Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
G race stood on the doorstep of a grand house with the most amazing views out over the bay. To the left of the port and up the hill, it was in the middle of a terrace of similar beauties, painted in rusts, blues and creams. Nothing below but rocks and sea. It was a hard climb, and Grace took a moment to catch her breath before she reached for the impressive brass knocker in the shape of a fish.
She’d tried hard to banish the vision of Giannis coming out of Anna’s room. Combined with what she’d seen at the restaurant, she had no doubt that they were having an affair. She was always surprised when people blamed the woman in these circumstances. Anna was young and single, and maybe behaving unwisely, but it was Giannis who needed to shoulder the burden of responsibility. He was the one who was married with a family. He should know better. She’d been barely able to look at him since finding out, although luckily he’d been away for most of the week, and she hadn’t had to. He definitely hadn’t spotted her the other morning, that was one thing she was sure of.
The situation explained the pain that Grace saw in Elena’s eyes whenever she caught a glimpse of her coming out of her office or driving around town in her open-top Mercedes. Today Grace was having coffee with the woman to talk about teaching her children. A noise behind the door told her that someone was coming. It probably took hours to get to the front door, the house was so big.
The door creaked open to reveal a middle-aged woman in a smart black dress.
‘Mrs Foreman?’
‘Yes.’
‘Mrs Kokkinakis is waiting for you downstairs on the terrace. Can I show you the way?’
So, Elena didn’t even open her own front door. Grace found it hard to believe that language schools made this much money.
She looked about her in wonder as she followed the woman down two flights of stairs. The house was definitely magazine-worthy. The walls were plastered in a pale terracotta, with ornate mirrors and chandeliers every few feet, and soft wool runners in jewelled colours underfoot.
Most of the doors they passed were closed, but one was partly open, and Grace glimpsed an enormous marble fireplace with a spectacular gold mirror above, dark blue walls and deep green velvet sofas and chairs arranged in a semi-circle. What looked like antique furniture, gleaming occasional tables and a bureau were arranged against the wall either side of the fireplace. Presumably she’d hit on the living room, or sitting room as it would be called in more refined circles.
At last they came to the biggest kitchen Grace had ever seen, boasting pale blue wooden units with brass handles, and marble worktops veined in gold. She had to stop herself from stroking the stone as she went past. It must have taken an army to even get it down here, or maybe it came in by sea.
To one side was a dining table, in the same veined marble as the worktop, which could easily seat twelve, and chairs in the same shade as the units. Grace wondered if the children were ever allowed to eat there. It all looked pristine.
Beyond the kitchen was a partly covered terrace at sea level, a vast stone stage littered with more sofas and chairs in pastel linens, as well as small tables with umbrellas and metal chairs in the sun. And beyond that, just the blue of the sea, stretching as far as the horizon.
From the covered part of the terrace, Elena rose from one of the sofas to greet her.
‘Grace, welcome.’
‘It’s a pleasure to be here. What a truly stunning home you have.’
Elena indicated for her to sit down out of the sun.
‘Thank you. It has been in my family since it was built and passed down the generations.’
Ah, so Grace had her answer. Family money.
‘I was born here. And apart from my time at university in Athens, I have always lived here. When I married Giannis, we did a big renovation, but kept all the original features.’
Grace couldn’t help but compare it to Will’s much more modest house above the cove. She hadn’t got as far as looking inside, but it was a lot more manageable. In this house, you’d be frightened of breaking something. She had a couple of wealthy friends, and some with virtually no money, but she preferred being somewhere in the middle.
The housekeeper was still hovering behind her mistress, waiting for instructions.
‘Grace, would you like coffee?’
‘Yes, please. Is some sort of cappuccino possible?’
‘Yes, of course. We have everything you could want. Just an espresso for me, Anastasia.’
‘Yes, madam.’
Anastasia bustled off, and Grace couldn’t help but take another look at the view.
Elena got up and walked towards the edge of the terrace.
‘Come and see.’
Grace dutifully followed.
‘We have our own swimming platform here, with metal ladders leading down into the water, as well as a mooring for our boat. Giannis is out on the boat today, entertaining clients, which is why I thought it would be a good time to talk about the children.’
Grace nodded and inspected the mooring as instructed. With lessons over for the day, she could only hope that he wasn’t entertaining Anna as well.
