‘She is right. There is so much more to discover than beaches and tavernas. There is a monastery not far from there too, with a café that looks down across the mountains. You did mention you like the forest surroundings.’
‘I do, that sounds lovely.’
I’ve spotted a couple of planes flying overhead today, reminding me that the busy season is approaching, bringing hordes of holidaymakers here. The young labourers are needed in their parents’ restaurant this evening, no doubt to host the arrival of some tourists.
When Dimitri leaves, I shower then take an evening walk along the beach in Roda, letting the wind sweep through my hair and allowing myself the last feeling of relaxation that being here always guarantees me.
I slip my shoes off and walk barefoot, thinking of Dimitri and his comments in the garden. He has got used to me beingaround, but maybe that is foolish to do so. He knows that it is a holiday home after all, so my visits here will always be intermittent. I’m almost at the end of the beach, about to turn back, when I notice Dimitri walking towards me from the opposite direction, with Prudence, and I catch my breath. It’s quiet here, so he lets her off the lead and she comes dashing over to me.
‘Hey there. How are you?’ I stroke the top of her head, and she licks the back of my hand.
‘Kalispera, this is an unexpected pleasure.’
‘I thought you might be sick of the sight of me today.’
‘I could never be sick of the sight of you,’ he says sincerely.
We fall into step as he throws a ball towards the water for Prudence to chase after, and she leaps after it, as an incoming wave half engulfs her and she shakes herself briskly.
‘When is your aunt back?’ I ask, getting the subject away from me.
‘The day after tomorrow. It is a shame you will not be here to meet her. I am sure you would like her and her husband. I am certain she would like you too.’
‘Well, I look forward to meeting her next time I come over.’
We walk side by side and the chemistry between us almost has me reaching for his hand.
I try to distract myself by thinking about the neighbours a little, who seem interested in seeing the work on the house, and often come and watch the progress. There is always a cheerykalimerafrom everyone now, even those who complained about the noise originally. And, of course, I have already become good friends with Phoebe and Ria with the young children, who always stops and chats when she passes by, asking how things are going.
It’s almost nine o’ clock when Dimitri offers to buy us a drink.
‘Sure, but maybe just a milkshake for me though, as we will be going out in the morning.’
‘Good idea. They do the best ones there.’ He nods to a small café with a terrace outside.
‘What time shall I be ready tomorrow?’ I ask.
‘I thought we could leave around nine, maybe stop for some breakfast on the way somewhere.’
‘That sounds good.’
Prudence lies at Dimitri’s feet as we sip our delicious fresh fruit milkshakes, vanilla for Dimitri and strawberry for me. The waves are gently lapping at the beach as the sun begins its descent.
We chat about various things, and I can hardly wait to spend the day with him tomorrow. I think of our day in Corfu, and how we chatted about our shared interests.
Leaving me outside the apartment, he says goodnight, just as my bag slips from my shoulder. We both go to pick it up at the same time and our hands collide. He glances at me and moves in a little closer, before his lips gently brush mine. I whip the bag from him and turn towards the door.
‘See you tomorrow then, nine o’clock sharp,’ I mutter as I fumble with the key, my heart hammering in my chest.
Inside, I steady my breathing, as I wonder what on earth is going on here. Maybe I am going home at the right time tomorrow, because one thing is for sure, I think I need to put a little distance between us both. Even the slightest brushing of lips gave me a thousand jolts of electricity shooting through me. This cannot be happening. I think of Dimitri, his handsome looks, and hair blowing gently in the wind as we strolled along the beach, and find it almost unfathomable that he is single. But then, ten months is not a long time to be out of a two-year relationship I suppose. After all, I still feel bruised after being hurt by a cheat whose name I can barely bring myself toutter. Annoyingly, however much I am attracted to Dimitri, I just cannot see how it could work between us.
I’m in bed half watching a film, when I receive a text from Josh.
Safe journey home tomorrow. We will be at Mum’s for a few days, so catch up soon. Oh and I have a surprise for you. Xx
A surprise? I wonder what that’s all about. Could Zoe be pregnant again? I certainly got the impression that things were a little better between them now, as he sounded much more upbeat the last time we spoke. I suppose it could be anything really, but coming up to Mum and Dad’s implies something pretty significant. I’m super happy for them both, if they have worked things out, and there is no doubt a little brother or sister would be wonderful for George.
Whatever is in store, I guess I will find out soon enough.
