Page 82 of Not My Greek Wedding

‘Has your cousin helped with the displays?’ I ask.

‘How did you guess?’ He smiles.

In the far corner of the room stands the lathe where Andreas works his magic. The smell of wood feels so comforting.

‘Has business been good?’ I ask as I wander around admiring his work.

‘You know it really has,’ he tells me. ‘People are so happy to find a handmade gift. I have had one or two tourists commission gifts to collect before they leave,’ he tells me proudly. ‘But more importantly, I am doing what I love.’

As we stand by the window gazing out to sea, his hand reaches for mine and I recall the first time we stood in this very spot.

‘Shall we get that breakfast now?’ he asks. ‘And then I will take you to Oia.’

‘Sounds good.’

‘Oh actually, wait. Before we leave, I have a gift for you.’

He goes to a drawer and pulls something out before handing it to me. It’s the jewellery box I first saw at his house, embellished with pieces of colourful sea glass.

‘For me?’

‘Yes, of course. I recall you admiring it at the house. It was actually one of the first things I ever made,’ he tells me. ‘I was so mad with myself for forgetting to give it to you before you left, so I brought it here.’

‘Thank you, Andreas, it is truly beautiful,’ I say, kissing him gently on the lips. He takes me in his arms then, and kisses me with a passion that takes my breath away.

‘I’ve missed you,’ he whispers.

‘I’ve missed you too,’ I tell him. ‘More than I ever thought I would.’

‘Shall we get that breakfast then?’ He takes me by the hand as we walk outside. ‘Then I will take you to Oia. I have a few things to do today, but I will call you later,’ he says.

‘Let’s go,’ I say, feeling the excitement in the pit of my stomach as I head towards my future as a singer.

‘How do you feel about covering a song a male artist normally sings?’ asks Nicos as we run through some songs the afternoon before I make my debut.

‘I could do, do you have something in mind? It would have to be something I am familiar with though at this stage.’

‘I agree,’ Nico says with a smile. ‘Although I wasn’t thinking of for tomorrow, but something to consider in the future. It’s just a thought as you sang your audition song so beautifully,’ he says kindly.

‘I guess you’re right,’ I tell him. ‘And I think I have the right pitch for “Bridge over Troubled Water” sung by Art Garfunkel.’

‘Yes!’ Nico agrees emphatically. ‘A favourite of mine which I have played many times on the piano.’ He smiles. ‘I think we are going to get along just fine. Now, how about a drink?’

Sitting in the seated area outside as the sun beams down, I count my blessings once more. I would never have thought about even looking for work here, without the support of Andreas. I think of all the missed opportunities we have in life, because we are afraid to put ourselves forward. But then, I guess, I would never have known that this place existed if it wasn’t for Andreas.

I quickly settled into the accommodation provided, chatting to the four other staff that include bar and restaurant staff, aswell as another singer, who is truly talented according to the other people here.

The house has a small terrace off the garden, where the staff were enjoying a late breakfast when I arrived, and quickly welcomed me, inviting me to join them.

‘Thanks, Nicos,’ I say, finishing my drink. ‘I think I might go for a walk along the beach now, although perhaps I ought to be practising my songs?’

‘I would say you have rehearsed enough,’ he tells me reassuringly. ‘There is such a thing as overdoing it. It’s important to relax before a performance,’ he advises.

‘You’re probably right,’ I say before I depart.

It’s late afternoon when I walk along the beach, busy at this time of year with people swimming and children running along the rocky beach shouting and laughing. Families are enjoying picnics on blankets spread out, as others lie on sunbeds reading or soaking up the sun.

I have read online that there is a bookshop not far from here that I will look forward to exploring. Apparently, they have a roof terrace and seating area for reading, and I think it might be a good way to enjoy some downtime. The whole village looks so inviting, with its white buildings and familiar blue-domed churches dotted about.

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