Page 71 of The Greek Café

‘I certainly will; have a good night, love.’

Ireta and Athena escort me back to the hotel even though it is still light. It is a beautiful evening and we stroll along an adjoining area of forest, wishing a good evening to the occasional dog walker, or couples taking an after-dinner stroll together. The forest feels like both a cooling sanctuary from the heat, and a pleasant place to take a walk in the evening.

‘Thank you, ladies,’ I tell Ireta and Athena at the hotel. ‘Can I buy you a drink?’

‘That would be nice, thank you,’ says Athena.

We take a seat at an outside table, and sip a Metaxa brandy as a nightcap, watching the sun go down.

It is almost dark by the time we finish our drinks.

‘Will you both be okay walking back?’ I ask.

‘Nai,’ says Ireta, raising her walking stick. ‘I have my protection.’

‘It is completely safe walking around here,’ laughs Athena. ‘Although I feel extra protected now.’

We finish our drinks and I say goodnight to my new friends before I head to bed. I try not to let the broken window worry me. I know that the crime rate is low here. I climb into bed with my book, and before I know it, I am out like a light.

THIRTY-SIX

Zeta is in the reception area showing off an impressive bouquet of flowers to a worker behind the desk; Takis is leaning casually on the counter beside her.

‘There she is! Good morning, Erin.’ She beams. ‘And thank you so much for the beautiful flowers.’

She kisses me on both cheeks when I approach her.

‘You are most welcome. I wanted to thank you for everything you have done,’ I tell her.

‘It was my pleasure.’ She touches my arm with her pink painted nails that match her lipstick.

‘How are you this morning?’ Takis asks me as Zeta heads off somewhere.

‘Not bad. And thanks for the florist recommendation; those flowers are beautiful.’

I glance at the gorgeous arrangement in shades of white and peach, with lots of delicate foliage.

‘And actually, I have been a little worried after a window was broken at the café last night,’ I tell him.

He frowns. ‘Has it been fixed?’

‘Yes, Jack came out and replaced the pane. Fingers crossed everything is still okay this morning,’ I say.

‘Shall we go and check?’ He glances at his watch. ‘I have an hour before my first customers.’

‘Sure, if you don’t mind. Thanks.’

‘Not a problem.’

We pull up near the village, and cut into the nearby forest path, the drive having literally taken two minutes.

Thankfully, the window is intact, and I breathe a sigh of relief.

‘I cannot imagine it was deliberate,’ he says as we walk to the rear of the café to check the doors.

‘That is what everyone else thinks,’ I tell him. Once more everything is secure.

‘I cannot believe the change from the way it was,’ says Takis as we return to the front of the café and he looks up at the sign. ‘It looks amazing.’