‘Give me a minute here with Georgios, who is intent on stealing my newly married glow.’
‘Georgios is your …?’
‘My landlord Yannis’ grandson. He’s been sent in lieu of Yannis since we’re now forbidden to cross paths after the whole disturbing the peace debacle. Georgios is delivering a message from Yannis, who claims I’ve made his life a roller skate. Can you even believe that?’
‘No, what does that mean?’
She waves me away. ‘Oh, Greek people have the most amazing expressions. It’s akin to saying I’ve made his life hell. And apparently, I’ve “broken his nerves”, AKA irritated him. Anyway, take your things and follow the pebbled pathway. You’ll see a little Cycladic guest villa out the back. Settle in and I’ll be right along.’
‘OK.’ I give Georgios the side-eye, not sure I can trust him around my gran. Yeah sure, she’s not a shrinking violet, but you never know what a person’s blood pressure is doing and Gran isn’t exactly a spring chicken. ‘If you’re sure—’ I make a thumb at the guy ‘—he’s not going to start bothering you again.’
He lets out a long sigh as if I’m testing his patience. ‘I’m simply passing on a message from my grandfather,’ he says in perfect English. American-accented English. Interesting! ‘Honestly, I’d rather be anywhere but here, so if we can just sort out the issue, I’ll be on my way.’ He turns back to Gran and speaks in rapid-fire Greek, to which she shakes her head.
It’s sort of entrancing watching him slip between the two languages effortlessly. Why is Gran not using English? Perhaps she’s trying to fit in, be respectful learning the local language. There’s something about the guy that is so familiar and I can’t quite put my finger on it. Ah! Got it. Georgios is the epitome of tall, dark and handsome, with his symmetrical, sun-kissed features and athletic physique.
I’ve magicked up the perfect male lead for a romantic comedy. I must be missing my job. IknowI’m missing my job. And how can I not think of swoony heroes when I’ve got this specimen standing in a power pose with a stunning blue backdrop, the salty sea breeze tickling my skin. It’s the same sort of prickling sensation I get when I discover a book ripe for development. A sort of heady wooziness that screams:This is the one!
But that sort of thought process is strictly for fiction-land, and this is reality, so I give him one last glare for good measure, so he understands we will not be bullied. Instead of returning such a look, which is the way these things are supposed to go, he smiles, his eyes twinkling with mirth. Is he trying to wind me up? An intimidation tactic? Whatever his angle is, I must do my best to appear unruffled when I’m really rather ruffled by him.
‘Georgios. I’m going to unpack my things but just so you know, I happen to have exceptional hearing and first-hand experience at making thingsdisappear, if you get my drift.’ OK, I don’t but that does sound rather menacing and that’s the character arc I’m going for.
He gives me an infuriating grin that could be construed as a touch maniacal. Maybe he’s not romcom material after all. More likely to be the hot spy who double-crosses his hot spy girlfriend even though she really loves him, despite it being unwise to do so. She soon learns the hard way when her parachute doesn’t open …
Georgios has the audacity to salute me, whichisrather spy-like. I must keep my wits about me here in sunny Santorini.
I kiss Gran’s pillowy cheek and stride off, concentrating on pulling my shoulders back so I look like I have the strength to heft a dead weight without breaking a sweat. I must admit I feel a buzz at how well I faced up to such a confrontation. Posy would be proud.
I fetch my suitcase and find the guest villa. It’s gorgeous; dome-shaped with curved walls like it grew right out of the volcanic earth itself. It’s independent from the main house with a stunning view of the sea. I unpack my things and plan to take a quick shower to wash the long journey from my skin.
When I see my reflection in the bathroom mirror, I groan. My nose is blackened from kissing the volcanic earth. That’s why Georgios was grinning like a mad fool! Why would Gran not have mentioned it? Urgh. But what does it matter? It’s not as though I care about Georgios. Here’s hoping he won’t continue to darken our door after I made my intentions abundantly clear.
I’m desperate to seek out the bookshop, but with the intensity of packing up my apartment and then rushing to catch trains, planes, and automobiles, life fatigue has caught up with me. Each passing minute slows my synapses down as sleep beckons.
On the bedside table is a card with a Wi-Fi code. I plonk on the bed and punch the numbers into my phone. It only takes point four of a second to realise my mistake as my message alerts go haywire. The Fun Police want an update. I skim their many texts and flick to the latest one from Mom.
Did you arrive at Gran’s? I can’t get hold of you or your driver. If you’re safely ensconced, why the heck haven’t you called? If not, I’m sorry and I’ll do my best to find you if you’ve been taken! How is Gran? Talked any sense into her yet? Mom xoxo
Gran never did say what her confrontation with Georgios was about. Curiouser.
I’m alive and well, no thanks to the driver who thinks moving at the speed of light is too slow. Alas, I’m still kicking and so is Gran. Have seen her in the flesh and she’s as fabulous as ever. Just settling in now with major jet lag. Life lag. Gran is happy and healthy. Evie xoxo
There’s no point worrying Mom and the gang about Georgios’ visit until I have some more details. Once I’ve had Gran’s explanation, I can decide what to feed back to the family. They behave a little theatrically when it comes to Gran’s adventures. The woman subscribes to a lifestyle that is so outrageous and carefree that part of me wonders if they’re trying to clip her wings because she doesn’t fit into the same mould as them.
With a fortifying breath, I go outside to see Gran heading towards me, her face pinched. ‘What was all that about?’ I ask. ‘Why is that family picking on a defenceless little woman like you?’
‘Defenceless!’ At that she cackles like a witch, making her seem the very opposite of defenceless. ‘They’ve increased the rent after the renovations and I’m refusing to pay – that’s all, darling. I guess with me being fresh off the cruise ship, they think I’m an easy target.’
The no-good money grabbers! I’m outraged. ‘They’re trying to increase your rent afteryoupaid and did all the renovations? How is that fair after you’ve improved their property?’
She throws up her hands. ‘Don’t you worry, darling. I won’t let them extort me. They’ve picked the wrong coffin dodger. If they think they’re getting an extra euro out of me they’re sorely mistaken.’
I shake my head. ‘Where’s your paramour then?’
‘Konstantine.’ She sighs. ‘Well, it’s a long story. Let me get you an ouzo and we can chat.’
I climb under the covers while I wait for Gran to return. I give myself an imaginary pat on the back for surviving the chaos of the last twenty-fours,sanspanic attack, or pills – progress.
Chapter 4
