Page 70 of Not My Greek Wedding

‘It is. She is studying art but enjoys working in the shop, which I am grateful for as she has a way of displaying the merchandise to its best advantage.’

‘Oh, I agree,’ I say, thinking of the beautiful displays when I called in with Lulu.

As we drive, I ask Andreas about the island in the height of summer.

‘I got the impression you thought the cruise ships were a bit of a nuisance,’ I tell him as we head out along a coast road. ‘I won’t lie, I found that a bit surprising as surely they are good for tourism.’

‘You would think so,’ he replies. ‘People on cruises have all their needs catered for onboard, food, entertainment, etc so yes, they may buy a coffee or lunch here and there, or do a little shopping when they dock, but that does not really help the economy,’ he explains. ‘Don’t get me wrong, we are proud to have visitors to the island, the problem is the sheer numbers that descend all at once,’ he explains. ‘It literally puts pressure on the ground. Many footpaths and steps have had to be rebuilt,’ he tells me.

‘I don’t suppose we think about that when we visit places,’ I say, mulling over his thoughts. ‘Especially as so many people are travelling these days.’

‘Which is a wonderful thing, but maybe people ought to think about coming here in the autumn. I personally think it is a much nicer place to visit at that time of year,’ he advises. ‘Before the season ends. The island looks beautiful then.’

‘I will remember that next time.’ I smile.

‘So, you will return?’ He turns to me.

‘I am certain I will. It is easy to see why people fall in love with Santorini.’

‘I am pleased to hear it.’

I lean my arm on the open window as we drive, the breeze gently blowing my hair as we pass a strip of sea.

Eventually, we cut onto a beach road, passing a couple of gift shops, a beach café with people sitting outside having breakfast, and a surf shop that hires out boards and sells beachwear. This little row of shops leads directly onto a gorgeous sandy beach with a good number of sunbeds. A building at the end of the row of shops stands empty.

‘Gosh, what a gorgeous place. I would never have known it even existed,’ I say as I glance around.

‘It is a little gem, and very busy in the height of summer. It is not very well signposted from the main road, although there is always a lot of passing trade, especially from tourists.’

He leads me to the uninhabited shop, next door to the surf shop.

‘So, what do you think?’ he asks as we stop outside.

‘About what?’ I ask, puzzled.

‘I was thinking that maybe this would make an excellent workshop for my sculptures. And, of course, I could sell them here.’

‘Wow, you are thinking of buying this place? I can’t think of a nicer location,’ I say.

‘I already have.’ He grins. ‘Come on, let me show you inside.’

Stepping onto the wooden floor of the abandoned space, I can at once imagine Andreas sitting in a corner working, his art displayed on shelves around the studio. At the end of the room a large window lets in light, and gives an enticing glimpse of the beach beyond.

‘It’s absolutely perfect,’ I tell him as I walk around the room.

‘I think so too.’ He grins. ‘And this particular beach has lots of treasures, including plenty of driftwood.’

‘So you are finally going to go it alone? What does your father think about you not running the shop?’ I ask.

‘He is fine. As I say, my cousin is keen for more hours. In fact, my father has agreed to work in the shop himself a little more,’ he reveals. ‘Although maybe it is my mother’s idea.’

‘Your mother’s idea?’

‘Yes. She says retirement does not really suit him and he cannot spend all his time on the family yacht.’

‘Because that sounds like hell,’ I say, and he laughs.

I think of the day on the yacht with Christos, but push the thought to the back of my mind.

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