WORKING HOLIDAY

BY CHRISTINA GRANGE


CHRISTINA GRANGE 2011. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

CHAPTER ONE
As the final call came for the flight to Athens the full reality what she had taken on hit Mari.
She was finally leaving everything behind and heading into the unknown. As she stared at her
reflection in the bathroom mirror Mari noted her pale, drawn expression and felt as though
she had aged five years in as many months. Wiping away the familiar tears she covered her
face with her hands and wondered why her life had taken such a dreadful turn.
Final Call for flight AG507 to Athens' she heard the announcement, 'this flight has now
boarded and last remaining passengers are requested to proceed to Gate 7 immediately. Mari
picked up her small case and hurriedly left the cubicle to make her way to the gate. A
worried-looking member of the airline crew greeted her and checked her ticket. We nearly
left without you Miss Hudson, youll need to hurry. Through the gate and down the stairs
please.
Mari crossed the tarmac to the aircraft, as a cool breeze blew her hair across her face. It was
typically drizzly weather for an English April morning and she was careful not to slip on the
metal stairway. Clutching her boarding pass she looked behind her at the terminal building
and wondered if she should turn back, forget everything and return to her familiar world. A
voice interrupted her thoughts, Miss, could you please hurry we need to seat you
immediately, said a flight attendant. Mari's decision was made, she wouldnt be calling for
anybody to collect her to take her home from the airport and come what may, and she would
face the unknown head-on.
With shoulders back, Mari climbed the stairway and found her seat, placed her hand luggage
in the space above her and took out the novel she had purchased in an airport shop, sat down
and secured her safety belt in preparation for take-off. The flight would be three hours or
more so she would sit back, try to relax and concentrate on the book.
Thirty minutes later she had still not opened it, the pain of the preceding months had instead
dominated her thoughts. The hurt, misery and fury that had raged was not yet a memory and
she was feeling exhausted before this trip had even begun.
*
Until recently Mari had been happy with her life. She often laughed that her upbringing had
been something of a clich - the only daughter of doting parents who had married later in life;
she had been brought up in a small village in Kent, complete with picture-postcard cottages.
She had also been fairly pretty, with long blonde hair and a wide, mischievous smile. Mari
had attended the village school as a small child and later, a senior school in a small town near
the coast. It was here that she had met the friends she still held dear, despite her leaving home
to study music at university five years ago.
When she had returned to the area after university, Mari settled near the coast, became a
music teacher and enjoyed earning her living doing something she was passionate about. She
also occasionally enjoyed playing with a local folk band on free weekends. Her school
friends were pleased at her return and she had easily slotted back into the life she had known
before moving away, although this time she felt more independent and in control of her
future. Falling in love had therefore been, as she described it almost too good to be true.
She had met Peter when he had complimented her on her one night and had joined Mari and
her friends for the remainder of the evening. He had asked her to marry him a year later and
they had rented a house overlooking the sea, setting up home in preparation for married life.
Their home had also been a home-from-home for their friends where music could often be
heard of an evening, as impromptu concerts had struck up against a backdrop of home-
cooking and candlelight. Mari had never been happier or more in love with Peter than at this
time, she thought she had it all and had perhaps naively never expected anything to go
wrong.
*
Mari had first noticed Peter's distracted behaviour in the months before Christmas. He had
been working for a wine importer and the firms annual Christmas party was intended to be a
lavish affair, propelling Mari to visit the hairdresser and to have her party make-up applied by
a beautician. As she had changed into her evening dress later in the evening, she was pleased
at the finished result and thought Peter would be proud, though she was not ordinarily given
to vanity.
As the evening had progressed Mari realised that she need not have taken the trouble with her
appearance for all the attention her fianc had paid to her. Peter had undertaken basic duties,
fetching her refreshments and on occasion patting her hand but his thoughts were clearly
elsewhere. Mari had tried to make the best of things despite a growing uneasiness that things
were not as they should be.
