Page 9 of All You Need is Greece

‘Have you ever done a crowdfunding page?’ asks Hannah, removing her glasses and giving them a wipe with the edge of her T-shirt. Her eyes really are a striking shade of green.

‘We did think about it,’ says Judith. ‘But there are quite a few dog rescues in Crete, so I can’t imagine the response would be that great.’

‘Might be worth a try even so. And maybe you should try Star Beach as well as the harbour for the fundraising. A lot of British people use that beach and they are mad about dogs, aren’t they? Just look at us coming all this way to volunteer.’

‘You know, that might not be a bad idea. Good thinking, Hannah,’ says Judith and Hannah looks pleased with herself. ‘On Friday, we will do exactly that.’ Judith gives a wry smile. ‘Well, when I say we, I mean you guys. Lars and I will stay here and look after things. I can’t stand for as long as I used to.’

‘Great,’ I say, thinking a day at the beach might be a nice place to get a bit of a tan if I wear shorts and a sleeveless top. Even if it is a fundraising exercise, I am already looking forward to it.

‘Does anyone fancy the bar later?’ I ask when all the chores are done. I have a couple of pretty dresses in my suitcase and it might be nice to put on a little make-up, especially after mucking out the animals. Plus, a nice glass of wine might help me sleep, as despite being tired yesterday, I tossed and turned last night, thoughts of Marco annoyingly popping into my head. So much for coming here to forget about him.

I wish I could drop the idea of getting married, as Jess had suggested. Goodness knows why I’m so set on it. I wasn’t exactly shown the best example of marriage, what with Dad’s anger issues that led to Mum’s drinking and eventually their messy divorce. Maybe I aspire to have everything that they didn’t, welcoming children into a secure, loving marriage.

‘I will,’ says Hannah at once, surprising me with her keenness, whilst Doll and Michael decline, saying they will stay here with Judith and Lars.

‘It does close around nine, although sometimes it stays open a little later, if business is good,’ warns Judith. ‘It’s more of a daytime bar, serving customers with drinks after they have climbed the dozens of steps up to the church.’

As we get ready, I ask Hannah if she ever wears make-up, as I apply my own in front of the small dressing-table mirror. I never feel properly dressed without it, especially for an evening out.

I pull my long hair up into a bun and pull a few strands around my face, before changing into cropped white trousers and a tight-fitting green top and I am ready to go.

‘No. I wouldn’t have a clue where to start when it comes to make-up,’ she admits.

‘Well, you certainly don’t need it. You’re very pretty and you have lovely eyes,’ I tell her. ‘I bet they would stand out even more with a touch of mascara.’

I offer her my mascara wand and a pot of clear lip gloss.

‘Thanks, but I’m not sure,’ she says politely.

‘No worries.’ I smile. ‘But help yourself anytime, you don’t need to ask me.’

‘Thank you, Beth.’

I leave the make-up on the dressing table and go off to tidy away the things I have left in the bathroom. When I return, Hannah is dressed in light blue jeans and a floral blouse. Her long dark hair is let loose; the make-up on the dressing table remains untouched.

‘You look lovely,’ I tell her and she smiles, a little self-consciously. ‘Thanks. I wasn’t sure if the blouse was a bit loud, but I guess it does still feel like summer here.’

‘I’d say colourful, rather than loud, and it suits you perfectly. And goes well with those jeans.’

‘Thanks. Maybe it does look good.’ She looks at herself in the mirror, turning this way and that to double-check.

‘You are most welcome. And there is no maybe about it, you look great.’

Before we leave, Hannah grabs a canvas tote bag and pops a couple of books into it. I was amazed to discover that she had packed six books into her suitcase to bring here.

‘Don’t say you’re going to read in the bar?’ I tease her, laughing.

‘No,’ she says, looking sheepish. ‘I was going to give one of my books to Panos.’

‘That’s alright then. We don’t want to dent the bar’s profits by sitting reading instead of drinking,’ I say and she looks a little embarrassed.

‘Gosh, sorry, I’m just joking,’ I say quickly. ‘I’m just thinking of these people who read in cafés for hours, only buying one coffee.’

‘I do that. Although I do generally buy a cake or something else too.’ She laughs, but I wish I could stop putting my big foot in my mouth. ‘I also noticed a bookcase downstairs in the kitchen. I’ll pop a book or two there, once I’ve finished, for some of the other volunteers,’ she says thoughtfully.

Walking along to the bar, the heady scent of flowers, pine and wild rosemary fills the air. A bird flies overhead and settles on a tree branch high up, chirping in the early evening. It’s so peaceful and pretty, and the sky is gently changing colour from a light blue to a a soft shade of pink, signalling another fine day tomorrow. We are just turning a corner, about to make the ascent up the hill to the bar, when a car passes so quickly that we are practically flattened against the bushes at the side of the road. I wave my fist at the inconsiderate driver, who comes to an abrupt halt in the middle of the road.

‘Uh, oh,’ says Hannah a little nervously. ‘Do you think he saw you make that gesture? I hope this isn’t a case of road rage.’

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