Page 25 of Not My Greek Wedding

‘There is someone on there who busts the myths about weight loss. Lots of people are like you, they give up after the first hurdle.’

‘What kind of myths?’

‘Well, it’s about the calories you consume. For example, did you know you would need to eat around eighteen Mars bars to gain a single pound. It’s all about calorie deficit, which I am sure you already know.’

‘I do. I just seem to make the wrong choices,’ she says as she pushes her plate away from her. ‘But you know, I think it is time I joined a slimming club again. I need the support of other people,’ she admits. ‘And I know a lot of overweight people are fit, happy even, and that’s absolutely fine if that is the case,’ she says. ‘But I’m not. Trudging about in this heat has made me realise I need to do something.’ She sighs.

‘People can only make changes when they are ready to. I think joining a slimming club is a great idea though,’ I tell her. ‘Lots of people need the support of a group.’

‘I am definitely one of those people,’ says Irene. ‘I have been watching reruns ofFat Friendson Netflix, and it reminded me of how being part of a group really can motivate you, in any situation.’

‘I’ll come with you, if you like,’ offers Patsy supportively. ‘At least for the first few sessions.’

‘As if you need to.’ Irene laughs, rolling her eyes. ‘Although it’s kind of you to support me.’

‘Ah, but you would be surprised. I have got a right old tummy on me. I just dress to disguise it,’ says Patsy.

‘Thank you,’ says Irene softly, reaching for her cousin’s hand, and I feel almost emotional witnessing the strength of their friendship.

‘But for now, as we are still on holiday, let’s enjoy these cocktails,’ says Patsy as she raises her glass.

‘I wonder how Tash and Owen are enjoying the secluded island?’ I ask no one in particular, imagining them sharing drinks on the terrace of a villa overlooking the beach, and watching a sky studded with stars.

I sip my delicious pina colada when it arrives and try not to imagine sharing such a romantic location with a certain Greek guy who I can’t seem to stop thinking about.

‘I bet they will be having the most wonderful time,’ says Lulu. ‘They just seem so happy together. It was a beautiful wedding, and thanks for inviting me as your plus-one,’ she says to me.

‘I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else.’ I smile, thankful that she appears to be enjoying herself.

Having decided to head to the karaoke bar at the end of the beach road, I ask the waiter to take a picture of us all together and he takes my phone.

The photograph shows us all happy and beaming, and it makes me think that whoever said the camera never lies wasn’t maybe quite telling the whole truth. We all look great on the surface, don’t we? Especially on social media, yet no one’s life is perfect, despite the image they might present. Not many people post about their boring days, me included. All the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare once said. And it really is true.

THIRTEEN

‘Well, fancy meeting you here.’

Bryn has sidled up to me as I am choosing my song at the karaoke bar and I find myself wishing that it was Christos. He’s with a rather good-looking bloke, who I recognise from the wedding earlier, who introduces himself as Ash.

Following me back to the table where the others are sitting, Bryn asks if he can buy us all a drink, lazily looping his arm around my shoulder as I take a seat. I try not to show my irritation as I gently remove his arm.

‘No thanks, love, we’ve just got them in,’ says Patsy, lifting her cocktail. ‘You can join us if you like though?’ she offers, gesturing to the two empty seats on our table with six chairs.

‘If that’s okay?’ says Ash, probably noting my lack of enthusiasm.

‘Sure, why not,’ I say breezily and Lulu looks pleased as handsome Ash flashes her a big smile. She returns his smile, and I wonder if she fancies him. It’s great to see a little spark between them either way, and I really hope Lulu can start noticing attractive men, and maybe practise a little flirting.

‘Are you ladies having fun then?’ asks Bryn when he returns from the bar with drinks for him and Ash.

‘We are. It’s so beautiful here, who wouldn’t,’ says Lulu.

‘And the wedding, oh it was just magical,’ says Irene. ‘Owen and Tash make such a beautiful couple.’

‘Oh, they do, but you would never catch me getting married.’ Bryn pulls a face. ‘Footloose and fancy free I am, and I intend to stay that way.’

His leg brushes against mine then, and I swiftly move it away.

‘Have you and Owen been friends for long?’ asks Patsy as she takes a puff of her vape and blasts a scent of watermelon in the air.

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