Page 49 of The Greek Café

‘The floor came up good,’ Jack tells me, as I walk inside and Takis follows.

‘Wow, it certainly did,’ I say, impressed with how it looks. The tiles are sparkling, and I can picture diners seated at tables and chairs, enjoying a drink and a snack.

‘I have jet-washed the patio at the back too. And hosed down the canopy above,’ Jack tells me as we walk outside. ‘The garden still needs tackling though.’

‘I could help you with that,’ offers Takis. ‘Or anything inside, when I have the time.’

‘Really?’ I say in surprise.

‘Of course. It would be my pleasure.’

‘Right, I had best get on with this window,’ says Jack. ‘Good to meet you, Takis.’

‘Maybe I can help you with that,’ Takis tells Jack.

‘Well, I could do with some help lifting the window into place if you don’t mind. Leave the lads to crack on.’

‘No problem.’

Watching Takis lift the window with ease, and placing it in position, his strong arms bearing the weight, I never thought that window fitting could captivate me so much, Yet here I am, almost rooted to the spot as I watch him work.

‘A little to the right,’ Takis instructs, as Jack takes the other end and they slot the window into place.

There is something reassuring about watching Takis work, his movements capable and precise. Once more, I feel the heat in my cheeks, when Takis catches me watching him.

‘Is there anything I can do to help?’ I almost stutter.

‘Tell me if I have it in correctly.’ Is there a smile playing around his mouth? ‘I mean, does it look level?’ he adds.

‘Yes, it looks perfectly square.’ I nod, suddenly feeling in need of a lie-down.

‘Good.’ He winks as I suddenly finding myself thinking up other jobs. It’s a pity Jack and his team are so efficient.

Jack thanks him warmly for his help, before we walk around to the garden.

‘What do you think about having a pool table out there?’ I ask Takis, welcoming his opinion, whilst chiding myself for behaving like a lovesick teenager when I am around him. I am a grown woman who has purchased a property and left her old life behind, for goodness’ sake.

‘Out here?’ He frowns. ‘Surely this would be your own private space. You have the front area for customers?’

‘It’s true, I suppose. It’s just that some local boys were asking, and I would like a place for everyone in the community.’

‘Hmm maybe.’

‘You don’t sound too sure.’

‘I understand you wanting to include all ages in the community, but you do not want it to feel like the hangout for local teenagers. It may put customers off,’ he suggests.

‘I never thought about that. They did seem like nice boys though.’

‘Even so, maybe think about it,’ he advises. ‘I think that you could make a lovely garden for yourself. Everyone needs somewhere to retreat to.’

‘You’re probably right.’

Maybe it would not feel like a relaxing space with a large pool table, even if the café was closed. Perhaps there is something else I can think of to attract the young people inside. I don’t want to exclude them.

‘Right, well, I must be going,’ says Takis, glancing at his watch. ‘I am taking a group of tourists to the caves we visited. So much for my day off.’

A picture pops into my head of us of us laughing and splashing about in the water, before enjoying the delicious picnic. I had such a wonderful day and although a part of me didn’t want it to end, I didn’t want to appear too keen to spend more time with him.