‘Evie, you are so pedantic about words yet you can’t quiz a guy properly about matters such as this? You’re missing themostimportant details.’
I hold up a finger. ‘There was one. He called me his girlfriend.’
Her eyes light up. ‘Ooh, juicy, so things are getting serious?’
I adjust my hat and lie flat on the beach towel. ‘I don’t know. How can they? He’s all set to stay here, and I’ll be moving on as soon as I’m sure Gran’s OK, or I accept a job offer.’ I wish I could confide in Roxy about the fake-dating scam. But I can’t bring myself to tell her in case she hates me for it.
‘Long distance? Surely he’s got to visit New York city for work from time to time and you’ll visit Gran here too.’
‘Yeah.’ I let the conversation die as we squint up at the sun. I can admit now I’ve developed strong feelings for Georgios, but part of me keeps thinking that this is all too good to be true.
It’s a different world here, almost like living in a holiday romcom itself, so I sense this feeling isn’t to be trusted. Is this the old version of me speaking? I’ve grown here, changed, peeled a few superficial layers away and what lies beneath is a shiner more confident person. That’s the magic of this island, but I don’t know if any of it is long-term. When I’m back home, will all those neuroses creep back in as I’m sucked back into the vortex of big-city living?
Will it all seem like a crazy dream that I’ll kick myself for believing in? Will Georgios have his hands full with his publishing company and slowly we’ll slide away from each other’s orbits? All we’ll have left are the memories of these balmy Santorini days …
Chapter 29
Gran’s behind the counter, tallying the afternoon takings, when I arrive back from the beach.
‘Hello, darling. Did you have a nice time with Roxy?’ She says over her bright pink spectacles. They’re shaped like love hearts and give her a youthful air. I love that she’s such a non-conformist, and outrageous with it.
‘It was just the ticket after yesterday. Good news, Roxy would love to work here part-time once I leave.’ I search Gran’s features for any evidence of tears, of heartbreak, but find nothing. In fact, she seems perkier than usual.
‘Ooh perfect. Roxy’s a gem. But I’ll be sad to see you go. Have you heard anything on that front?’
‘Val from Olympus Media offered me a job as a PA on location. I’m tempted to accept, as it gets me back in the industry where I might hear about a book scout job on the grapevine. But it’s an active role; I’ll be dealing with everyone’s messes. Is that the sort of thing I want to sign on for?’
‘It sounds hectic. I’m not sure youshouldsettle, Evie. It hasn’t been that long and you’ve got your heart set on being a book scout.’
There’s another option. Gene. ‘You’re right. Perhaps I can fill that role, but with someone who would love the position. I might have better luck if I head back to LA and “network” even if it kills me. But I hate the thought of leaving you alone.’
‘I won’t be alone. Kon will be back soon.’ Why is she sticking to this story? I understand she might be upset, but Gran’s not one to feel shame or worry about what others think of her. Mom will only be kept at bay so long before she collates her intel and presents it all to Gran with anI told you soas she drops the thick dossier in front of her.
‘Where was the second rig located?’
‘Mexico.’ She must know exactly where he is!
‘Mexico, huh?’
‘Uh-huh.’
This is the place Gran wants to stay. She’s adopted six dogs, and that’s a commitment she wouldn’t take lightly; we have to solve the problem of the missing money so she can keep her Santorini dreams alive. I toy with how to push for the truth when Gran says, ‘All good things come to those who wait. I don’t want you to worry about me.’ She gives me a wide smile that certainly appears genuine. If this is Gran assuring me she’s got a handle on it then I have no choice but to let it go for now and trust she’s got the situation under control.
I change the subject. ‘How did it go in here today?’ From the pile of euros it seems there’s been a busy spell.
‘Crazy good. I had my nap and then opened up after lunch. We’ve had more bookworms sign up for library memberships and we’ve completely sold out of Lucy Strike books.’
‘Wow. We’ll have to order more. And line up another guest author.’
‘Yes, darling, it’ll be such fun.’
I sit beside her. ‘Did you get the rent paid?’
‘Sure did, and Yannis and I came to an agreement to forget the past and move forward as friends.’
My mouth falls open. They’re friends just like that? ‘What a relief!’ My sweet Gran isn’t a grudge holder. You’ve got to admire that in a person. But it all seems so simple, almost too simple.
With Roxy agreeing to work part-time in Bibliotherapy, and Gran’s businesses back in the black there’s less need for me to stay. Hollywood calls, loud and clear.