Peter had completed a round of the room, shaking hands and being introduced to the wives
and partners of his colleagues but had later positioned himself in the bar area for remainder of
the evening. Mari had been left alone at the table as couples had taken to the floor for the
slower, more romantic songs. Peter had been speaking at the bar with a man and woman Mari
had not recognised and after feeling ignored and more than a little embarrassed she had made
the decision to leave. Mari could not imagine feeling less festive and had approached Peter to
inform him that she was going to the reception area to telephone for a cab.
He had responded with raised eyebrows at the suggestion but did not question Mari, who had
appeared calm yet quietly furious. She hadnt wanted a scene in front of Peter's colleagues, so
had wished to leave unobtrusively but had ended the party feeling sad, angry and perhaps a
little afraid, which had puzzled her.
On the journey home Peter had dismissed his thoughtless behaviour. He informed Mari that
chatting to senior colleagues and their wives was part of his role in the company, he had
needed to network surely she could understand this? Mari had stared fixedly ahead
however, feeling more miserable than she had in a long time, as the cab had stopped outside
their home. The tense evening was not mentioned again but Mari had not been able to shake a
feeling of uneasiness as Christmas had approached.
Peter claimed he was happy for them to spend Christmas with Maris family and New Year
with his own. Christmas had passed without incident and they were planning to visit Peters
family in London for a New Years Eve party. However, Maris mother had slipped in the
garden the day before and had been taken to hospital for a check-up. Mari had decided to
spend New Year with her family but had insisted that Peter continue with his plans.
At midnight she had telephoned Peter's sister - who was hosting the party - and had heard the
sounds of music and laughter in the background. Peter had come to the telephone and had
told her how much he loved her and that he was sorry they werent spending the last day of
the year together.
He had sounded very genuine and Mari ended the call feeling sorry that she had made such a
fuss before Christmas. She had returned to the lounge in her parents home and accepted the
glass of champagne proffered by her father with a lighter spirit and positive thoughts of the
year ahead.
*
At the end of J anuary Peter had announced an overseas buying trip to California. He had
worked hard for a recent promotion and had reminded her that the hard work was for both of
them; so that they could have the wedding they had wanted that summer. The overseas visits
were part of his new role. Mari had been disappointed at the prospect of their spending time
apart but had always promised herself that she would never stand in the way of a partners
plans, or become needy so had said nothing.
Peter had left in mid February and would be away for seven days. He had assured her not to
worry, that he would be back before she knew it and that she should plan their honeymoon
during his absence. Mari had therefore spent her evenings consoling herself with a travel
guide to the Greek Islands and had made her mind up that they would go to Athens and some
islands on their honeymoon.
Peter had left the choosing of the honeymoon entirely up to her and since she had learned
about Greek Mythology at school Mari had long been fascinated with the history and culture
of the country and was hoping to visit her honeymoon had therefore presented the perfect
opportunity to do so. They would have three glorious weeks to do with as they pleased and
Mari had almost looked forward to the honeymoon more than the wedding whilst making the
plans in Peter's absence.
He had been away for two days when Mari had found the St. Valentine's Day card to her,
tucked behind a vase in the kitchen. They had not had time to mark the day with a romantic
dinner due to preparations for Peter's work trip. Love, Peter was all that had been written
inside the card. Mari had spent a long time afterwards sitting with the card on her lap feeling
dreadful, the words were so impersonal, so casual - was she expecting too much? The
previous year he had written lovely words about his feelings for her and of course, the card
had come with the gift of an engagement ring.
Looking at this year's card, Mari had known that things were not as they should be for a
couple planning their wedding and had once again experienced the fear she had been feeling
before Christmas. Her week of unease had culminated in a telephone call the evening before
Peter's return. Good evening is Peter Anderson with you at the moment please? a female
voice had asked. Without thinking Mari had explained that Peter was overseas on a buying
trip then had silently chastised herself for offering this information to a stranger. She also
wondered how the woman had acquired their home telephone number.
The voice, now impatient had replied, Then please make sure he calls me on his return, it is
most important - I forgot he was due to be away. Youll be sure to pass on the message?
