Page 50 of The Greek Villa

‘No, really. I mean, not all the time, but if I need to, I can sew. I can even crochet.’ He grins.

‘You can?’

‘Yes. I once made a girlfriend a scarf,’ he says proudly.

‘Wow, you really are full of surprises.’ I shake my head, thinking how wonderful it feels getting to know him a little more.

Just then our food arrives, mine a tasty-looking sea bass with oven-baked potatoes, with a delicious Greek salad. Dimitri has opted for a moussaka, the topping of which looks fluffy and delicious.

The sun is beating down on my bare arms and I feel a warmth washing over me as I sit here close to the water with my new friend, enjoying the delicious food. Does he really enjoy all the same things as I do? But then, why would he say it if he didn’t? Maybe I just don’t trust easily after my experience with my ex. As soon as we met he claimed to love everything I said I did, probably as a quick way to worm his way into my affections. I realised he hated walking on our third date when he began to complain two miles into a six-mile circular walk, asking how far away the pub was.

‘Really? So do you have a favourite film?’ I ask him. ‘Although, I know it would be impossible to choose just one, at least it would for me.’

I take a bite of my delicious fish then, and a forkful of tasty crunchy Greek salad topped with a generous slab of feta.

‘I agree, almost impossible to name one, but if I was pushed then I would sayThe Bourne Ultimatum. In fact, all of the Bourne films.’

‘Good choice. So you like action movies, maybe thrillers?’

‘In general, although I have been known to watch a romance in my time,’ he confesses, and I can’t help wondering who with. ‘Marley and Megets me every time.’ He thumps his heart with his hand. ‘I love dogs.’

‘Me too, although I don’t have one because it wouldn’t be practical in an upper-floor flat or fair on the dog when I am at the office.’

‘Me neither. And for similar reasons. That is why I am happy to always look after my aunt’s dog.’

‘I’m not surprised. Prudence is adorable.’

‘So you have told me a little about your life back home, but I notice you have not mentioned a boyfriend,’ says Dimitri, before he dives into his moussaka and makes an appreciative noise. I eat more of my fragrant sea bass as I digest his words as well as the food, before I answer.

‘Neither have you.’

‘I don’t have a boyfriend.’ He frowns.

‘You know what I mean,’ I reply, with an eye roll.

‘Now you are avoiding the question.’

‘Why would I do that? No, I have no significant other as they say, and that’s the way I like it.’

‘When did you break up?’

‘Almost a year now. I am happily single.’

‘Yes, you mentioned that.’

‘So how about you?’ I ask, forking the last of the food into my mouth.

‘The same.’

Sitting at this restaurant near the harbour we probably look like any other couple on a date, but the reality is I am sitting with my builder who has kindly offered to drive me into Corfu Town for a day out. But I really like him, and I can’t believe we have so much in common. That is, if he is telling the truth. He could just simply have said all that stuff, agreeing with me and saying he liked the same things I do. I scold myself for thinking that way then, even though I kind of wish I had asked him about his interests first, just to be sure.

‘I was engaged,’ Dimitri tells me after a few moments. ‘And my fiancée was someone who hated all of the things I just mentioned,’ he reveals, before taking a swig of his beer. ‘I thought she was the one, more fool me.’

‘How long were you together?’ I gently ask.

‘Just over two years.’

‘Then I’m sorry to hear that. Are you still friends? Sorry, if I sound like I’m prying.’

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