Chapter 27 #2
‘They used to, according to my mum. Then it changed to “are you coming in for coffee?” After a night out usually, which was often a code for “would you like to have sex”.’
‘Oh my goodness, I am not trying to do that.’ Andreas looks aghast.
‘I know you are not.’ I burst out laughing. ‘Although there is no need to look so horrified at the thought.’
‘No, of course, I am not. Nothing would make me happier. Wait, no that is not what I mean,’ he says, shaking his head and tying himself up in knots, which makes me laugh even more.
‘And joking apart, of course, I would love to see your sculptures. If the figure in the shop is anything to go by, then I am sure they will be amazing,’ I say, still smiling.
‘Then I hope I will not disappoint you,’ he says as we drive.
Just outside Fira, we take a left turn and drive through a village, before approaching a long road, dotted with several villas. When we eventually arrive at a stunning white three-storey house, with floor-length glass windows, my mouth falls open.
He pulls the car into a huge gravel driveway that has room for several vehicles.
‘This is your family home?’ I ask. The house in front of me is truly stunning.
‘It is. Maybe now you can see why I have not left home yet.’ He smiles as, like a gentleman, he opens the car door for me to climb out.
A pristine lawn has a stone water feature at the centre, and two small lemon trees stand in pots on either side of the dark-grey front door.
Inside, the stylish rooms look like something straight out of a glossy magazine, with cool, clean lines and shades of taupe and dark blues on the walls. A table in the hallway is set with a large pot of white flowers, their sweet fragrance filling my nostrils as I walk past.
I think of the celebrity house programme with Abbey Clancy that I am certain this place could feature on.
As we head into the vast kitchen with cream glossy units, Andreas offers me a drink. We take our glasses of fresh orange juice upstairs, where he leads me to his bedroom. It has a balcony leading from it that gives a glorious view of the sea.
‘Oh wow,’ is all I can manage to mutter as I take in the view from his room. ‘I can only imagine waking up to that view every morning.’ I sigh.
He slides the patio door open and invites me to take a seat on one of the comfortable padded chairs outside.
‘I think I could sit and stare at this all day.’ I sigh as I sip my drink. ‘You really are so lucky to live in a house as beautiful as this.’
‘I believe I am,’ he says. ‘But money isn’t everything.’ He shrugs.
‘Would you mind if I take a photo?’ I ask him.
‘Sure, go ahead.’
I snap a photo from the balcony of the vista below, the white buildings tumbling down towards the water.
‘Don’t worry, I won’t take any inside as it is your family home,’ I reassure him. ‘But that view is too good not to capture,’ I explain.
‘For your social media?’ he asks.
‘I don’t know,’ I tell him truthfully. It almost feels too personal sharing the view from his home.
It occurs to me then that I barely took any photos of my day out today, as I was too busy enjoying myself. I truly was in the moment, savouring my surroundings and, of course, enjoying the engaging company.
‘Anyway, let me have a look at the things I came to see,’ I say, draining the last of my orange juice.
‘Of course.’ Andreas stands. ‘Come.’
At the far end of the bedroom, a long shelf displays several wooden figures, and a huge mirror above it has a beautiful driftwood frame.
‘Some examples of my work,’ he says proudly, showing me the objects on the shelf.
I study his work in admiration: a smooth trinket bowl, a tree and one or two more face sculptures.
‘May I hold it?’ I ask, pointing to the perfectly carved tree.
‘Of course,’ he says, taking it from the shelf and handing it to me.
‘It’s really beautiful,’ I tell him. ‘And it looks quite intricate. Did you hand make this?’ I ask as I turn it over in my hands.
‘I did. It takes many hours, but I enjoy it. I find it very relaxing,’ he says.
‘You did this too?’ I stroke the mirror frame, then automatically check my reflection, wishing I had reapplied some lipstick.
‘I did, with some driftwood from the beach we visited today, actually.’
‘You are very talented. Have you thought about selling your work online until you find some premises?’ I ask. ‘Although maybe you would need to put some more pieces together first.’
‘You mean like these?’ He opens a cupboard that is crammed with objects that range from small dishes to larger fruit bowls. A wooden jewellery box encrusted with sea glass catches my eye.
‘That is so pretty,’ I tell him. ‘All of your work is amazing. How do you make these?’ I ask, stroking one of the bowls that is pleasing to the touch.
‘On a lathe,’ he informs me. ‘My grandfather left it to me after he died. It is in a garage, which is currently my workshop. He enjoyed making things as a hobby when he was not out on his fishing boat.’
‘What a lovely skill to pass on. Although your hand carving of the faces and the tree is also seriously impressive.’
‘Thank you,’ he says. ‘I appreciate that.’
‘Do you mind me asking, will you be selling the tree?’
‘I will be, I suppose,’ he says.
‘Then may I buy it? I think it would make a lovely gift for my friend’s fortieth birthday.’
‘But, of course, and thank you.’ He smiles. ‘I am flattered that you would give it to someone for an important birthday.’
I ask him the price, but he tells me we can sort it out another time as he slips it into a box and I place it in my bag.
Glancing at my watch, I can see it is very late in the afternoon, so think I ought to be on my way. There appeared to be no one else at home when we arrived, but I imagine his parents will return home shortly, after being out on their yacht for the day. Their yacht!
‘I have had a wonderful time today, Andreas, but I ought to be heading back,’ I say, draping my bag across my shoulder. ‘Thanks for showing me your work, you really are very talented.’
‘It is nice to have an appreciative audience.’ He smiles as he leads me from the bedroom.
Walking along the landing, we hear giggling from the other side of a bedroom door.
‘Is someone home?’ I ask as we pass the room.
‘Probably my brother.’ Andreas rolls his eyes. ‘Maybe we will leave the introductions for another day though,’ he says, raising an eyebrow.
‘Maybe that’s for the best.’ I smile, feeling pleased that he would like to see me again.
It really has been the most unexpected day, and I enjoyed myself far more than I could have imagined. We reach the top of the stairs, when suddenly the bedroom door swings open, and my heart stops. Because there standing in the doorway, with a blonde woman in tow, is Christos.