Mari had been stunned at the womans superior tone. 'I'm sorry,' she had replied firmly, 'I am
Peter's fiance, not his secretary and I dont just pass on messages from strangers without
checking who they are.
The woman had chuckled huskily and said, My name is Vivian and I am most definitely not
a stranger. If you could be a sweetie and pass on the message Id be most grateful. The call
had left Mari feeling furious.
How dare the woman call their home and speak to her like that! Mari had racked her brains to
remember if she had ever been introduced to anybody named Vivian and then remembered
the awful Christmas party at Peters firm. The woman Peter had been speaking to when Mari
had decided to call a taxi had been introduced as Vivian. But she had been with her husband
surely? Mari had struggled to picture the woman but had recalled only a slim brunette,
certainly attractive but as the woman had been in the company of a man - perhaps her
husband - Mari had not taken a great deal of notice.
She had then felt an overwhelming sense of dread and had questioned every minute of the
previous six months, analysing every evening out she and Peter had taken. Mari had known
that she could not carry on with these doubts in her mind so on Peter's return would need to
find out the truth about his relationship with the woman.
*
The truth, when it came, had been as devastating as it was unbelievable. Peter had tried to
claim that Vivian - his colleagues wife - had developed an obsession with him after he had
been attentive and courteous at one or two work functions. He had only socialised in this way
to gain credibility with his superiors, he had said, so that he and Mari would be included in
future social invitations with senior members of the company. He had been doing it for her,
for them, for their future did she not want him to succeed?
Peter's desperate pleas had been enough to convince Mari that Peter had something to hide.
Despite feeling devastated she had remained strong and had insisted that Peter telephone
Vivian in her presence to corroborate his story. He had refused and had broken down before
finally confessing that in a moment of weakness he had on one occasion only - responded
to Vivian's demands, overwhelmed by her attentions and not knowing what else to do. Peter
claimed it had been a moment of madness and that Mari was the one he had truly loved;
Vivian had been a mistake, a horrible mistake.
He had cried and pleaded that he had tried to end it with Vivian before going to California,
could Mari not see that the woman had deliberately called her during his absence in an
attempt to destroy their relationship? Vivian was a 'wicked' woman and they shouldnt let her
win. The scene had devastated Mari and she had told Peter to go, not to contact her and to
leave her alone with her pain.
For days she had remained in bed unable to speak to anybody. At times Mari had sobbed, the
waves of distress overwhelming her until she could cry no more, only to settle to a troubled
sleep from which she would awake with a start; knowing that the real nightmare was about to
begin again. Her parents finally arrived when their telephone calls remained unanswered and
were horrified at the sight of their heartbroken daughter.
Her furious father had paced across Mari's lounge, raising his voice in a way she hadn't heard
before. Her mother had calmed the situation, telling her husband that threats wouldnt change
a thing and would probably distress Mari even further. They had insisted on packing her a
suitcase and bringing her home with them, J ust in case he tries to win you around again', her
father had insisted.
Mari had departed reluctantly, a part of her wishing she would be there when Peter returned,
hopefully begging her forgiveness but she knew her parents were right; despite the
devastation she would not sit and wait for further explanations after suffering such pain and
humiliation.
*
A few weeks after moving back to her parents Mari had seen an advertisement in a magazine
that her mother had left in the kitchen. It had stated that a Greek island resort was seeking
seasonal staff, who could speak English and another European language. The advert had
piqued her interest. She had thought constantly about getting away and trying to move on
with her life. Mari had been very sad when she had informed her pupils that she would be
leaving the area when she had finally moved full-time to her parents' home.
She had then returned to her former home and packed her possessions informing Peter by
letter that he could do as he liked with the property, she wouldn't be returning. She had then
needed to move forward - hence her interest in the magazine. Mari had telephoned the resort
when her mother was out and had spoken directly to Cassandra, the resort owner who had
informed her that there were two remaining posts available for English speakers. If her
references checked out and she could commit for the summer, she could take one of the posts.
