Chapter 34
THIRTY-FOUR
Andreas greets me at the airport with a lingering kiss that confirms how much I have missed him. He looks so handsome and smells so good, I could stand here in his embrace forever.
‘So are you excited?’ he asks as he loads my suitcase into his car.
‘I am. Nervous and excited,’ I tell him as we climb into the car and make our way to Oia. It’s late morning and I stifle a yawn after an early morning flight.
‘I imagine you will be busy later, so I was wondering if I might show you something now,’ Andreas says. ‘If you are not too tired that is.’ He smiles. ‘And breakfast is on me.’
‘Then how can I refuse?’
We make our way along a familiar road, and it feels so good to be back here, beneath a blue sky.
Presently, we pull up at the beach, with the beach shack and other shops we had visited previously.
As we stand outside the once abandoned building at the end of the row, a slow smile spreads across my face.
A sign above the door has the words ‘Nature’s Treasures’ written on it and Andreas takes a key from his pocket, and lets us inside.
‘Oh wow, it looks beautiful,’ I say, glancing around at the transformed space. The walls have been painted white, with driftwood shelves displaying his work.
A wooden island in the middle of the space has some bowls and trinket boxes displayed on a long silk turquoise drape.
‘Has your cousin helped with the displays?’ I ask.
‘How did you guess?’ He smiles.
In the far corner of the room stands the lathe where Andreas works his magic. The smell of wood feels so comforting.
‘Has business been good?’ I ask as I wander around admiring his work.
‘You know it really has,’ he tells me. ‘People are so happy to find a handmade gift. I have had one or two tourists commission gifts to collect before they leave,’ he tells me proudly. ‘But more importantly, I am doing what I love.’
As we stand by the window gazing out to sea, his hand reaches for mine and I recall the first time we stood in this very spot.
‘Shall we get that breakfast now?’ he asks. ‘And then I will take you to Oia.’
‘Sounds good.’
‘Oh actually, wait. Before we leave, I have a gift for you.’
He goes to a drawer and pulls something out before handing it to me. It’s the jewellery box I first saw at his house, embellished with pieces of colourful sea glass.
‘For me?’
‘Yes, of course. I recall you admiring it at the house. It was actually one of the first things I ever made,’ he tells me. ‘I was so mad with myself for forgetting to give it to you before you left, so I brought it here.’
‘Thank you, Andreas, it is truly beautiful,’ I say, kissing him gently on the lips. He takes me in his arms then, and kisses me with a passion that takes my breath away.
‘I’ve missed you,’ he whispers.
‘I’ve missed you too,’ I tell him. ‘More than I ever thought I would.’
‘Shall we get that breakfast then?’ He takes me by the hand as we walk outside. ‘Then I will take you to Oia. I have a few things to do today, but I will call you later,’ he says.
‘Let’s go,’ I say, feeling the excitement in the pit of my stomach as I head towards my future as a singer.
‘How do you feel about covering a song a male artist normally sings?’ asks Nicos as we run through some songs the afternoon before I make my debut.
‘I could do, do you have something in mind? It would have to be something I am familiar with though at this stage.’
‘I agree,’ Nico says with a smile. ‘Although I wasn’t thinking of for tomorrow, but something to consider in the future. It’s just a thought as you sang your audition song so beautifully,’ he says kindly.
‘I guess you’re right,’ I tell him. ‘And I think I have the right pitch for “Bridge over Troubled Water” sung by Art Garfunkel.’
‘Yes!’ Nico agrees emphatically. ‘A favourite of mine which I have played many times on the piano.’ He smiles. ‘I think we are going to get along just fine. Now, how about a drink?’
Sitting in the seated area outside as the sun beams down, I count my blessings once more.
I would never have thought about even looking for work here, without the support of Andreas.
I think of all the missed opportunities we have in life, because we are afraid to put ourselves forward.
But then, I guess, I would never have known that this place existed if it wasn’t for Andreas.