Beneath the expert heavy makeup, Grace could still spot the dark circles under Elena’s eyes. This woman wasn’t sleeping. Plus, she’d lost weight since their in-person interview back in the spring in London. Grace remembered thinking it slightly strange at the time that Elena’s first reaction to her had been relief.
Grace had deliberately dressed down on that day in a severe navy suit and flat shoes, with her hair tied back and minimal makeup. It had been her first interview for a very long time, and she’d thought that dour traffic-warden vibes were the way to go.
But it was all starting to make sense. It looked like Giannis had form, and Elena knew she’d be safe with Grace. But she was loving the job, and her time in Greece, so why her rather than someone else still didn’t matter. She couldn’t believe that Elena had agreed to employ a bombshell like Anna though, if that was the way the wind was blowing, but maybe it hadn’t been her choice.
Anastasia returned with a tray of coffee and a plate piled high with mini pastries.
‘Shall I pour, madam?’
Elena waved a hand in the housekeeper’s direction.
‘No, we’re fine, thank you.’
Her boss’s hand shook as she passed the cup to Grace.
‘Please… help yourself.’ Elena indicated the pastries. ‘They’re all homemade.’
Not by you, I’ll bet, thought Grace, before choosing a bougatsa and what she hoped was a mini chocolate croissant.
She’d learnt that to refuse food from a Greek was tantamount to offending them. It was an expression of being welcome in their home, and even a simple coffee had to be accompanied by a little something.
Grace noticed that Elena didn’t eat anything herself. It was more important that you, the guest, ate. It wasn’t great for the waistline. She’d have to think about upping her exercise regime.
Coffee over, Elena buzzed some sort of intercom connected to the terrace.
‘Anastasia, could you bring the children in now, please.’
‘Of course, madam,’ was easily audible.
‘I wanted you to meet them before you started the lessons,’ said Elena. ‘They go to a private school in the town in term time, and they have a tutor here in the afternoons. Obviously, they couldn’t attend our own language school, as it would be awkward for everyone, pupils and teachers alike.’
Her boss was probably right. Grace and her husband had avoided working at any of the schools their girls attended, and her long stint as a deputy head had been at a school in the next town. Plus, you never wanted to bump into parents when you’d had a few down the local pub. Not that she could imagine that was a problem Elena would ever have.
‘But in August, although the school is shut, we’ll be staying put and enjoying the island this year, so I’d like the children to take lessons from you to keep improving their English– in the mornings, as discussed.’
‘Of course.’
The light came back into Elena’s eyes as three immaculately dressed, dark-haired children, two girls and a boy, filed into the room one by one, in height order, like something from The Sound of Music .
‘Say hello, children.’
‘Pleased to meet you, Mrs Foreman.’
‘And it’s lovely to meet you. Please tell me, in English, your names, your ages and what you most like doing.’
The tallest girl stepped forward.
‘I’m Athena. I’m ten years old. I love maths, painting and drawing.’
The boy was pushed forward by his big sister.
‘I’m Vasilis. I’m seven and I like fighting.’
‘Vasilis! What a thing to say.’ But there was still a smile on Elena’s face. Grace had heard a lot about Greek mothers and sons. They certainly seemed to get away with a bit more than their sisters.
A scared face peeped round her sister’s legs.
‘Go on, Katty, your turn.’ Elena took her youngest daughter by the hand and brought her over to Grace.
The little girl reminded Grace a lot of Flo when she was young. Obviously shy, she spoke in a near whisper.
‘I’m Katerina, I’m six, and I like… butterflies and flowers.’
‘Well, Katerina, I like butterflies and flowers too.’
Grace was rewarded with a smile.
‘I’m so excited about coming to spend time with you all. We’re going to have a lot of fun.’
Meeting the children made her even angrier with Giannis. It was none of her business really, not that that always stopped her. But how dare he risk their futures for a silly fling?
‘OK, children, say goodbye to Mrs Foreman.’
‘Bye, Mrs Foreman.’
‘Goodbye. I’ll see you soon.’
Elena stood up and Grace noticed Anastasia waiting in the gloom of the kitchen.
‘If you get into your swimming costumes, I’ll take you down to the beach.’
‘Yay!’
‘And Anastasia, could you please show Mrs Foreman out.’
Is that all the woman did all day, show people in and out of the house and make coffee?
‘I’ll see you back at the language school, Grace.’
‘Of course.’
