Page 21 of Not My Greek Wedding

‘Wonderful.’ I sigh. ‘The hotel really has done Owen and Tasha proud.’

‘We aim to please,’ he says, taking a grape from a plate and popping it into his mouth. ‘Actually, I was wondering if you are free tomorrow evening?’ he asks, taking me by surprise.

Lulu, Patsy and Irene are deep in conversation, and out of the corner of my eye I notice Patsy nudge Lulu and nod her head towards me.

‘What? I’m not sure, we haven’t really made any plans yet,’ I say, my heart hammering as I try to sound casual. Is he about to ask me out on a date?

‘Maybe you would like to come to my nightclub. I promise a free cocktail, for you and your friends, of course.’ He smiles.

‘You own a nightclub?’ I try not to let my mouth fall open.

‘It’s a strand of the family business.’ He shrugs. ‘My father owns many businesses in Santorini: hotels, shops, bars. I manage the biggest nightclub in Fira,’ he says proudly.

Handsome and from a seriously rich family? This wedding just gets better and better.

‘We might pop in, if I can persuade them,’ I say casually.

‘Good.’ He winks, before departing and leaving a Tom Ford scent I recognise hanging in the air.

‘He seems to have taken quite a shine to you,’ says Patsy after he leaves. ‘Although I can’t say I blame him, you look absolutely gorgeous,’ she says kindly.

‘Thanks, although I’m sure he was just being friendly.’ I shrug, yet feeling thrilled inside. ‘He actually invited us to the nightclub he runs, with the offer of a free cocktail.’

‘Us?’ says Irene.

‘Sure. He said bring your friends along.’

‘Nightclubs aren’t really my thing at my age,’ says Patsy. ‘A nice bar with some background music will do it for me these days. And an early night,’ she says, and Irene agrees.

‘Do you fancy it, Lu?’ I ask my friend.

‘Sure, sounds fun.’ She smiles. ‘And I’m all about trying to have some of that, remember?’ She winks.

‘Great,’ I say, feeling thrilled to have a look at the nightclub.

ELEVEN

I’m already thinking about what I can wear tomorrow evening. The biggest nightclub in Fira? I can hardly wait. I wonder if there will be any famous people there.

I put all thoughts of tomorrow aside, as the Greek dancers file onto a small stage dressed in traditional costume, and a familiar Greek dance tune strikes up.

We are clapping and foot tapping along to the music, watching the dancers intently, a flick of the leg here, arms linked around each other’s shoulders. An ‘Opa,’ every now and then.

I am watching every move because, as I suspected, I am soon taken by the hand to join in with the dancing. Soon, a dozen or so people have joined in, throwing their heads back and dancing, including Owen and Tasha, who has removed her veil and looks as though she might burst with happiness.

I’m high kicking my legs, when Bryn slides in and puts his arm around my shoulders, asking me if I fancy meeting him later, a lecherous grin on his face. As we dance, his hand moves down the side of my body, before he snakes his arm around my waist setting my skin on edge. It’s all I can do to stop myself from slapping him but I don’t want a scene at my friend’s wedding, so I gently remove his arm instead.

Thankfully, just then Christos appears, apologising to Bryn and cutting in, placing his arm around my shoulders, before seamlessly and very expertly joining in with the dancing. The feel of his arm around me is so different to that of Bryn’s, and I can feel my face flush, hoping he doesn’t notice when he gives a sideways smile.

‘Are you having fun?’ he whispers in my ear, almost making me go wrong-footed.

‘I am actually, now that I have mastered the steps.’ I am really enjoying myself, I think to myself.

‘You certainly have the moves,’ he says approvingly.

‘Thanks,’ I mutter. ‘Although I have watched Greek dancing many times,’ I explain just as someone approaches and calls him away. I feel disappointed that he must leave, so excuse myself and head back to my table, before Bryn can rejoin the dancing.

After the dancing, everyone is sitting around chatting once more, and soon enough Owen and Tasha have reappeared from getting changed into casual wear, before saying goodbye to us all.

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