Chapter 48
FORTY-EIGHT
‘That went down well,’ I say, as I enjoy a drink with my friends.
We are sitting around enjoying cold beers. Kostas went down a storm with the audience, and the younger diners enjoyed the American-style pancakes served up by Phoebe.
‘Oh, and I have a surprise for you, Ireta.’ I push fifty euros into her hand. ‘You sold three pieces of pottery.’
‘I did?’ She looks completely shocked.
‘You did. I told you they were good.’
She cannot hide her delight. ‘Just wait until I tell Athena,’ she says.
‘Where is she this evening?’ I ask.
‘On a date with a lawyer friend,’ Ireta tells me. ‘I have met him and he seems like a good man. I hope they fall in love.’
‘What did Kostas think about singing at the hotel?’ I ask Zeta, who is sipping a Prosecco. She enjoyed the evening immensely and agreed that Kostas is a real talent.
‘He is excited,’ she says. ‘A little nervous, but I told him that with his talent he has no reason to be. It will be a little quieter at the hotel in the coming weeks, so I have invited him to perform one evening in two weeks’ time.’
‘How wonderful! Gosh, we may have just discovered a future superstar,’ I say excitedly.
‘I wonder if he would like to sing at our wedding,’ says Nicos out of the blue, as Phoebe wiggles the third finger of her left hand.
‘Oh, my goodness, congratulations.’ I stand and hug them both, before I admire the beautiful solitaire diamond ring. ‘When is the wedding?’
‘Hopefully before Christmas. Just a small affair at the local church with close friends,’ says Phoebe. ‘And, actually, we were wondering if you might host the wedding party here.’
‘Here?’ I ask, surprised. ‘But of course, it would be an absolute honour.’
‘Maybe Kostas should have sung “Love Is in the Air”,’ says Zeta, giving me and Takis a knowing look. ‘Given all the romance here this evening.’
‘Wait, are you two…?’ Phoebe’s mouth falls open. ‘Why didn’t you say anything?’
‘Because it’s early days,’ I say, blushing slightly.
‘I have always known,’ says Ireta matter-of-factly. ‘Since the very first time I saw you both together.’
‘Me too,’ agrees Zeta. She turns to Takis. ‘There was a time when I hoped that you would marry Anna,’ she says honestly. ‘But I realise now that you were not truly happy. I am pleased you have finally found real happiness. And I am happy that it is with someone as wonderful as Erin.’
‘Thank you, Zeta,’ I whisper, as I try to hold back tears that are threatening to spill over.
‘Do you have any more Prosecco in the fridge?’ asks Zeta. ‘Maybe it is time for a toast.’
‘I do actually.’
As we raise our glasses to Phoebe and Nicos, and to romance, I feel that love really is in the air this evening. And not just in a romantic sense. I have come to love everyone seated around this table.
Phoebe and Nicos walk home with Ireta to the village, and after walking Zeta back to the hotel, Takis and I stroll hand in hand through the lemon grove.
‘It really is beautiful here, isn’t it?’ I say, peering up at the white stars in an indigo sky.
‘Almost as beautiful as you,’ says Takis.
‘That is a bit cheesy.’ I laugh.
‘Still true,’ he insists.
‘Are you happy?’ he asks as we stop to admire the stars.
‘I am. And very content. When I came here to work, I never thought I would end up buying a café.’
‘I am so glad it was you and not me! But I hope that isn’t the only thing that has made you happy.’
‘There may just be another reason,’ I say as he moves closer. ‘I really do like moussaka.’
As we stand there, sharing kisses beneath the moonlight, I feel like I have come home.
‘So, do you think we have a future together?’ he asks as we enjoy the quiet. All is silent, except for the sound of the cicadas that I have grown to love.
‘I would like to think so,’ I say. ‘In fact, I would love that. But as a friend once said to me, for now, let’s just go with the flow.’
‘That is good enough for me. At least for the time being,’ says Takis, before his lips meet mine once more.