Page 77 of The Greek Café

‘No.’ He shakes his head. ‘And I don’t think she does either. Not deep down. We haven’t been together for months. We knew it would upset a lot of people, us not marrying; our families have known each other for years. But it is our life, not theirs.’

I think of my mum’s Greek holiday romance, whilst the news that Takis is not in a relationship seems to fill me with warmth.

Our waiter returns then and opens the wine. He is quickly followed by Zeta, so for now, it seems the conversation is over.

‘Eduardo was asking me to sample a new dish the chef is trying out,’ she tells us as she sits down. ‘A pan-seared quail dish with a wine and cherry reduction. It was quite delicious.’ Takis pours her more wine. ‘So what have you two been chatting about?’

‘The food mainly,’ I tell her.

When the bill arrives, Takis attempts to pick up the tab, but I quickly intercept him.

‘Then at least let me pay for my own dinner,’ he says. ‘Remember, this is your treat for Zeta.’

We split the bill and we head to the entrance to await our taxi as Zeta chats inside for a minute to Eduardo.

The journey home is quieter, and I glance out at the night sky that is studded with stars. I go over the conversation with Takis about his ex-girlfriend and feel more confused than ever. Even if things are over between them, would it be wise to get involved with someone only a few months out of a serious relationship? He needs to spend some time alone and decide what he really wants. And for now, I think I ought to avoid Takis to give him the chance to do exactly that.

THIRTY-NINE

‘I am going to miss you,’ I tell Kai after our farewell drinks. ‘Oh, and I have a gift for you.’ I hand him a gift bag containing a wide-brimmed sun hat. ‘It’s a genuine Akubra bush hat. Thank goodness for Amazon.’

‘I love it! Thanks, Erin.’ He tries it on for size. ‘Perfect. Do you reckon I need some corks around the edge?’

‘Not unless you are planning on going into the outback.’

‘Nope, Bondi Beach will be as wild as it gets,’ he says before he wraps me in a hug. ‘You know it would be great if you could nip over to Oz sometime; we could go surfing together.’ He grins.

‘I might just do that,’ I tell him, even though it is hardly somewhere you can just nip over to. I feel surprised at how sad I feel about his departure. We quickly became good friends, which I suppose happens when you work and live so closely together.

‘And don’t forget to send me photos of the opening day at the café – I’m gutted I won’t be there,’ he says.

‘Of course I will.’

It’s mid-September and one or two other staff have quietly left to return to college or prepare for university, with some local workers taking on extra hours when a plane full of holidaymakers arrives.

Some of the workers who have joined us for a farewell drink wish Kai the best of luck before they drift off to enjoy the rest of their evening.

We are sitting outside, the night still warm. I can hardly believe that in a few days’ time the café will open its doors. I feel quite proud of myself as I sip a drink and enjoy my final evening with Kai.

‘You know, you should feel proud of yourself,’ says Kai, echoing my own thoughts. ‘You come over here after losing your job back home and end up buying a café. That takes some guts.’

‘Thanks, Kai. I guess it does, doesn’t it? But when something feels right, it feels right.’

‘That’s my philosophy and it has served me well so far. I like to just…’

‘Go with the flow.’ I smile. ‘I know. And I am beginning to see the appeal in that.’

‘Let’s drink to that,’ says Kai as he taps his beer glass against mine. ‘To going with the flow and seeing where it leads.’

We gaze at the stars in the comfortable silence only good friends can enjoy.

‘Safe flight tomorrow,’ I say as I lean into him. He curls his arm around my shoulder and squeezes it.

‘Thanks, Erin. Oh, and I forgot to say earlier: I will miss you too.’

I did most of my furniture shopping online, and I watch the two workers negotiating the stone steps leading to the living quarters of the café. Before I know it, my beautiful sofas have been installed and are sitting on the dark wooden floor. In a short time, my bed will be delivered along with white goods for the kitchen, the doors of which are now a soft blue Shaker-style wood.

One of the sofas is placed facing the lemon grove outside, creating the most perfect picture window I have ever seen. The once pine wooden ceiling and beams above have been painted white, giving an illusion of height and space.