Page 50 of All You Need is Greece

‘As you are not the one driving,’ says Doll, when Michael orders another glass of wine.

‘I haven’t drunk any alcohol this evening,’ says Hannah. ‘I will drive if you like,’ she surprises us all by offering.

‘Oh, it’s sweet of you to offer, Hannah, but I’m joking.’ Doll smiles. ‘I’m far too tired to drink any more alcohol, and I only had a tiny one earlier when Judith made a toast. I’ll have a bottle of water, though, that dancing is thirsty work.’

Just after ten, we stand to leave and the restaurant owner escorts us to the door, where he shakes us all warmly by the hand.

‘Efcharisto. Have a good journey home. And you are welcome to dance here anytime.’ He smiles at Doll and Michael. ‘Now I am certain you are good for my business.’

‘I’ve told you, you don’t need us for that,’ says Doll kindly. ‘Your food really is wonderful.’

‘I like to think we did add a little something extra, though,’ says Michael as he links arms with Doll and we all head to the car. ‘I bet they haven’t had a night like that in years,’ he says proudly.

‘Of course,’ says Doll, casting us a knowing glance.

TWENTY-SIX

‘What a wonderful night,’ Hannah says with a deep sigh.

‘It was, wasn’t it?’

Hannah and I are in our shared bedroom, speaking in low voices as Judith and Lars have already gone to bed. I can’t wait to see how much money was raised for the shelter. I imagine it’s been a real godsend having Doll and Michael here. I think of the amount of money the diners were happy to contribute after watching the dance show.

‘Imagine having a talent like that, that can take you around the world, not to mention winning championships.’ I sigh, thinking how glamorous their life must be compared to most people’s.

‘I know. I’m quite surprised they chose to stay somewhere like this, to be honest,’ says Hannah.

‘I know what you mean, but they are both dog lovers and I suppose this setting is a real antidote to crowded dance halls,’ I suggest. ‘They really seem to enjoy each other’s company too, aside from the dancing. I like how they still have fun together.’

‘I know. Still being friends after all those years together must be lovely,’ she says as she heads towards the bathroom to brush her teeth. When she returns, I do the same, then use the loo, wishing the old building had a quieter flush as I tiptoe back to my room.

As I settle down to sleep, I can’t believe I have just over a week left here, and Judith and Lars’s wedding is looming. I’m really looking forward to the hen party at the bar on Saturday too, in a few days’ time. I also think of how wrong I was to think that something untoward was taking place between Lars and Doll, although they were acting suspiciously, so I guess it was an easy assumption to make. I feel lucky to have met such lovely people here, and think of my own friends back home, especially Jess, and count my blessings before I drift off. I have a job I can return to, and a cosy place to live. Maybe not everything in my life is perfect, but no one’s is I suppose.

‘I don’t believe it.’

Judith tells us over breakfast the next morning that over one thousand euros has been collected for the charity.

‘Well, I can believe it, that restaurant was huge and it was packed out,’ I say and Michael agrees.

‘I simply must give you a cut of the money,’ Judith offers Doll and Michael. ‘I never imagined we would raise anything like this for the rescue, especially at this time of the year. Most of our fundraising is done in the summer months.’

Doll and Michael tell Judith that they wouldn’t hear of taking a fee, so she insists on taking them out for a special meal before they head home.

‘You have invited us to your wedding, remember, that’s more than enough,’ says Michael kindly. ‘The rescue relies on charity, and we are only too happy to have been able to give it a little cash injection.’

‘Well, it’s marvellous. We can’t thank you enough, can we, Lars?’

‘We really can’t. For everything.’ He catches Doll’s gaze and she smiles.

As we are just finishing breakfast, having already fed the animals, Tania calls over.

‘Morning, love. How are you?’ asks Judith.

‘I’m good, thanks. How was the fundraising?’

‘Oh, it was wonderful,’ says Judith. ‘It’s a shame you couldn’t come, it was a night to remember. And we raised so much, I still can’t quite believe it. It will give a real boost to the money for the animals.’

‘That is wonderful.’ She smiles.

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