Page 23 of All You Need is Greece

‘It is. Panos says she is quite the character, apparently.’

As we approach the rescue, we pass the pink house belonging to Tania and Nicos, and the dogs with us go crazy, barking and straining at their leads. As we draw closer, I can see why. A handsome red Vizsla and an adorable black cockapoo are running the length of the fence in the rear garden, barking and going crazy too. The Vizsla, who must be the infamous Smudge, leaps so high I’m convinced he might just leap over the chicken-wire fence.

There is a chorus of barks back and forth between the two groups of dogs, before we move on and leave the two dogs to continue racing around the garden in excitement.

‘How sweet that they are all saying hello to their friends,’ says Lars as we walk on, explaining that Tania often brings the dogs out on walks with the rescue dogs, even though they have a large garden to play in.

Back at the rescue, Judith has filled a table with home-made breads, cooked meats, and cheeses along with a quiche and jugs of water and orange juice. She asks if we would like to take lunch in the kitchen, but we are all warm from the long walk, so after settling the dogs in their cages, we opt to dine outside.

It’s so beautiful I could happily sit here all day, watching the sunlight filter through the branches of the trees, warming my legs and relaxing. Even after a few days, I can feel myself settling in and thinking even less about Marco, but maybe that’s because I don’t have to walk past the restaurant every day. Living so close to each other, there is always something there to remind me of him. I’m not sure if I can fall out of love with him in a few short weeks, but maybe trying to put some distance between us is working. Especially as I find myself spending more time in the unexpected company of a certain handsome Greek.

We’re clearing away the plates when I feel my phone vibrate in the pocket of my shorts. As if reading my thoughts, it’s a text from Artemis asking if I would like to go for a drive with him tomorrow, to a restaurant high in the hills close to a monastery. I smile, tapping out a reply to tell him that would be very nice, and I will contact him later.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Judith watching me and wonder why she has a look of quiet concern on her face.

THIRTEEN

‘Kalispera, how are you today?’

Hannah is saying the words over and over to one of the dogs.

‘Careful, people might start getting concerned if you keep talking to yourself like that,’ I joke, as the little terrier cocks its head from side to side as if it really does understand what she is saying.

‘Oh, Beth, hi. Panos tells me I am getting the pronunciation right with some new phrases, but that I should practise a lot, otherwise I will forget them.’

‘Oh, I completely get that. I did one of those online Spanish courses once, and learned a ton of words and phrases. As soon as I stopped practising, I forget every single one.’ I laugh. ‘Although I did remember “Tengo el pasaporte en la maleta”, which means “My passport is in the suitcase”. Really useful when you are trying to order food in a restaurant,’ I say, and she laughs.

‘That’s exactly it. If you don’t put it into practice daily, you do forget. Which is why it’s so great to talk with Panos online each day. Already his English is improving. My Greek not so much.’

‘Give it time. Plus Panos already had a good grasp of English,’ I remind her. ‘You never had any knowledge of the Greek language, did you?’

‘No, of course you are right.’

Finishing the afternoon chores, I’m heading inside to the bathroom, when I bump into Judith coming out of her office.

‘Beth, do you mind if I have a quick word with you?’ she says, steering me towards the kitchen.

‘Of course. What’s on your mind?’ I ask cheerfully.

‘Well, I hope you don’t mind me saying, but I spoke to my friend Yolanda this morning. Artemis is her son.’

‘Oh yes, you mentioned that. She’s the lady who was here when we first arrived, I remember her,’ I say, recalling why she looked familiar, as she has a strong look of her son.

‘Yes, that’s right.’ She smiles. ‘Anyway, the thing is, during our chat she told me that Artemis has only been separated from his wife for a few weeks. I hope you don’t think I am prying, I was just wondering whether you were aware of that?’

‘He told me he was separated, if that’s what you mean,’ I tell her, although I am surprised by the news that it is so recently.

‘I’m glad he told you.’ She nods. ‘But the thing is, it’s not the first time he and his wife have broken up. They have what you might call a volatile relationship.’

‘Oh, right. Thanks for the heads-up but the truth is I am not long out of a relationship myself. The last thing I am looking for is romance. It’s just nice getting to know new people, and being shown the area a little bit by someone local.’

All the same, hearing about the history of their marriage does make me feel a little unsure of whether I ought to see him again. I certainly don’t want to be implicated in any divorce proceedings further down the line.

‘As long as you are aware.’ She smiles.

‘Sure, he did tell me he was recently separated, but I admit I didn’t realise that it was quite that recently. Thanks, Judith.’

‘No problem. And I hope you don’t think I’m gossiping, but my friend also tells me that he is a bit careless with money. He often borrows from her. I feel it’s only fair for you to be armed with the facts, but of course it is entirely your business what you do.’ She touches me gently on the arm.

---