The work would be varied but if she wanted to spend the summer on a gorgeous Greek island
then she should write a letter and include a resume as soon as possible. Mari wasted no time
in doing so.
Her parents had pleaded with her to reconsider - it was too soon and she wouldnt know
anybody, they had argued. Mari informed them that whilst she was still crushed by events,
she couldnt sit around waiting for life to change for the better she had to do something to
make it change. After all, if she had been waiting for her honeymoon before visiting Greece
she would be waiting a long time.
*
And now here she was, sitting on a plane bound for Athens. She shook herself from her
daydreams and looked around at her fellow passengers, chatting happily or reading with
concentration. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat - there was never enough leg room on
these flights - and decided to plan her tour of Athens to take her mind away from the
discomfort. Mari ruminated on the fact that not too long ago she had been planning on
visiting this historic city with Peter. The current circumstances could not have been more
different but the city would hopefully be as fascinating as it had appeared when she had first
picked up a guide book. She had only six hours to tour Athens before having to travel to the
port at Piraeus but she planned to spend a few days in the city at the end of her trip.
The flight landed on time at Athens airport and Mari took a small shuttle bus to the central
station, where she would store her luggage before taking a tour of the city and a late lunch.
As she reached the outskirts of Athens Maris stomach tensed with anticipation, such a
sprawling city, so unfamiliar and where ultimately, Mari had come to change the rest of her
life. Was she prepared for what lay ahead? She finally reached the busy Bus Terminal and
quickly found the luggage store. Looking at her map she found the easiest route to Piraeus
and realised that she now only had five hours with which to explore Athens. She would have
to be selective, as there was so much she wished to see.
Perhaps the Acropolis and Lykavittos Hill, where she would obtain great views of the city,
stopping for coffee and a snack she could then indulge Athens at her leisure on the journey
home to England. The guidebook stated that she could book a city tour or take the local faster
metro or tram service to explore. Her new spirit of adventure led her to the latter, where she
could stop off as she pleased, so putting on her sunglasses and tying her jumper around her
shoulders, Mari set off in search of the metro station.
The queue was long and very crowded as she waited for the route that would take her nearest
to the area of Plaka and the Acropolis. She checked that she had her map of the city and that
her handbag was tightly closed then realised that she had left her camera packed away in her
luggage how stupid could she be! The passengers were exiting the metro and the crowd
joining the train were now moving forward to board as Mari turned back, needing to push her
way through the sea of people and walk in the opposite direction.
She was aware that her decision to turn back was an unpopular one, as she was jostled by a
sea of people and heard the tutting of both locals and fellow tourists attempting to move past
her. Mari finally came out on the street and was again checking her belongings when she was
pushed violently from behind. She fell forward and stumbled to regain her balance, as she felt
a hand tugging at the strap of her handbag.
Mari held on tight and realised she was being mugged. Suddenly, the pressure was released
and she heard a man shout loudly, Stop! and felt a scuffle take place behind her. When she
straightened up, Mari could not see her assailant but felt a reassuring hand upon her arm and
looked into the face of a man approximately ten years her senior. Are you ok? His heavily
accented voice greeted her. Badly shaken by the experience, Mari put her hand to her
forehead and answered, Im not really sure, I think Im in shock. The man nodded and
pointed to tables outside a nearby cafe. I think you should sit down for a time. He placed a
hand on her elbow and gently led her to a table. Cognac and coffee for this lady and coffee
for me, parakolo, he informed the waiter. How did you know I was English? enquired
Mari, looking at the man directly for the first time. Two reasons, he replied, one you
might not remember but you shouted, help in a very English accent and two only a tourist
would have their valuables on show in this area, its inviting trouble. A local would have taken
more care.
