Page 61 of Not My Greek Wedding

‘It seems you have had quite the drama these last couple of days then,’ he says as he sips his drink. ‘Tomorrow, I hope you can relax.’

‘I am sure I will. I am looking forward to it,’ I say, realising that I really am. He arranges to collect me in the morning, before he finishes his drink and departs.

As I sit relaxing in the sun a little longer, just watching the sea rolling onto the sand, I decide to give Mum a call.

‘Mia, how lovely to hear from you.’

We have a nice catch-up and she tells me Gran has finally decided to go to the Thursday social club at the village hall, something I have been trying to persuade her to do for a while now.

‘What made her change her mind?’ I ask.

‘Bingo.’ She laughs. ‘Although I think it is more down to the fact that her old neighbour who used to frequent the club no longer attends as she has moved out of the area to live with her daughter.’

‘I take it Gran didn’t like her?’ I ask, which is unusual for Gran to dislike anyone.

‘Couldn’t stand her. She said she was, to use Gran’s words, “A gobby cow”. Although I think it may have been down to the fact that she used to flirt with your grandad, which he found quite amusing.’ Mum laughs.

‘Oh dear. Well, I am pleased Gran is going to the club. I know she has plenty of visitors, and you take her out shopping, but it will be good for her to spend time with people her own age, I guess.’

‘My thoughts exactly. Anyway, how is the holiday going? I am loving the pictures you send me.’

I keep Mum updated with regular photos on Messenger.

‘It’s lovely, Mum. I have so much to tell you when I get back.’ I might leave out the bit about going out with two different men though.

I can’t wait to let Mum know that I have been singing on the karaoke and to tell her all about the lovely people I have met and the places I have visited.

After finishing our call, I walk the long way back to the apartments, along the beachfront. Maybe watching Andreas swim in the sea this morning and observing how he looks after himself has inspired me to get fit.

I pass restaurants that are beginning to fill with diners enjoying breakfast as well as a few joggers, headphones on and racing along before the sun gets too hot. It’s just so wonderful here, I wish I could stay for just a bit longer.

Strolling to the water’s edge, I watch the foaming sea wash over the pebbles, before I pick one up and toss it into the water. Then I give myself a reality check. My apartment thus far has been paid for, so to stay here any longer I would have to pay for it myself, as well as reschedule my flight. I idly wonder if I could earn some money singing? Or perhaps Andreas could give me a job in the shop? But then, what good would that be, with nowhere to live long-term? Not to mention the fact that the summer season will eventually come to an end, when everything will quieten down.

No, I must face the fact that my time here is coming to an end, and if I want to return here any time soon, I had better start seriously looking for a job that pays a regular wage.

I tell myself that many people probably feel this way after spending time in a wonderful place, as I throw another stone into the foamy water.

Taking a right turn from a stretch of beach that leads to the apartments, I pass a restaurant and look forward to spending time with everyone this evening. Bryn and Ash will be joiningus too, which means it should be a lot of fun. I guess it’s time to count my blessings and make the most of the time I have left here.

TWENTY-SIX

I head to my room to update my social media, before I get ready for later. As I sit on my balcony, it occurs to me that Christos hasn’t been in touch, either to ask me out again, or to check if Irene is okay, which I find a little disappointing. Perhaps he has reached the conclusion that we are never meant to be together. Besides, I am going out with Andreas tomorrow, so what would I say if he did get in touch?

I upload some photos and do a little talking video of the view from the balcony, and to my delight a wedding procession walks past.

A couple have seemingly married at the little chapel at the end of the road, and are being showered in confetti and good wishes from restaurant owners standing at the front of the restaurants as they pass. I’m thrilled that I can record the whole thing, giving my followers a real glimpse of a traditional Greek wedding.

A few hours later, I have showered and changed and I am in the reception area with Irene and Patsy as we await our taxi to the restaurant.

‘I look like I’ve gone ten rounds with Muhammad Ali,’ says Irene, stroking the impressive cut above her eye. Her make-up has calmed things down a little, but it is still apparent she has sustained an injury. ‘And please tell me you have heard of Muhammad Ali, or I really will feel ancient.’

‘I have actually,’ I reassure her. ‘But only because my dad has told me he is the greatest boxer that ever lived.’

When we arrive at the restaurant a short time later, Tasha squeezes us all tightly.

‘Oh, Auntie Irene, you look better, but are you sure you are okay?’ She frowns slightly. ’I think you had us all worried for a while.’

‘Oh, I’m fine.’ Irene bats away any sympathy.

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