Page 59 of The Greek Café

‘Hey, don’t include all of us in that,’ says Takis, helping himself to a slice of sticky baklava. ‘There are plenty of ways to work off those extra calories.’ He smiles cheekily.

‘Have you come across any wildlife?’ I ask him, keen to avert my eyes from his chest. I wish he would put his shirt back on. Really I do.

‘Nope, apart from the odd spider, but that is to be expected.’

‘Actually, I don’t mind spiders.’ I open the side gate that leads to the garden. I almost gasp at the transformation.

The once wild garden has been cut back, revealing an olive tree at its centre. A few broken fence panels have been replaced and a stone bird bath has been revealed, a sweet bird statue sitting on top. Covered in lichen, it looks authentically aged.

‘I didn’t clean it in case you like the rustic look,’ says Takis as if reading my thoughts. ‘Although it can be spruced up in no time if you like.’

‘I know what you mean about the rustic look, but maybe it will look even prettier cleaned up,’ I decide.

‘Whatever you desire,’ he says.

Why does everything he says seem suggestive?

I glance around the patio area that has been jet-washed, the canopy above sparkling, and I spot grape vines trailing down the sides.

‘Those grape vines were hidden away too,’ says Takis, pointing upwards. I am thrilled to see the vines already bursting with small white grapes.

‘Oh wow. Maybe I will start making my own wine.’

‘Nice idea. Although you do know it is only a few euros in the supermarket,’ he reminds me.

‘True enough. And maybe the café will get so busy, I won’t have the time.’ I wink.

‘Well, it does look very inviting from the outside.’

‘It does. The team have done a great job. And you too, Takis, thank you.’

‘It was my pleasure. There is a little more to do, but I am happy to help when I am free.’

We walk around to the front of the café and I glance upwards. The café is almost framed by the lemon trees, their branches blowing softly in a light breeze.

‘Just one more thing, I guess: do you happen to know a sign maker?’ The sun is beaming down and I can feel the warmth on my now golden-brown legs.

I am trying to think of the practicalities, in an attempt to remove the vision of Takis without his T-shirt from my mind.

‘I do. Not thinking of keeping the old one then? It probably just needs cleaning up.’

‘It’s a little small,’ I say, glancing at the rusty sign that is suspended on a chain. ‘I want it to look welcoming.’

‘Have you thought about what you might call the café?’ asks Takis as he follows my gaze upwards.

‘I think I might simply call it The Little Greek Café,’ I tell him. ‘Or maybe something in Greek. What do you think of Lemonia Kafenion? I looked it up; it literally means the Lemon Tree Café.’

‘I like that,’ says Takis as he pulls his T-shirt over his head. He stops and looks at the signage. ‘The Lemon Tree Café. In fact, I love it.’ He smiles. ‘I will arrange a meeting with a friend to discuss the design with you.’

‘Thank you.’

I suddenly think of Jack, and how he told me that it was the right decision him moving to Greece and how he has never looked back.

It gives me faith that I could be happy here too.

I can hardly believe that in another few weeks I will be actually open for business. Four weeks to be precise, in the middle of September. The Apollo Hotel will still be busy as many older families take their holidays, but less so those with children who will be back at school. Zeta was fine about me leaving the hotel then, as she has plenty of staff.

The day after tomorrow, she has offered to take me to the supplier she mentioned where she can get me a discount for the catering equipment that will include a shiny new coffee machine, a panini maker and some crockery. Ireta has given the name of reasonable food suppliers and has promised to help me select the things I will need ready for opening. She has even suggested some snacks and canapes for the grand open day, that she kindly says she will help me to prepare.