Page 54 of Not My Greek Wedding

After our wonderful lunch, we have a wander around the area passing more bars, a couple of restaurants, and just taking in the view.

‘Those steps back up to the car will work some of that lunch off,’ says Lulu, as we ascend the steps back to the car park at the top. We pass donkeys on the way up, and a woman offers their services. We politely decline, despite the heat, especially as there not as many steps as there were in Fira.

Back in the car, I switch the car radio on as we head to the airport, and we listen to Greek music as we drive along.

‘These songs remind me of the Greek dancing at the wedding,’ says Lulu as we drive, and I recall Christos interjecting as I danced with Bryn, and how I felt when he draped his arm around my shoulders.

‘They do.’ I smile. ‘I’m so happy my friend had such a fabulous wedding. I can understand why people choose to marry here in Greece,’ I say, batting away an image of myself and Christos standing at an altar in a tiny Greek church.

When we finally arrive at the airport, Lulu takes a small gift wrapped in tissue paper from her handbag, and hands it to me.

‘What’s this?’ I ask in surprise.

‘It’s for you.’ She smiles. ‘Open it.’

Inside the tissue paper is the prettiest blue stone at the end of a leather thong necklace.

‘It’s lapis lazuli,’ she explains. ‘It’s thought to enhance one’s intuitive abilities. Not that I think you need to do that.’ She smiles. ‘I just thought it looked very pretty.’

‘Oh, Lulu, it’s beautiful, thank you.’ I stroke the stone, admiring its beauty, the stone streaked with a blue and green pattern that reminds me of the sea.

‘It’s so lovely, but there was really no need to buy me anything,’ I tell Lulu.

‘I just wanted to get you a gift.’ She smiles. ‘I have had such a wonderful time here and you are a good friend, Mia. You tell me the truth, even when I don’t always like it. That’s what I call a real friend.’

I embrace my friend in a lingering hug and thank her once more.

‘Safe travels,’ I say, feeling a little choked up, before she heads off towards check-in.

As I watch her leave, I realise that despite my aspirations to be a singer, and to live my happily ever after with the love of my life, my friendship with Lulu is one of the most important things in my life. I truly hope that never changes.

TWENTY-FOUR

Arriving back at the apartments a little after six, I think about the evening ahead of me with Christos. I wonder if he will take me to the club this evening, so he can keep an eye on things there? I don’t mind if he does really; I would like another chance to visit the cool place. Maybe we could have a photo together for my socials.

As I step out of the car, my phone pings with a text from Christos asking me what time he should collect me, so I suggest around an hour from now.

I take a shower then and change into a summery floral dress. Before I know it, Christos is standing outside my apartment carrying a bottle of red wine. He is dressed in black from head to toe, in jeans and black T-shirt looking as hot as hell.

‘I thought we could have a drink here before we head out,’ he suggests.

‘Um, sure,’ I say, thankful that I have tidied up the apartment as I lead him outside to the balcony.

I bring two glasses to the table and he pours us each a glass of red wine.

‘Oh, this is delicious,’ I say. Even though I know nothing about wine, I can tell this is good stuff.

‘I thought it would be, a supplier at the club recommended this,’ he tells me as he lifts the glass and examines its contents.

After drinking a second glass of the delicious wine, even though Christos is still nursing his first glass, I wonder where we might be heading tonight. It’s doubtful we are going to the club though, as he has driven over here in his car.

‘I thought I would take you to dinner somewhere not far from here,’ he tells me, answering my question. ‘There is a very special place I know of, where the sea laps the shore. You can also see the most amazing sunset.’

‘That sounds beautiful,’ I tell him, delighted that he is taking me to such a romantic-sounding location.

‘Just like you,’ he says meeting my gaze. His lines are smooth and practised, yet they manage to thrill me all the same.

We head inside, and as I am about to place the wine glasses into the sink, I feel Christos’s arms around my waist. He nuzzles my neck and I almost drop them.

---