Mari was taken aback by his brusqueness. Well Im sorry for being an idiot,' she replied 'but
maybe the locals should treat their visitors with a bit more courtesy! The man smirked, Ah,
your English sensitivities are affronted but if you knew your Greek history youd understand
that not all of our visitors have been entirely welcome over the centuries. Im afraid we
Greeks do have a tendency to speak our minds but come now, drink your Cognac, youve had
a bad shock. Mari picked up the glass the waiter had put in front of her took a sip of the fiery
liquid. It quickly warmed her and she glanced up at the man before her. He had a strong face
and was olive skinned, weather-beaten and had creases at the corner of large, brown eyes. His
dark hair was peppered with grey and his lips were very sensual, she was shocked to find
herself thinking. They curled in a smirk as the man watched her appraising him and she felt
her face turn red. Youre blushing', he said, 'I hope your thoughts werent too wicked or, if
they were that youd share them with me, he raised an eyebrow and took a sip of coffee.
Mari was caught off-guard and furious. Your vanity is clearly matched by your arrogance
she replied and took another sip of her brandy. Her companion suddenly laughed showing
even, white teeth. That may very well be the case but admit it youre attracted to me. If
youd let your very British resolve slip for a minute you might find a passionate woman
underneath. Mari rose quickly from the table and picked up her belongings. She had never
been spoken to so directly the audacity of the man!
Thank you for the analysis,' she replied, 'but if I require therapy Ill seek the services of a
trained professional. I appreciated your help earlier but I can take care of myself from now
on. Andio. She left the table and headed quickly towards the nearby tram stop without
looking back.
Having purchased a ticket and boarded the crowded tram Mari found a place from which she
could get the best view. She thought about her curious encounter with the arrogant stranger
and realised that they hadnt even exchanged names, yet he spoke so intimately to her that
she found herself blushing as she remembered his words. Thats a very unfortunate habit,
said a voice behind her. People will guess what youre thinking. The man had followed her
from the caf, damn him! Dont worry I took care of the bill, as you left in something of a
hurry, he continued. Mari turned to face her pursuer. The man was smiling broadly and his
smile gave him a slightly mischievous appearance. How dare you follow me, she snapped.
I want to enjoy my tour of the city without harassment from the locals, thank you.
Her companion raised his eyebrows, How very ungracious when I was about to give you a
guided tour of this wonderful city, he replied. Mari remained silent. My name is Nicos
Androulou, he said, may I know yours? She hesitated - did she really want any further
involvement with this man? He was assumptive, arrogant and unnerved her but something
urged her to stay in his company.
My name is Mari Hudson Mr. Androulou and if you can point me in the direction of the
Acropolis and Plaka Id be very appreciative. Nicos tutted in response. How predictable. No
Mari, I will not direct you to these places we will take a late lunch and then you can return
to the UK and tell your friends that youve seen the real Athens. We are going to where
people actually work and live and dont sell plastic figurines of the gods to idiots happy to
pay for such nonsense.
*
An hour later Mari sat opposite Nicos on a small jetty outside a local caf. The locality was
mostly populated by fisherman, some of whom were smoking and drinking strong coffee
from tiny cups at the nearby tables. Nicos had ordered Souvlaki with a large helping of tsasiki
between them stating that simplicity was the art of modern cuisine and that too many
countries made the mistake of including unnecessary ingredients. They smother everything in
sauces so unnecessary', he had stated. Is there anything you dont have an opinion on?
asked Mari, thinking that he spoke with passion about anything connected to the city and
country. I have an opinion on everything and I dont mind sharing it! He replied, giving
Mari a grin. She felt her stomach contract and a blush creep across her face and neck. You
must really stop doing that, Nicos chided, making her blush even further.
Mari realised that she hadnt thought about Peter once since arriving in Athens and an
expression of sadness must have crossed her face because Nicos placed a finger under her
chin and lifted it up, Why so sad? Are you not enjoying your time with me? He asked. She
could not bring herself to tell the truth, that her fianc had clearly found her so unappealing
he had sought solace in the arms of another woman.
Im fine', she replied instead, 'I was just thinking that Im going to have to leave quite soon.
