“You can’t say that! I asked you first!” Eleftheria laughed with her cigarette at her lips, leaning back in her chair to look to Anica in the light from the cafe they’d sat themselves outside of. “But very well — I have been alright. Busy, but alright, and the cats are happy, and that’s really all that matters, isn’t it? You ought to pay them a visit and come to my home while you are still around here.”
A grin: “Now it’s your turn! Tell me, how have things been for you? And should I call a waiter from the taverna and buy you a drink to get you to open up faster?”
A beaming grin was quick to grow across Anica’s lips. Completely at ease, she leaned forward in her seat; resting her chin on the backs of her hands, elbows propped upon the outside table. “I hardly think I would stop you from buying drinks, ever. But know this - the next round is on me. I shan’t take your kindness for granted, today!” Anica gave Eleftheria a playful wink. “I am very much an open book for you, sweetling! Within tasteful reason, of course.”
In giggling, her eyes flicked downward for a minute. “As for life, life has been much the same - you know, very much.” Anica’s voice drifted off somewhat, in thought, fiddling with a loose lock of hair free from the wavy ponytail low on her head. “Yes, the same.” Her gaze re-focused opposite her, and softened with a more reassuring smile. “I enjoy the quiet, Ria, do not get me wrong! My brother, my children, my sweetheart, everyone is well. I cannot take that for granted, yes?”
With a roll of her shoulders, a gentle sigh, Anica let her head lean to one side. “Oh, I have missed your cats! And you, of course,” she breathed out a toothy smile. “Remind me to knit you little somethings for the winter. You and your roll-call of furry little ones - to make up for my absence!”