Page 11 of All You Need is Greece

We chat for a bit longer, before Artemis pushes his untouched glass of wine towards me.

‘Please. I should not really have ordered another drink as I am driving. But maybe I will see you tomorrow. If you are free?’

‘I’m working at the rescue,’ I remind him.

‘But surely you have free time?’ He looks at me, seeming certain I will take him up on his offer.

‘I do in the early evening. But I’m not sure what my plans are tomorrow.’ I glance at Hannah, but she has taken one of the books from her bag, and is engrossed in reading. I hope she doesn’t feel excluded. ‘Anyway, it was nice to meet you, Artemis, but this is kind of a girls’ night out.’

‘Of course.’ Artemis glances at his watch. ‘I must be off anyway. Shall I pick you up tomorrow? At say, seven, at the animal rescue. I can show you somewhere a little livelier.’

‘I never agreed to that.’

‘I know you didn’t. But I am hoping that you will.’ He smiles as he grabs his keys from the table and stands to leave.

Maybe I ought to go out with him. I am here to try and get over Marco after all. What better way than a little holiday flirtation with a very handsome guy? Having a little fun surely can’t hurt, can it?

‘I’m not making any promises. It depends how busy we are tomorrow, and if I can be bothered doing anything in the evening,’ I say casually.

‘Okay. Well, at least you will think about it. Goodnight, ladies.’

‘Sorry about that.’ I turn to Hannah. ‘I hope you didn’t feel left out. I expected him to buy us a drink, then be on his way.’

‘Oh, it’s fine, it wasn’t for long. He’s a bit full of himself, isn’t he? But wow, he’s so good-looking.’

‘He is, isn’t he?’ I say as the roar of his car can be heard, followed by the sound of the horn beeping as he drives out of sight.

‘“Flashy” is the word my mum would use,’ says Hannah.

‘And I think she would be right.’ I giggle. ‘The complete opposite to Panos, I’d say.’ I nod to the figure who has just arrived at the bar, wearing blue jeans, Converse sneakers, and a black T-shirt.

‘Kalispera.’ Panos strides towards us and Hannah visibly brightens. ‘How are you?’ he asks.

‘I’m good thanks. And you?’ She tucks a strand of hair shyly behind her ear.

‘Very well. I am pleased you are here, actually. I hope maybe you help me?’ asks Panos, turning to Hannah.

‘Help you? In what way.’

‘Remember we talk of books. I need to improve my English. Could I maybe send you emails?’

Panos goes on to explain that a friend of his improved his English by sending emails to an English friend, and in turn they would pick up some Greek.

‘Kind of like a pen pal?’ says Hannah.

‘Pen pal?’ Panos looks puzzled.

‘Yes. Someone you write letters to, although in this case emails.’

‘I see. Yes, like that.’ He smiles.

‘Oh, and I brought you this. There are not many English books for sale around here, I noticed. Maybe you could read this.’

‘Thank you.’ He turns the book over and slowly reads the blurb.

‘No offence, but it is quite an easy read,’ says Hannah. ‘No super long words.’

‘Perfect. Lovely jubbly,’ he says and we both burst out laughing.

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