Im travelling to the islands from Pireaus today. Nicos gave her a quizzical look. Which
islands? he asked. The Cyclades, she replied. Ive taken a summer job on Naxos, she
responded. Nicos raised his eyebrows, It should make for an interesting summer, he said
mysteriously then raised his hand to an elderly woman cleaning tables. Come and join us
Anna. The lady wiped down her apron and approached the table. Anna cooked our food
today - she is a very talented lady, I think youll agree, he informed Mari. She is also an
unofficial palm reader, Ill ask her to oblige you.
Anna beamed at Nicos, Kelimera Nicos. Kelimera, she said, turning to smile at Mari. Nicos
spoke quietly to Anna and Mari did not understand the conversation but Anna nodded and sat
beside Mari. Ill have to translate Im afraid, as Anna speaks no English, said Nicos. Anna
took Maris right hand and placed it gently on her own.
She looked intently at Maris palm without saying anything for a short time then spoke to
Nicos. You have experienced good health and will continue to do so. He translated. You
are also, how shall I put it, very fertile and she sees children indicated. Mari blushed. She
sees two great loves and there is abandonment of your husband, or a man you consider to be
your husband. Nicos frowned at this. Well I don't like the sound of that, maybe you are not
the faithful type and yet you seemed so demure I suppose one can never tell. Anna doesn't
lie. I wonder what other secrets shell uncover? His tone had become slightly chillier and
Mari wondered if he wasnt paying too much heed to something that was intended as a
novelty. Your second love will strike you unexpectedly, she says but you will try to resist
this man to begin with - I certainly hope so for your poor husbands sake if nothing else. You
are capable of great passion but will not experience this with your first love. Anna says to go
with your heart but she is an old romantic.
'I on the other hand believe in a little loyalty especially within marriage. Thank you Anna,
he said, I dont think we need to hear any more. The lady nodded and rose from her seat.
She smiled at Mari, looked at the both of them and chuckled as she walked away. Well, that
was entertaining, Mari said. An unexpected treat but I dont believe a word of it. Still, as
you say, she is a very good cook. I enjoyed my lunch thoroughly, thank you very much
Nicos.
He narrowed his eyes slightly and responded, Think nothing of it. I must say I acted on
impulse in inviting you. I thought you were vulnerable following your assault and needed a
little looking after. If Annas predictions are accurate you are more than capable of looking
after yourself. Shall we go? Mari was puzzled. Whats the matter with you why so
moody?' she asked. 'Is it something to do with Anna? No disrespect to her but you dont
believe in that nonsense, surely? Nicos shrugged. Are you judging my character when you
dont even know
me? Mari felt tears prick at the corner of her eyes how could such a lovely afternoon turn
so sour? She picked up her bag. Ill get you a taxi back to the station Miss Hudson. You can
arrange your own transport to the port from there. Nicos replied in a tone that was polite but
clipped. I must say, Im usually a good judge of character but youve certainly surprised me.
I happen to place considerable faith in Anna, I have known her for many years and if she says
you are not an honourable woman then I would tend to believe her.
Nicos whistled and a passing taxi slowed down and pulled up beside them. He turned to face
Mari. Goodbye, he said. I hope you enjoy your trip. Try not to break too many hearts Mari,
you are an attractive woman but not, I think so attractive on the inside. With this, Nicos
turned abruptly and walked away from her, turning a corner before Mari could think of a
response. She stumbled on the steps and the taxi driver put out a hand to steady her. Sitting
down in the back seat Mari felt more than a little shocked at how events had unfolded. Why
was he placing so much value on the opinions of a total stranger?
She then felt a hot anger consume her. How dare the man annihilate her character so brutally
on the say-so of a part-time psychic! It was ridiculous. Nonetheless, Mari was profoundly
affected by her meeting with Nicos and was thankful that she would never have to see him
again. Athens had certainly opened her eyes to the harsh arrogance of the male species. After
everything she had gone through with Peter, Mari decided that she was now finished with
romance for good!

