Page 62 of The Greek Café

‘Because it happened during a bad time in my life,’ he says eventually. ‘I did not feel I could go ahead with it. Maybe one day, I will tell you.’

‘Only if you want to,’ I tell him gently. ‘I will always be ready to listen.’

‘Thank you,’ Takis says quietly.

‘Well, bye, Takis, and thanks again.’

‘No problem.’ He smiles.

I swallow down a couple of painkillers and take myself outside. I grip hold of the balcony and gently stretch out my back as I would do before a long swim. Maybe I will get in bed, just for an hour and try and rest.

In my dream a band are marching along the high street in Rhodes, banging drums. It seems to be coming nearer, when suddenly I hear someone call my name. Another knocking sound makes me realise that someone is banging on my door.

I sit up and twist around carefully, placing my feet on the floor, before standing up to answer the door. Thankfully, the pain in my lower back has subsided a lot.

‘Thank goodness,’ says Kai, who is standing on the doorstep carrying two takeaway frappes.

‘You had me worried there,’ he says. ‘I thought you might have been lying on the floor, unable to move.’

‘I haven’t lost my voice,’ I tell him. ‘Although, in fact, I was asleep. I heard you banging on the door, but I thought it was part of my dream.’

‘Sorry for waking you,’ he says as he plonks himself down onto my bed. ‘So are you okay?’

‘A lot better. I won’t be diving into the swimming pool anytime soon, but I will be fine.’

We head out onto the balcony to enjoy our frappes, and Kai fills me in on his shift at the pool.

‘There’s a woman who has the hots for me.’

‘Naturally.’ I roll my eyes. ‘Is it one of the aqua ladies?’

‘Yes. And no, not one of the seventy-year-olds before you ask.’

‘I thought you had taken a vow of celibacy,’ I remind him.

‘Well, I have. Mainly. It’s nice to know I have still got it though,’ he says with a cheeky smile.

‘Still got it? Of course you have; you are not even thirty yet.’

‘Ah, so you fancy me then?’ he says. ‘I knew it.’

‘You’re incorrigible.’ I laugh. ‘Let’s just say I can see your charms, but accept it, you are not really my type.’

He places his hand over his heart. ‘You have killed me.’

‘You will get over it. Anyway, I’m going to change and shower. Will you tell Zeta I will be down shortly?’

‘No rush. She said to take the rest of the day off.’

‘And you are only just telling me this?’

‘Sorry.’ He pulls a face.

‘Shall I hang about in case you slip in the shower? Or I could rub your back if you like?’ he offers.

‘I’ll pass, thanks.’ I cannot help but smile.

I see him to the door and embrace him. It feels nice to be in a hug, and Kai is a very good hugger. It’s something I miss since I have been single. I miss Mel’s hugs back home too. She is someone else who gives long, comforting squeezes.