Page 30 of All You Need is Greece

‘I have not had enough ouzo for that,’ says Nicos and everyone laughs.

Later in the evening Tania allows the dogs to come and join us after their good behaviour in the rear garden, and as the food has mostly been cleared away. We stand chatting, as the dogs are sniffing around the hedges. The mountain backdrop is so pretty, an orange sun descending lower behind the mountains.

‘You’re so lucky to live here,’ says Hannah dreamily, glancing across the valley.

‘I know. There are times when I can hardly believe it myself. Life really can surprise you sometimes.’

‘It can. I would never have imagined myself coming here alone,’ confides Hannah. ‘I’m glad I did, though. I have met so many lovely people.’

‘Sometimes it’s good to take a chance in life,’ agrees Tania. ‘My life might have turned out quite differently had I not done exactly that. Right then, I think it’s time to get the dogs back in the stables.’ She glances around; Annie is running around with a ball in her mouth, but Smudge is nowhere to be seen.

‘Smudge!’ Tania calls his name, but he seems to have disappeared. ‘Smudge, where are you?’

Just then, Smudge comes galloping into the garden, his face covered in what looks like blood, with Nicos in hot pursuit.

‘Oh my goodness!’ Tania’s hand flies to her mouth. ‘What’s happened?’

‘Don’t worry.’ Nicos doesn’t appear to look too concerned. ‘I’m sorry, but I left the kitchen door open. I hope you never had any ideas about having any of that cheesecake.’

‘No! Oh my goodness, Smudge, you naughty boy. I hope Doll doesn’t see it.’

‘Maybe I will keep her wine glass topped up so she forgets all about it,’ says Nicos, who is trying hard not to laugh.

Tania grabs Smudge by the collar, and leads him to an outdoor tap to wash him before returning the dogs to the stables for the rest of the evening.

‘I hope Panos isn’t too disappointed,’ I say to Hannah as we stroll over to join the others. ‘He was really looking forward to some of that cheesecake.’ We both burst out laughing.

Everyone is relaxed and happy and as a lively tune is played, Yolanda stands and waves her hands in the air. Soon, she is joined by some of the other guests and they dance and laugh in the middle of the lawn, shoes off, twirling around and loving life. Helena and Panos’s mother sit watching the scene, smiling but not yet ready to dance. Nicos is standing with his arms wrapped around Tania, taking in the scene, and when he turns and drops a gentle kiss on her lips, I feel a pang of regret for Marco and me.

‘Come and have a dance,’ says Monica, the English owner of the holiday home, who’s been entertaining me with stories of her younger days.

I wipe my hands on some kitchen towel and join her on the lawn. I give myself up to the music, and soon enjoy the feeling of wild abandon, barefoot on the lawn, dancing with my new friends. Helena comes and joins us, as Panos and Hannah watch from the terrace, the twinkling lights above them. I notice Panos gesture to the outdoor dance floor, but Hannah shakes her head and he seems happy to stay with her, seemingly happy to be a spectator, taking in the other guests dancing the night away.

When a song with a Cuban beat plays, Michael takes Doll by the hand and leads her onto the lawn. They dance energetically, once more holding those watching in the palm of their hand. There is thunderous applause and whoops of delight when they finish the dance.

‘No more ballroom dancing, we aren’t on tour,’ says Doll at the end of it. ‘You are such a show-off.’ She takes a long sip of her wine, which Nicos keeps topping up, I notice.

‘But people love it,’ he protests, clearly revelling in the attention.

‘I know that, but we are meant to be resting the muscles after the tour,’ she reminds him. ‘I don’t mind doing the charity dance, it’s for the rescue after all, but we are not performing seals,’ she says, and Michael gives an awkward smile and shrugs.

‘What a wonderful evening,’ says Yolanda. ‘Now you know I have a sweet tooth. Maybe I will try some of that cheesecake before I leave,’ she says, and Tania quickly pulls her to one side and whispers in her ear. Everyone else seems to be getting ready to head home too.

After kissing Nicos and Tania on the cheek and thanking them for a wonderful night, Doll shrugs on her wrap for the short walk back to the rescue. Michael shakes Nicos by the hand, and lightly kisses Tania, then they say goodnight to us all and leave, Doll swaying slightly as she walks.

‘Phew. Thank goodness Doll never mentioned the cheesecake,’ says Tania as we help her clear up in the kitchen, the sorry mess that was once a lovingly made dessert consigned to the bin.

When the other guests have said their goodnights and filtered off to their homes, Tania thanks us for helping in the kitchen. Panos was most disappointed by the lack of cheesecake and Tania promises to make something sweet to pop into the bar in a day or two, which seems to please him. When we come out of the kitchen, Panos is waiting for us and offers to walk us home.

‘Tomorrow morning. Maybe we go for a walk and have a pancake at a place I know. They have the best. The bar only opens at twelve. And, of course, you too, Beth.’ He turns to me.

‘The morning is a busy time, I’m afraid,’ says Hannah.

‘Of course. Well, maybe later in the day, if you have a break, we could take a stroll together. That is, if you would like to?’

‘Will Helena not mind if you leave the bar?’ asks Hannah.

‘It is a little quiet now that the summer is coming to an end,’ he reassures her. ‘She will be okay for around one hour. My mother can come and be with her. I think maybe tonight is a breakout.’

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