Page 29 of All You Need is Greece

‘I have already forgiven you. I realise, it could not possibly be true.’ He strokes his flat stomach and Hannah bursts out laughing.

They look so adorable together, yet their lives are a world apart. Hannah will be returning to university in a few weeks and Panos has his life here, running the family bar. I wonder if he is happy doing it. Does he feel a sense of duty and obligation after his father died? It’s strange to think that there are so many people out there in the world who could actually be perfect for us, yet we are destined never to meet them.

The BBQ is a wonderful affair; the solar lights in the garden have slowly come to life, illuminating the lawn and the white lights threaded across the porch look magical beneath the darkening sky. I am introduced to a charming couple, Monica and Joe, who own a holiday home and they tell us all about Tania’s talent for upcycling, and how she has transformed some of their furniture.

‘That’s a great skill,’ I say to Tania. ‘I remember having a go at revamping a wardrobe once, which was a complete disaster. I basically just painted it pink and the paint peeled off after two days.’ I laugh at the memory.

‘You need primer or at least a special type of paint. It takes a little practice, although anyone can do it,’ she says modestly. ‘I have watched a lot of videos on YouTube.’

Yolanda and her neighbours, an older couple who speak little English, sit with Lars and Judith, enjoying the food and conversation. Judith and Yolanda laugh a lot together, I can’t help noticing.

Chatting away, eating and drinking, I realise Artemis is not here and wonder whether he had even been invited, even though his mother is here.

‘Mm, this is just delicious. Who knew halloumi could taste so good on a BBQ?’ I savour the salty cheese, griddled to perfection. It perfectly complements the rich lamb, which has been marinated in garlic, rosemary and red wine. The tables set along the front porch are also groaning with Greek salads, chicken skewers, olives and breads. Music is gently playing, and Yolanda is tapping her feet along to the music. I think of the small communal garden at the flats back home and imagine trying to host a party like this. Maybe it’s something I could think about when I get home, getting to know the neighbours a little more.

When most of the food has been eaten, Tania asks if I would still like to meet Smudge and Annie.

‘I think maybe I will let them have a run around the rear garden. Some of the guests are elderly, I don’t want them startled. Or knocked over,’ she explains. I notice her glance at her aunt and Yolanda. It’s hard to remember that both of them have recently recovered from injuries. They are both just so full of life. I hope I’m doing half as well when I’m their age.

‘I would love to meet them too,’ says Hannah, who has joined us, whilst Panos heads over to offer his assistance to Nicos, who is cooking some sausages.

At the stables, which now act as huge kennels as well as a furniture workshop, Tania attaches a leash to the dogs and we walk with them to the rear garden. The dogs are so beautiful, their red and black coats contrasting perfectly alongside each other as they walk.

Off the lead, in the rear garden, Smudge can contain his excitement no longer and jumps up, giving us one of his infamous hugs and has me laughing loudly. Annie says hello, with licks on our hands, before racing around the garden, quickly followed by Smudge.

‘Oh my gosh, they are just adorable. I have heard so much about them, it’s been a joy meeting them. I’ll stay here with them for a while if you like, go and mingle with your guests,’ I offer and Hannah says she will stay too.

‘You don’t have to.’ Tania throws a ball and the dogs race after it.

‘I know, but I want to.’ I smile.

‘Me too,’ adds Hannah.

‘Okay, thanks. I will go and check the guests have everything they need. Do you mind shutting them back in the stables when you are ready?’

‘No problem,’ I tell her.

‘I thought about becoming a vet,’ says Hannah as she throws the ball once more.

‘And you changed your mind?’

‘Hmm, I did at the time, yes. The thought of people bringing their pets in terrified me. It felt like too much of a responsibility if something went wrong, or worse still, if I couldn’t make them better. A job in books is less risky.’ She laughs. ‘And I do absolutely love the thought of working in a library. Being surrounded by books wouldn’t feel like being in a place of work to me, it’s my idea of heaven.’

Just then, an elderly lady appears with a woman in her forties. As Nicos welcomes them warmly, Panos’s mouth visibly drops open. Hannah leaves me to shut the dogs in the stables and goes back to the gathering.

I recognise the older woman at once as Panos’s grandmother from the bar. I wonder if the woman who looks maybe in her late forties is her daughter?

‘Are you okay?’ I hear Hannah ask Panos as I join them.

‘Yes, Fine. It is my mother,’ he says, visibly shocked, almost rooted to the spot.

Before Panos has a chance to go and greet her, Yolanda is standing and crushing the younger woman in an embrace, raising her arms and saying something in Greek to the elderly grandmother, who is nodding and smiling.

Panos and Helena take their mother by the hand, and she sits with Yolanda, Judith and the group of friends. After a few minutes, Panos introduces us to his mother, who tucks her long dark hair behind her ears and nods politely, although says nothing. We leave them alone again, though, but watching the scene unfold with Panos and Helena with their mother is lovely. As they chat, she begins to smile as she sips some ouzo.

‘Maybe it is time for a little more music,’ says Nicos, playing some upbeat songs, and the guests begin to clap their hands.

‘Perhaps you could show us some traditional Greek dancing,’ suggests Michael, puffing on a cigar, Doll wafting away the smoke as it spirals towards her.

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