I quickly settled into the accommodation provided, chatting to the four other staff that include bar and restaurant staff, as well as another singer, who is truly talented according to the other people here.
The house has a small terrace off the garden, where the staff were enjoying a late breakfast when I arrived, and quickly welcomed me, inviting me to join them.
‘Thanks, Nicos,’ I say, finishing my drink. ‘I think I might go for a walk along the beach now, although perhaps I ought to be practising my songs?’
‘I would say you have rehearsed enough,’ he tells me reassuringly. ‘There is such a thing as overdoing it. It’s important to relax before a performance,’ he advises.
‘You’re probably right,’ I say before I depart.
It’s late afternoon when I walk along the beach, busy at this time of year with people swimming and children running along the rocky beach shouting and laughing. Families are enjoying picnics on blankets spread out, as others lie on sunbeds reading or soaking up the sun.
I have read online that there is a bookshop not far from here that I will look forward to exploring.
Apparently, they have a roof terrace and seating area for reading, and I think it might be a good way to enjoy some downtime.
The whole village looks so inviting, with its white buildings and familiar blue-domed churches dotted about.
Andreas sent me a good luck message earlier, and said he will call me when he finishes work at the shop.
We kept in touch regularly before I returned, via texts and video calls, and I am deeply happy that he came into my life. He is so funny and kind, I can hardly believe that Christos is his brother.
There has been no talk of Christos thankfully, other than Andreas telling me he is currently in Ibiza and that he is no longer allowed to use the family yacht.
It seems he had a party that ended up with someone being drunk and falling overboard.
Luckily, they were fine, but the police had been called and their father had been enraged.
I walk to the edge of the water, and gaze out into the far distance as I take a deep breath. Tonight I will make my debut at the club, and I am determined to enjoy every single minute.
‘Did you feel nervous before your first performance?’ I ask Saskia, a bubbly blonde singer when I have returned to the shared house.
‘I did,’ she says. ‘Which is silly really, as I’ve done loads of concerts back home, but Theo’s is a bit posh, isn’t it?’ She laughs. ‘At least that’s what I thought. But believe me, later in the evening, no one is posh after they have had a few cocktails.’ Which puts me at my ease.
‘Really, you will be fine,’ she says kindly. ‘You have the voice of an angel; I heard you practising in your room earlier,’ she lets slip.
‘Thank you. I was trying not to, as Nicos said it’s important to rest my voice, but I don’t know what to do with myself,’ I admit.
‘It’s only natural. But really, once you have done the first performance, you will be just fine.’ She winks.
I have chosen a simple knee-length red dress for this evening’s performance, and a single solitaire necklace, and before I know it, I am striding into the cocktail lounge where Nicos waits at the piano.
When he plays his note, I feel the familiar butterflies in my tummy before I begin my first song.
Thankfully, it is received with rapturous support and over the next hour, as the lounge begins to fill with people arriving after dinner, I relax into my set.
I even have a little chat with the audience in between songs.
When it’s time to take a break, I find myself in a side room, and almost shaking.
‘I would say you went down a storm,’ says Nicos kindly as he makes himself a coffee from a machine. ‘It seems you are a natural in front of a crowd.’
‘Thank you. I hope so. I really enjoyed it,’ I say, feeling exhilarated.
‘Want one?’ He offers me a coffee, but I decline and have some bottled water instead. I think a coffee would send my already adrenaline-filled body through the roof.
‘And you can relax now,’ he tells me. ‘At this time in the evening, people are in high spirits.’
‘You mean, they will have had so many drinks, it doesn’t matter what I sound like?’ I laugh.
‘Not quite. But perhaps the pressure is off a little in the last hour.’ He grins.
I am just returning from the bathroom, when my phone rings. It’s Andreas.
‘How is it going?’ he asks me.
‘Andreas, hi, really well, I think,’ I tell him. ‘At least the applause has been good, so I think so.’
‘That is wonderful, I knew you would be a hit,’ he tells me kindly.