Out of the house and back on the pavement, Grace took a couple of deep breaths. Having tons of money wasn’t all it was cracked up to be sometimes. It certainly wasn’t making Elena Kokkinakis happy.
She switched her phone back on and saw there’d been a message from Will.
Film tonight? New programme. Psychological thriller. Mixed reviews.
He certainly wasn’t a big texter.
Why not?
That a yes?
Yes, ok.
Don’t get too excited. I’ll get tickets and you buy the gyros. Meet me at Tony’s, directly opposite the cinema at 8?
Deal.
Grace debated whether to add a kiss as she usually did at the end of her messages but decided to leave it.
* * *
Grace arrived in the square with five minutes to go, but Will was already waiting. He pointed at a spare table under a tree.
‘Quick, grab it. Tables here are like gold dust. I’ll go and order at the bar.’
Grace raised a hand.
‘Hello usually works for me.’
‘Amusing.’
She did as she was told and sat down at the table just a couple of seconds before another couple, who tutted and carried on walking. It was then she realised that he hadn’t actually asked her what she wanted. She hated men who did that, ordered for a woman. And what was so special about this place anyway? There were tons of gyros bars on the island.
Will sat down with a glistening bottle of Mythos beer in each hand and put one in front of her with a glass.
‘I presume you like Mythos.’
‘And what if I don’t?’
Will smiled.
‘I’ll drink both of them.’
‘As it happens, I do.’ Grace poured herself a glass and took a long draught. ‘But you never asked me what I wanted.’
‘Sorry, no time. Anyway, you can’t come to Tony’s and not have the pork gyros with all the trimmings. It’s what they’re famous for.’
‘And what’s so special about this kebab?’
‘Wash your mouth out, young lady. Don’t let the Greeks hear you say kebab. That’s a Turkish word, or more accurately an Arabic word, and you know how the Greeks feel about the Turks.’
Grace had noticed some animosity from even the most level-headed Greeks towards the Turks. It seemed that every country needed another country to pick on.
‘The Greek word gyros comes from gyro, which means turn or revolution, a reference to the way the meat is cooked on a spit and sliced off.’
‘Yes, just like a kebab.’
She hadn’t come here for a linguistics lesson; she’d had enough of teaching for one day. Will could come across as a bit of a know-it-all at times.
He raised his glass to hers.
‘ Yamas! Settle in because there’ll be a bit of a wait.’
‘ Yamas! This had better be worth it.’
Will shot her a wink.
‘You’ll see.’
Grace sat back with her beer, but the situation with Giannis and Elena wouldn’t let her relax. She might as well do some research.
‘So, what are your employers like?’
Will put down his beer.
‘Where’s that come from?’
‘Just interested. And because I’ve got a problem with mine.’
‘Mine are great. A Greek–American family that I’ve been with for ten years, ever since I stopped being a personal bodyguard.’
Visions of Kevin Costner carrying Whitney Houston in his arms to safety raced through her mind. She’d have to find out a bit more about that later, but it wouldn’t help her with her current problem.
‘I’m now head of security at their villa, in charge of a small team. Of course, you’ve been there, or the gardens at any rate, haven’t you?’
Grace ignored the dig.
‘It sounds like a good place to work. No problems between them as a couple?’
‘Err, no. They get on well with each other and don’t mistreat their kids. What is this about?’
‘Can I ask your advice?’
‘Sure.’
‘If you knew something about one of them that would hurt the other one, but you felt it was something they ought to know, would you tell?’
Will raised both hands.
‘Things are never black and white, but if you want my opinion, leave well alone. No one will thank you for it. Don’t shoot the messenger and all that.’
She could have betted that’s what he’d say. It was what Phil would have said if he was alive. It was the male answer to most things. Don’t get involved.
‘And if they’re wealthy, I’d be even more careful. The rich play by their own rules. You don’t want to get caught in the crossfire.’
‘Oh, look, I think our food is coming.’
Two plates with parcels wrapped in brown paper and a separate bowl of fries arrived on the table. Will grabbed one of the chips and put it in his mouth.
‘Fantastic! The fries are hand-cooked, you know, using their own potatoes that they grow here on the island.’
Was she going to be allowed to have an opinion? Did they make their own paper by hand round the back to wrap the gyros in as well?
