Page 58 of The Greek Café

‘So, you haven’t been asked to do the kids’ disco then now that Summer has gone?’ teases Kai.

‘Nope. It seems a new starter is more than up for that. She used to work at a play centre, loves kids apparently.’

‘I’ll miss Summer’s energy,’ says Kai as we walk past the outdoor area of the restaurant, where several diners are enjoying a cooling drink. ‘I don’t think I ever saw her in a bad mood.’

‘Me neither,’ I agree. ‘I guess she is just one of life’s happy people.’

‘Just as well really. Imagine being called Summer and being a right old misery guts,’ I say and Kai throws his head back and laughs.

‘I remember a girl called Chastity who certainly never lived up to her name,’ he recalls. ‘Best not to go there.’

‘I bet you did though.’ I raise an eyebrow and he nudges me playfully.

‘You make me laugh,’ he says. ‘Beauty, and a sense of humour. And you’re smart. You must be hiding something.’

‘It’s the webbed feet. It explains my aptitude for swimming.’

‘Not true. I’ve seen you in the pool.’ He shakes his head before he disappears.

I take my spot at the kids’ pool when I spot Takis walking towards me, and I feel the familiar stirring inside me. He is wearing khaki shorts and a white T-shirt, looking cool in more ways than one.

‘Kalimera, how are you this morning?’ he asks, as he removes his sunglasses and places them on his head.

‘Good, thanks. A little sad to see Summer leave, but she has landed her dream job, so good for her.’

‘It is always better to be doing a job that you love,’ he agrees.

‘Do you love your work?’ I ask. ‘Although who wouldn’t. I bet it doesn’t feel like work sailing the beautiful Aegean waters.’

‘There was a time when I did not want to go out on the boat,’ he tells me, just as a trio of children in armbands bound towards the pool area. ‘But maybe that is a story for another time.’

I feel a pang as I know what he is referring to, and wonder whether I ought to offer my condolences, but I don’t want to push him.

‘Of course.’ I say with a warm smile. ‘Well, have a good day.’

‘Actually before I go,’ says Takis. ‘I don’t have much on later today. Do you want a hand tidying the garden at the café?’

‘Really? Yes, that would be a massive help, thank you.’

‘No problem. I enjoy gardening. I could maybe head down later before I take a couple out on an evening sail.’

‘I am really grateful. Many hands make light work, and all of that. Although I would say it is more manual labour at the moment, as opposed to gardening.’

‘No problem,’ he says easily. ‘Happy to help.’

After my morning shift, I head to the café in the lemon grove, wondering whether Takis might still be there. I stop at the bakery en route to pick up some slices of baklava and bottles of iced cold water.

I almost drop the drinks on the floor when I spot Takis, topless, his shirt abandoned over a low stone wall, as he sweeps up some branches. I watch open-mouthed, taking in his impressive six pack as he stops and wipes his forehead with the back of his hand. I am almost rooted to the spot, watching his broad shoulders and tanned torso, before he pulls me out of my daydream.

‘Ah Erin, perfect timing,’ he says, walking towards me before taking one of the ice-cold drinks and glugging it down. ‘I take it they are for the workers.’

‘Yes, um, of course.’ I stumble over my words, hardly knowing where to look.

Jack has left, but the two labourers emerge from finishing up a few jobs inside and take the drinks gratefully. One of them says something in Greek to Takis as he pats his stomach.

‘He says no cake,’ laughs Takis. ‘His wife thinks he is getting fat.’

‘Oh dear. I hope it isn’t down to the morning pastries.’ I pull a face. ‘Maybe I had better stick to bringing melon.’