I can hear chatter in the background and he tells me he is out with friends. I can’t deny a tiny stab of disappointment that he isn’t here this evening for my debut, but he said he was busy today and perhaps he already had plans that he couldn’t get out of.
‘I will see you very soon,’ he tells me. ‘Good luck with the rest of the evening.’
‘Thank you.’
Quickly glancing at my phone before I am due back on stage, I smile at some voice notes from my family, wishing me the best of luck. I dearly wish they could be here to watch me, but know that maybe isn’t possible right now, especially with Gran’s mobility problems.
Returning to the lounge for the last part of the evening, I notice some of the younger groups have drifted off, maybe in search of a nightclub, but the lounge is busier than ever with couples, and groups of slightly older people sitting around chatting.
As I grab my microphone ready to resume my set, I scan the room. There is no mistaking the bloke at the back of the room, with a phone in front of him, seemingly ready to record me, and a warm feeling washes over me. Andreas lifts his hand and waves.
The evening is coming to a close, when I turn to Nico and ask him if we can change the last song of the evening.
‘Sure.’ He smiles. ‘Especially as it is one of my favourites.’
When I begin to sing ‘The Long and Winding Road’, I slowly walk towards Andreas, who is now clutching a bunch of gorgeous red and white flowers and the audience burst into applause.
I can feel a lump in my throat as I sing, but somehow I manage to keep my composure.
‘You are amazing,’ says Andreas as he hands me the flowers, and I could die of happiness as I take in the whoops and cheers all around. I did it. My first paid performance in as long as I can remember and it felt so good.
‘I will second that,’ says Dad, walking towards me, and this time I really do burst into tears. Especially when I see Gran’s wheelchair being pushed by Lewis, and Mum walking beside them.
‘But how? I don’t understand.’ I choke back more tears as I embrace my family. ‘Are you really here?’ I say, literally pinching myself.
‘I told you I was busy today,’ explains Andreas. ‘Collecting your family from the airport.’ He smiles and I feel a rush of love for this amazing man.
‘It wasn’t so bad you know,’ Gran tells me. ‘No waiting around at the airport, straight through I was with this.’ She taps the arm of her wheelchair. ‘I might even see a bit more of the world before I meet my maker, if I don’t have to wait in queues.’ She laughs.
‘Maybe next time get an electric wheelchair,’ jokes Lewis. ‘Good job I have big guns to be able to push you around,’ he says, flexing an arm muscle, and she shakes her head, but with a smile on her face.
‘So where are you staying?’ I ask in a daze, still hardly able to believe my family are here.
‘In a villa, not far from here,’ says Dad. ‘It was a last-minute bargain, and Andreas kindly paid for our flights,’ he reveals.
‘You did?’ I stare at Andreas open-mouthed.
‘It was my pleasure,’ he says. ‘And as it is your evening off tomorrow, I have arranged for you all to have dinner at my family home.’
‘Seriously?’ I can hardly take it in. ‘Your parents are okay with that?’
‘Of course, they love entertaining. If you would like to accept, they would be honoured,’ he says, placing his hand on his heart.
My family eagerly accept the kind invitation, and I can’t help wondering what Gran will make of his family home. Will she think it needs more colour?
‘I would love you to meet my parents,’ whispers Andreas as we head outside. ‘My mother says that given the amount of time I spend talking about you, she thinks she knows you already,’ he says as he threads my hand through his, giving me a warm fuzzy feeling.
‘Everyone back to the villa for a nightcap then?’ asks Lewis. ‘I’ve bought a bottle of Metaxa brandy at the airport.’
‘Ooh now you’re talking,’ says Gran with a wink.
‘Lead the way.’ Andreas smiles and right now I think that all of my dreams may have just come true.
* * *
If you loved reading Mia’s story, you will absolutely love My Big Greek Summer , another addictive beach read from Sue Roberts.
Get it here or keep reading for an exclusive extract…