had the chance.

“Here’s to our first proper night out in Valencia,” Sam said, raising his glass.

“And here’s to seeing what talent there is in store,” Astrid said, subtly tugging her top lower. She had impressive cleavage. Maria followed suit and flicked her hair.

“Two women on the prowl, eh?” Sam took a sip. He detected gin and something citrusy.

Thankfully, gin had never got him into trouble before.

Astrid lit a cigarette and offered them around.

“Not for me, thanks,” Sam said. He had never seen the appeal of smoking. The one time he had tried it, he had spent the evening coughing and feeling sick.

“I shouldn’t,” Maria said hesitantly. “I gave up a couple of years ago.”

“Oh, go on.” Astrid waved the packet temptingly. “This is a different life.”

Maria accepted one. Sam considered discouraging her then realised it wasn’t his place. He certainly wasn’t anyone’s surrogate father figure.