Page 23 of Not My Greek Wedding

It’s so beautiful here, I really think I could get used to it. I still have over a week to explore the island, so I might drive off up into the hills, and explore some remote villages and see how the locals live. Or maybe Christos could show me around, I think idly. We could stop at mountain restaurants eating food and sipping ouzo and watching the sun go down together.

Back in the bedroom, Lulu has finished her call.

‘Is Chloe okay?’ I ask gently as I get ready.

‘Yes, fine.’ She smiles. ‘She managed to see someone at a walk-in centre where she called me from. They think it is a virus rather than tonsillitis.’

‘That’s a relief then,’ I tell her. ‘Rest and painkillers and hopefully she will be as right as rain.’

‘I know, kids, hey? They still worry you whatever their age.’ She sighs.

‘I get that.’ I smile.

I do understand, of course I do. I just hope Lulu doesn’t worry too much. She does the lion’s share of the parenting, since her ex shacked up with his new girlfriend, and really deserves this break.

‘Actually, Mia, do you mind if I don’t go out for a drink?’ Lulu asks. ‘I’m a bit pooped after the wedding, which was wonderful, but it’s been a long day.’ She stifles a yawn, despite having had a little siesta.

I can’t lie, I’m a little disappointed, as I thought we might have a cocktail at one of the many bars to round off the day, andmaybe even find one with some live music. But I guess there is always tomorrow.

Thinking of music makes me realise it’s ages since I’ve sung in a bar which is a shame really. I used to love covering well-known songs, that always received rapturous applause. I even recall doing a duet with my brother Lewis, a Kylie and Jason number at a caravan park that had people on their feet. Maybe we ought to have got the whole family involved, as Mum and Dad can hold a tune too. Gran admits to being tone deaf, so I’m not sure where the singing talent comes from. Perhaps she could join our band and bang a tambourine or something!

My mind flits to the nightclub tomorrow evening that I imagine will be a sleek club with a chilled vibe and moody lighting, not to mention a gorgeous manager, who I realise I can hardly wait to see again. The photos are going to be insane.

‘Sure, that’s fine.’ I smile. ‘I guess it has been a long day,’ I tell Lulu.

‘But you have got yourself ready now,’ says Lulu.

‘It’s fine really. And if you change your mind, we can go for a drink later. The night is still young here.’

‘Sorry I am being a party pooper,’ she decides, sliding off the bed. ‘It’s only ten o’clock, so go out with Patsy and Irene if you like. Really, I’m happy hanging around here, and getting an early night,’ she insists.

Right on cue, Patsy knocks on the bedroom door and asks if we are heading out.

‘Come in.’ I smile at the sight of Irene and Patsy, who have changed outfits and are raring to go.

‘I spotted karaoke tonight at a bar along the front,’ says Patsy, glancing at her watch. ‘I think it starts shortly.’ She touches her lipstick up in a compact with a mirror. ‘I might get up myself. I used to do quite a good rendition of Tina Turner’s “Nutbush City Limits”,’ she reveals.

‘Now that I simply have to see.’ I laugh.

‘Maybe you ought to lower your expectations,’ whispers Irene. ‘Although, I do recall you and Tash singing in her bedroom as little girls, dreaming of being in Girls Aloud,’ she says. ‘So, you should be the one on the karaoke. As I recall, you had a very good singing voice.’

‘Thank you. I do still sing occasionally,’ I tell her, realising it’s been a while. I still remember my first paid gig at a local working men’s club when I was eighteen. It went down a storm, especially with the older people who adored my covers of a couple of country songs.

When Lulu tells them she won’t be joining us, Patsy does her best to persuade her, but she isn’t budging.

‘Then at least come and have one cocktail at the Sea Breeze bar over the road,’ she suggests. ‘We will leave you alone after, that I promise.’

‘Hmm. Oh, go on then, one drink won’t hurt.’ She smiles and I couldn’t be happier. I’m glad she is joining us or she will only sit worrying about her daughter if she stays here alone.

While Lulu does a quick change, we arrange to meet the ladies at the Sea Breeze, when my phone rings.

It’s my gran asking me how the holiday is going.

‘Hi, Gran. Oh it’s great. Look.’

I walk outside onto the balcony and show her the view all around, of twinkling lights around the village, gently illuminating the rapidly darkening sky.

‘That looks amazing. If only I was twenty years younger, I’d be there with bells on.’ She laughs. ‘I bet there are some fit men there.’

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