Page 35 of The Greek Café

Kai sways slightly drunkenly along the sand on the walk home, singing the words to a well-known pop song from the nineties. A couple of beers with the meal, and two shots of ouzo (I gave him mine) along with the wine have left him more than a little merry.

‘Best get to bed,’ he says, kissing me on the cheek before heading to his room. ‘I’m in work at nine a.m. and I don’t want to get in Zeta’s bad books.’

‘Again.’ I chuckle.

‘She forgave me last time,’ he says, stifling a yawn. ‘It must be my irresistible charm.’

‘Get to bed.’ I laugh.

He fiddles with his key for a second, before letting himself into his accommodation, and raising his hand goodnight.

I climb the stairs to my room, a couple of doors down, and flop onto my bed. As I close my eyes, I think about staying here and owning my own little café. I have never done anything like this before, yet I don’t feel worried by the prospect, more exhilarated.

I often do things alone. I work better alone; I have come to realise that. A lot of my anxiety comes from other people telling me what they think I ought to do. My ex mainly, when I think about it. Well, there will be no more of that. I am slowly realising I can do most things on my own. Life is precious and should be lived in the way we desire. And I am determined to try and do exactly that.

TWENTY

‘Morning, guys, how are we?’

Summer comes bounding towards us at the breakfast table the next morning, hardly able to contain the excitement in her voice.

‘Have you come up on the lottery?’ asks Kai, who is enjoying a full English breakfast, clearly a hangover cure.

‘Better than that,’ she says, sliding into a seat next to me. Kai and I look questioningly at her.

‘I have been offered my dream job,’ she practically squeals. ‘On a Disney cruise!’

‘Oh wow, that sounds exciting.’ I smile. ‘What will the job entail?’

‘I will be a princess most of the time, walking around in fabulous dresses and having photos taken with the children. It won’t even feel like work,’ she enthuses. ‘And best of all. It’s a Caribbean cruise.’ She claps her hands together and gives another little squeal. I think of Mum and Douglas then, and their upcoming cruise.

‘Sounds amazing. Well done you,’ I tell her. ‘I can’t think of anyone who could do the job better; the kids will be lucky to have you.’

‘Thanks, Erin.’

‘Well, if you hear of any pool vacancies, let me know,’ Kai says, as he butters a slice of toast. ‘A cruise could be my next adventure.’

‘Oh, I will!’ Summer promises. ‘Although you could always look online. That’s where I noticed the vacancy myself.’

‘A Disney cruise though. The lifeguards wouldn’t have to dress up as Donald Duck or anything?’ asks Kai.

She laughs. ‘I shouldn’t think so. Donald Duck does sound appropriate for water though.’

‘So have you told Zeta yet?’ I ask as I make a start on my breakfast of Greek yoghurt, honey and fruit.

‘Erm no.’ She pulls a face.

Kai laughs. ‘Coward.’

‘Well, I won’t be dashing off straight away,’ she tells him. ‘The job doesn’t start until the end of August, so she will have at least a month’s notice.’

‘Even so, I’d say tell her sooner rather than later,’ Kai advises.

‘Maybe. But a month’s notice is standard, isn’t it?’

‘I suppose it depends if she recruits someone local or from abroad. Saying that, I hopped on a plane the day after my interview,’ I tell her.

‘That was pretty spontaneous,’ says Kai.