Page 34 of The Greek Café

‘What’s wrong with rabbit stew?’ asks Kai.

‘It feels to me like eating a cat or dog. Or horse.’

‘So, fish, chicken and cow are different.’

‘Yes. Maybe it’s because I had a pet rabbit as a child.’

‘I get that. I was going to opt for the red snapper anyway.’

‘Sounds good, I’ll have the same.’ I close my menu; when the waiter returns, we place our food order.

The fish is utterly delicious, accompanied by some pan-fried potatoes, with just a hint of lemon and garlic. We share the Greek salad that has been placed in the middle of the table. There is some bread in a basket, that I decline when Kai passes it to me.

‘I don’t want to fill up on bread when the food is so delicious. It also means I might have room for a dessert.’

‘Good thinking.’ He smiles.

Sitting beneath the stars chatting, the food and the wine slipping down nicely, I soon feel incredibly relaxed. Glancing out to sea, I imagine myself living here, and it feels good.

‘You know this restaurant isn’t open all year round,’ says Kai as if reading my thoughts. ‘In fact, hardly any of them are, only the odd taverna for locals.’

He pours me another glass of wine.

‘I know. Shops are still open though. I’m sure I would manage.’

‘I’m sure you would. You know, I admire you,’ he says as he twirls the stem of his wine glass and looks at me.

‘You do?’

‘Your focus, I mean. Swimming is your thing. And your passion for teaching kids to swim. It must be nice to have a real enthusiasm for something.’

‘So, you don’t really have a passion for anything in particular?’ I ask, as I fork the last of the delicious fish into my mouth.

‘Not really.’ He shrugs. ‘I like to do a bit of everything, although I am pretty good at cooking.’

‘Maybe you ought to channel that a bit?’ I suggest. ‘You could start with social media videos. I have seen a few amateur chefs going viral with a great dish.’

‘Me too.’ He nods. ‘Something to think about. For now I am happy to take off whenever I like and do seasonal work. Social media takes commitment. I prefer to have no ties, if you know what I mean.’

‘A girl in every port?’ I raise an eyebrow.

‘Hardly.’ He laughs. ‘And I know that one day I will have to settle down, but for now, I am enjoying my life. And they do say variety is the spice of life.’

Passing the bar area as I nip to the ladies, I spot a Greek man, wearing sunglasses and dressed casually, chatting to the bartender. As I pass, he lowers his glasses and wishes me a kalispera. It’s Takis.

‘Oh hi. How are you?’ I find myself smoothing down my hair and wondering if my lipstick has all rubbed off. What am I thinking? I barely know Takis, but I would certainly welcome the chance to get to know him more. I suddenly wish I was here with a girlfriend, rather than Kai.

‘I’m good. About to enjoy the best fish on the island. At least I think so,’ he says. ‘Anyway, I hope you enjoy your evening with your date.’ He glances towards Kai. ‘See you around.’ He takes a seat at a nearby table. Alone.

‘Thanks, you too,’ I tell him. ‘But it isn’t really a date.’ I shake my head and wonder why I said that. ‘I mean, not in the romantic sense. We are just colleagues.’

‘Good.’ He nods as he picks up a menu.

What does he mean by ‘good’?

Returning to my table, I order a square of honey cake for dessert, which arrives with a complimentary shot of ouzo. I try not to overthink explaining my date with Kai, but then I did accept an offer of a drink with Takis when I am free.

As Kai and I split the bill, I feel a mix of emotions. And when Takis nods goodnight before raising his glass of red wine to his lips, I can’t help wishing I was on a date with him. And most definitely in the romantic sense.