Page 94 of The Greek Café

‘Of course,’ he says.

As we chat, he tells me all about his two-bedroom apartment in a village several miles away. I can hardly believe that I came here to fully get over my ex, and ended up falling for someone else. It was the last thing I expected.

We talk a little more about our respective days, the chemistry between us obvious. I feel more relaxed with every sip of wine, and when I take the dishes inside and place them in the sink, Takis appears behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

‘Leave those,’ he whispers in my ear.

‘But I don’t like to leave dishes,’ I mildly protest.

‘I will do them later,’ he promises.

He kisses me then, and as he takes me by the hand and leads me to the bedroom, dishes are the last thing on my mind.

FORTY-EIGHT

‘That went down well,’ I say, as I enjoy a drink with my friends.

We are sitting around enjoying cold beers. Kostas went down a storm with the audience, and the younger diners enjoyed the American-style pancakes served up by Phoebe.

‘Oh, and I have a surprise for you, Ireta.’ I push fifty euros into her hand. ‘You sold three pieces of pottery.’

‘I did?’ She looks completely shocked.

‘You did. I told you they were good.’

She cannot hide her delight. ‘Just wait until I tell Athena,’ she says.

‘Where is she this evening?’ I ask.

‘On a date with a lawyer friend,’ Ireta tells me. ‘I have met him and he seems like a good man. I hope they fall in love.’

‘What did Kostas think about singing at the hotel?’ I ask Zeta, who is sipping a Prosecco. She enjoyed the evening immensely and agreed that Kostas is a real talent.

‘He is excited,’ she says. ‘A little nervous, but I told him that with his talent he has no reason to be. It will be a little quieter at the hotel in the coming weeks, so I have invited him to perform one evening in two weeks’ time.’

‘How wonderful! Gosh, we may have just discovered a future superstar,’ I say excitedly.

‘I wonder if he would like to sing at our wedding,’ says Nicos out of the blue, as Phoebe wiggles the third finger of her left hand.

‘Oh, my goodness, congratulations.’ I stand and hug them both, before I admire the beautiful solitaire diamond ring. ‘When is the wedding?’

‘Hopefully before Christmas. Just a small affair at the local church with close friends,’ says Phoebe. ‘And, actually, we were wondering if you might host the wedding party here.’

‘Here?’ I ask, surprised. ‘But of course, it would be an absolute honour.’

‘Maybe Kostas should have sung “Love Is in the Air”,’ says Zeta, giving me and Takis a knowing look. ‘Given all the romance here this evening.’

‘Wait, are you two…?’ Phoebe’s mouth falls open. ‘Why didn’t you say anything?’

‘Because it’s early days,’ I say, blushing slightly.

‘I have always known,’ says Ireta matter-of-factly. ‘Since the very first time I saw you both together.’

‘Me too,’ agrees Zeta. She turns to Takis. ‘There was a time when I hoped that you would marry Anna,’ she says honestly. ‘But I realise now that you were not truly happy. I am pleased you have finally found real happiness. And I am happy that it is with someone as wonderful as Erin.’

‘Thank you, Zeta,’ I whisper, as I try to hold back tears that are threatening to spill over.

‘Do you have any more Prosecco in the fridge?’ asks Zeta. ‘Maybe it is time for a toast.’