Chapter 4
FOUR
‘You should come over for a few days, have a bit of a break,’ I say to Mel, as she sits on the edge of my bed, watching me pack my suitcase.
It’s late afternoon and we are sharing a takeaway meze board that she has brought over from a local deli.
‘I might just do that,’ she says, as she pops a stuffed olive into her mouth.
We enjoy the Greek dips, cured meats, and warm pitta bread. ‘I thought this food might put you in the mood for Greece,’ she tells me as we sip some sparkling water.
‘Very thoughtful of you. And I must say, I am looking forward to eating this kind of food in the sunshine.’ I smile as I imagine dining at an outside table, the sun washing over my bare arms.
‘Now you are just making me jealous,’ she says as she glances out of the window at a dull, grey sky.
‘Ah, there is no need to be, it’s only for a few months, and as I say, you should come over if you can.’
‘Do you know, I might just pop over for a long weekend. I’m pretty sure everyone can manage without me for a few days.’
‘I am sure they can,’ I agree.
In fact, I am certain of it. Mel’s husband, Mitch, is very capable. If I do ever settle down with someone, I hope it will be with someone just like him. He is one in a million. They are so lucky to have found each other at such a young age.
‘I’ll miss you,’ says Mel an hour later before she heads off home. ‘Who will I complain to about my chaotic household?’
‘I’m going to Greece, not the moon. We can still chat and I will FaceTime you,’ I promise.
‘Okay. But maybe don’t show me a gorgeous beach in the background or I will be overcome with jealousy.’ She grins.
‘Don’t worry, I won’t.’
I briefly think of James then, and the moonlit walks we would take together along the sand as the sun began its descent. Maybe the beauty of Rhodes can fully heal the heart that was broken after I was last there.
I walk with her as far as the shops on the small high street, realising I need to buy some sunscreen. It costs a fortune abroad.
Mel suddenly stops at a bakery and gazes in the window at a huge sticky bun filled with cream. They are the last of the day’s bakes and have been discounted in price.
‘I could eat one of those before I get home,’ Mel says wickedly. ‘I have stopped buying treats at home in order to avoid temptation.’
‘Isn’t it rather defeating the object if you eat them when you go out?’ I tease. ‘Although it can be our little secret.’ I wink.
She heads inside and reappears with a bag containing four of the delectable-looking buns for herself and her family, as I had declined the offer of a cake.
I suddenly find myself thinking of Greek orange honey cake, and squares of sticky baklava from local bakeries and it makes my mouth water. I am really doing this and even though my stomach still churns slightly at the thought of travelling alone, my Greek adventure awaits.
I’m nervous to return, worried that how it ended with James will have spoiled the place for me, but I intend to try and fully embrace it.