The Greek Villa: A beautiful and utterly addictive summer holiday rom com

Epilogue

‘So how is it working out for you, having two homes?’ asks Thea.

We are standing in the bakery, me sampling a new cake creation of hers.

‘Wonderful. And so is this, by the way.’ I wipe crumbs from my mouth having devoured the cherry and almond cake. ‘You definitely need to make a load of these to sell.’

‘I will. You know, in a few weeks I will be overrun with customers before the season ends. August and September can be very busy. I could barely cope last summer, so if you fancy a part-time job…?’ she asks as she places some bread rolls into baskets.

‘Are you serious?’

‘Why not? You could give me some recipes for the UK holidaymakers.’ She smiles.

‘That’s true, although I’m sure they would rather eat your delicious Greek cakes, especially the baklava. Anyway, that’s me leaving,’ I say, glancing at my watch. ‘I told Dimitri I will join him on the two o’clock sail round the island.’

Bookings are picking up and the boats take tourists out every two hours on trips.

‘Have a great time. See you tonight for dinner at mine,’ she reminds me.

‘I’m looking forward to it.’

Sitting at the front of the boat, watching the glistening water, and listening to Dimitri as he gives little commentaries as we sail past places of interest, I feel once again like the luckiest girl in the world.

Around thirty passengers, mainly English, are enjoying a drink from the bar, turning their faces towards the sky and feeling the first warmth of the summer sun with smiles on their faces.

Sailing past tiny islands, and white churches, watching the sea changing from dark blue to shades of turquoise, I suddenly realise I could get used to living here. Mum and Dad have already been over for a visit, and are planning another trip in September. It isn’t too far from the UK, and hasn’t Thea just offered me a job at least in the summer months? Besides, I still have quite a lot of savings left from my inheritance.

I snuggle into Dimitri as he takes the wheel of the boat.

‘Are you okay?’ he asks.

‘Wonderful. I’m just dreading leaving again in a few days, that’s all.’ I sigh.

‘You do know, you don’t have to?’ He kisses the top of my head.

‘I’ve been thinking about that. A lot. Of course, I would have to go home and sort a few things out, but maybe I could live here.’

‘You could?’ Dimitri lets go of the wheel, for a second, before taking my face in his hands and kissing me. ‘You really could see that?’

‘I could. It’s getting more and more difficult for me to leave, and with Josh moving closer to my parents, I feel a little less guilty about settling somewhere else.’

As I say the words, I realise it had been a little bit of a stumbling block to my relocating, but my parents becoming more involved in George’s life lately has given them a new lease of life. I stare out across the sea with a feeling of contentment I haven’t felt in a long time. I belong here.

‘Any chance of another beer?’ An English guy’s voice brings me back to the present, and Dimitri calls to a young worker to fetch some. I’m so lucky to have two homes, both in places I love, but I guess home is where the heart is. And right now, it’s here in Greece, with a guy called Dimitri.

* * *

If you were swept away to the sun, sand and sea of the islands of Greece, you will absolutely love My Big Greek Summer,another stunning beach read from Sue Roberts.

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