Page 19 of The Greek Café

I am about to order a drink when he intercepts.

‘Please, allow me. What can I get you?’

We are at the quieter bar that is not part of the all-inclusive deal.

‘White wine please.’

He leans over to tap his card on the reader, and his closeness seems to be having such an effect on me, I am almost relieved when Summer joins us. Almost.

‘Can I get you a drink too?’ Takis asks Summer but she raises her half-full glass and politely declines.

The three of us chat for a while, until Summer, suppressing a yawn, decides to head off to her room.

‘Can I get you another?’ offers Takis.

I can already feel the effect of the large wine I have just consumed.

‘I would love to,’ I say. ‘But I have quite an early start in the morning.’

‘Perhaps we can have that drink when you are not working then?’ he suggests and I feel a little jolt of something inside. ‘Unless, of course, you don’t think it is a good idea?’

As it is the second time I have refused a drink from him, it is hardly surprising he thinks I am giving him the brush-off.

‘No, really it’s a great idea. I would like that,’ I say enthusiastically.

What was I thinking? I could have accepted a soft drink. Too late now, as he is on his feet having drained the last of his beer.

‘I will see you around then, after you have checked your rota.’ He winks, before walking off without a backward glance.

The following morning, I wake early once more and head down to the beach for an early morning swim before my shift.

Takis vanished after I declined a drink, which was slightly disappointing, until I remind myself that I am sworn off men, at least whilst I am here. For some reason, though, my mum’s comments about her Greek romance pop into my mind before I push them away.

The gloriously long beach stretches out ahead and, at seven o’clock, there is already bright-blue sky above with just a few wispy clouds. I sigh with pleasure as I remove my sarong and head into the waves. It’s cool and bracing, but I soon warm up as I push through the water. It’s freeing and wonderful and I savour every moment as I think of all those endorphins.

After my swim, I decide to hang around for an hour, spreading my towel onto the sand and, for a few minutes, I enjoy feeling the burn of the sun wash over my body despite the early hour. I am in the throes of a delicious daydream when I hear the slow thrum of a boat engine.

Pushing myself up onto one elbow, I spy Takis walking along. His slightly curly hair sits on his shoulders, and he is wearing fashionable sunglasses. He walks with the confidence of someone who is very comfortable in their own skin.

‘Kalimera.’ He smiles politely.

‘Kalimera.’ I lower my sunglasses, giving him my brightest smile.

‘I almost didn’t recognise you without the wig,’ he says in his strong Greek accent, which I could listen to all day. ‘How are you this morning?’

‘Good, thanks.’

‘What are we this evening then, Cher? Tina Turner?’ he teases.

‘Nothing but bar work thankfully. Another member of the team is more than keen to take my place,’ I tell him.

‘That’s a shame, I rather enjoyed your show last night.’

‘You did?’ I ask, surprised.

‘I did. I needed a laugh after a long and slightly stressful day.’ He grins.

‘Thanks. Although I wasn’t aware it was a comedy act.’