Grace bit through a layer of toasted pitta bread and took a mouthful of the soft pork, along with some tzatziki– yoghurt shot through with cucumber and herbs– as well as onion and fresh tomato. The combination exploded in her mouth. Will might be a know-it-all, but he certainly knew where to get a decent gyro. Grace added some chips to the next mouthful and the taste was even better.
‘I have to admit, this is sensational. That’s one-nil to you.’
He needn’t look quite so smug.
* * *
Settled with more beers and some popcorn in the outdoor cinema, Grace looked around her. It certainly was one step up from a typical British cinema, where you were crammed indoors together with giggling teenagers and elderly people unwrapping sweets.
The huge screen was set against a backdrop of old buildings several storeys high, with lights coming on and off in some of the windows. Black metal chairs were laid out in rows in a walled garden where climbing plants produced flashes of red and pink. On either side of the rows of chairs was a series of brick-built nooks meant for couples, with just enough room for two to squeeze in together.
She and Will had swerved those and opted for two chairs in a row halfway down. The air was warm, and the sound of people talking and laughing on the other side of the walls made it feel cosy. Twenty minutes in, she knew the film wasn’t for her. Although it featured a big Hollywood actor that she’d been quite keen on years ago, he hadn’t aged well, and the script was tortuous. The dialogue was so stilted it was hard to empathise with any of the characters.
Each time Hollywood Guy felt moody, he’d go down to the beach and play the flute, badly, for some reason. She presumed it replaced the need for actual acting. The first time he did it, she just found it bizarre, but the second and third times made her want to giggle. The fourth sight of him gazing out to sea while trying to hold a tune had her pinching her hand to stop herself from laughing.
She stole a glance at Will. It wasn’t completely dark; the exit signs gave enough light to see that his shoulders were shaking. That started her off too, and she had to cover a snort with a cough.
Will pointed with his thumb towards the exit and she nodded. Crouching low, they made their way out of the cinema and down the steps to the square, before they both let rip, letting the laughter pour out. Grace had tears running down her face as she held onto her knees.
‘God, that was truly terrible, wasn’t it?’
Will was still bent double.
‘Stop it. I can’t breathe. I haven’t laughed like that in years.’
‘It’s certainly one-all now after that. You won’t be allowed to choose another film, that’s for sure.’
Will saluted from his new position, before managing to stand up straight.
‘Agreed.’
He took another deep breath.
‘Quick drink?’
‘No more alcohol, thanks. I’ve got work in the morning.’
‘Me too, let’s make it a coffee in the port and then I can escort you home.’
‘There’s really no need. I can look after myself.’
‘I don’t doubt it. But I arranged the worst cinema outing ever, so it’s only fair I see you back.’
‘OK, you win.’
They set off towards the port, passing through the marble-lined streets at a lick. Grace matched him stride for stride despite their difference in height. Will seemed surprised. But she supposed she couldn’t blame him. The last time they’d walked down to the port together, she’d been over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. She didn’t want to be reminded of that night, so she upped her pace even more. Will was the one who stopped for a breather first.
‘Slow down a sec. Are you a hiker by any chance?’
‘I am. I walk everywhere at home in Oxfordshire, and I love to go for a good old yomp at the weekends.’
Will smiled. ‘Yomp’s a great word, isn’t it?’
Was he taking the mickey?
‘But seriously, hiking’s a great way to see the bones of a country.’
‘If I recall, you like to roam the island at weird times of the day and night, don’t you?’
He’d made a few references to that night, and her near disaster with Thanassis, so let’s see how he liked it.
‘I don’t start at dawn every day, honest. That’s only for special occasions. But I do like to get going early.’ Will paused a moment. ‘Do you fancy hiking up into the hills with me on Sunday? Usually I go alone, but it would be fun to do it with someone else.’
He made it sound like she could be anyone he happened to fall over in the street. But she’d wanted to see what was beyond the old town, right out on the tip of the island, for a while. She was well over halfway through her contract at the language school already and it would be a shame to leave without seeing every inch of the place that she currently called home.
‘Yes, I’m in.’
‘OK, we need to leave early, as we’re moving into the hottest part of summer. It’s too far to walk all the way, if we’re going to get to the best views. So I’ll pick you up at eight, and we’ll take it from there. I’ll bring a packed lunch, to make up for the film.’
Grace couldn’t recall there being a car parked anywhere near his house, but maybe he had a spot round the back.
‘You’re on.’
At least she’d stopped thinking about Giannis and Elena for a couple of hours.