Page 44 of All You Need is Greece

‘If you say so.’

‘I do. Well, enjoy your day. I just called to see how you were feeling.’

‘Thanks, I appreciate that. What are you up to today then?’

‘I have the job interview for the new post. I don’t mind telling you, I feel a little nervous.’

‘Ooh, is that today? You never said. Well, good luck, although I’m sure you won’t need it, especially if you were recommended for the post.’

‘Perhaps. Will you have time for a coffee later today? I can tell you how the interview went. I am taking my mother to see a friend in Stalis who is very ill afterward, but I’ll be near the rescue when I take her home.’

‘You’re a good son,’ I tell him.

‘Maybe I am just trying to be a better person all round. I am afraid I was rather selfish when I was younger.’

‘Well, as I have said before, maybe wisdom comes with a little maturity. No one has led a blameless life, and hindsight is a wonderful thing.’

‘Very true. I’ll message you soon.’

‘Oh, by the way, what did your mother think of you spending the night with me?’

‘She said nothing. If I am completely honest, I don’t think she minds who I see, as long as it is not my wife. She never did like her,’ he lets slip.

Artemis texts me later to arrange to meet me at a coffee shop at six thirty, so when the day’s work is done, I take a quick shower then get changed, before replying to a text from Jess, who asks me how Malia was. I suddenly remember Tania saying we might walk together today, but she hasn’t been in touch. Tomorrow, I will ask her out for a walk and a catch-up.

As I walk towards the coffee shop in the early evening sunshine where Artemis has arranged to meet me, I think about how our friendship has blossomed over the past few weeks. And how Artemis has been a welcome distraction from my own thoughts, namely Marco. I think back to the first day we met and how my perception of him has changed since then. Although I am realistic enough to know that I have only heard one side of his story, especially regarding his marriage.

Artemis is already there when I arrive, sitting outside at a metal table with two chairs, glancing at his phone.

‘Kalispera, how are you on this beautiful evening?’ he asks, putting his phone away.

‘I’m very well.’ I smile brightly. ‘You?’

‘I am okay. Would you like a drink?’ he offers.

‘A latte, please.’

He heads inside for the drinks, and a few minutes later, we are sitting bathing in the weaker, but still warm, evening sunshine.

‘I came here to say goodbye to you,’ he says as he sips his coffee. ‘Tomorrow morning, I am heading to Heraklion to begin a three-week training programme at the bank. I think you may have left by the time it is finished.’

‘So you got the job? Although I don’t think there was any doubt. Congratulations!’ I tap my coffee cup against his. ‘It does seem rather sudden. Did you know the training would start tomorrow?’

‘I did actually. Maybe I was having second thoughts. Or maybe I just hate goodbyes.’ He raises his coffee cup.

‘Oh, Artemis, it’s been so lovely hanging out with you these last few weeks, it really has,’ I tell him, reaching across the table and hugging him.

‘I think so too. Hanging out with you, I mean.’ He smiles.

‘And who knows what might have been, given different circumstances,’ I say.

‘Another time or place, or another lifetime as they say,’ he says philosophically.

‘Something like that. What did your mother think about you moving so far away?’ I ask.

‘She was very pleased for me. Maybe she is happy I am getting away from my ex,’ he says. ‘I am relieved she is seeing a lot more of Judith now too, they were such good friends. It hurts when friendships break down.’

‘Like between you and Nicos?’

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