CHAPTER TWO
Mari was still smarting from the exchange with Nicos as she boarded the ferry for the journey
to the island of Naxos, five hours from Athens. She had been hoping for a pleasant journey
that would take her mind away from her recent troubles. Now her thoughts were consumed
with imagined retorts following the strange lunch. She could not allow herself to be
overtaken with these fantasy conversations after knowing the man for a mere couple of hours,
when she had spent six years with Peter and hadnt thought about him once since meeting
Nicos. She was certainly confused.
Mari wheeled her luggage towards an empty seat in the lounge area but suddenly longed for
fresh air to clear her head. She made her way to an outside seating area and found a shady
spot where other passengers were gathered waving their last goodbyes before their onward
journeys. As she watched these exchanges she felt a sense of loss, as though part of her
wished to return to her own loved ones. Oddly, another part of her wished to remain in
Athens, which she found hard to reconcile, as she had only arrived there that morning. Mari
felt a strange sense of disquiet and could not locate the source.
She had certainly had a life-changing few months and was heading into the unknown but this
feeling seemed different to the pain she had constantly felt since uncovering Peters
infidelity. It was a bittersweet feeling, certainly a sense of loss but now mixed with an edge
of excitement. Mari had not felt anything like it before and was not sure she liked it. She
really must pull herself together.
She turned and saw there was a queue at the coffee bar just inside the vessel and walked
towards it, finding an empty sofa to sit on. It was now early evening but the sun still shone
and Mari thought she could be doing a lot worse than sitting alone with her thoughts,
enjoying coffee as the sun went down. Around her the various families and groups of young
travellers sporting rucksacks were enjoying coffee and Retsina, some were having impromptu
picnics outside on the deck, wherever they could find the room. Mari wasnt hungry herself
but was glad to be ordering a strong coffee. She kept an eye on her luggage as, still shaken
from her earlier experience in Athens she didnt trust it to be safe.
She felt sad about this, as she had always considered herself an optimist who thought the best
of people. Mari then resolved not to let her negative experiences rule the rest of her summer,
even if this proved difficult. She would read her guide book about the Cyclades Islands and
think positive thoughts instead of concentrating on the negativity of the past few months. A
passing waiter smiled and asked if she would like something to drink. Yes please, could I
have a coffee with milk on the side? He nodded. You are English? Mari smiled in
response. I love England he said, Especially Liverpool. Good music and great football,
very English yes? I was there once and I visited the museum of The Beatles. Mari giggled.
But you have many museums in Greece, she said. Surely you did not need to travel so far
in search of culture? The man smiled again, There are many things of beauty in my country
I agree but perhaps England has more than enough of its own charms. Shooting Mari an
intense look and raising his eyebrows, the man headed towards the bar to prepare Maris
order. Really, she thought, the men Ive met today are certainly not shy! Reaching for her
guidebook she acknowledged that she wasnt altogether immune to the attention so
different to her romantic experiences lately.
Later, Mari gazed out of the window next to her seat and could just see the outskirts of
mainland disappearing in the twilight. Im really here, she thought, Ive actually done this.
For the first time in weeks Mari felt that she was more in control of her destiny. Yes, this was
frightening and she didnt know what was ahead of her but something felt different. When
she had planned this trip she was definitely running away, she had hardly been thinking
clearly at the time. No wonder her parents had thought she had taken leave of her senses! It
had been a strange and painful time, some days had passed in slow motion, whereas others
had raced ahead without her remembering a great deal of what had taken place. All she had
known was fear of the present time, of the future and at what life might throw at her next.
How dare Peter have left her in such a state of emotional turmoil, feeling like something that
had been wrung out to dry? Looking out to the distant landscape, Mari felt a hint of the red-
hot anger that had propelled her in her current direction and a steely determination was now
taking over. She was done with crying and ruminating about why these awful events had
happened to her. They were in the past and she now had to get on with the rest of her life and
stop dwelling on Peter and that dreadful woman.
Looking out to the deck Mari saw two young couples sat side by side in the dusk, one of the
young men had a guitar and was strumming gently, as the others sat quietly and sipped red
wine. The young man suddenly looked directly at one of the girls and smiled, strumming
louder and singing to her. A wave of sadness engulfed Mari. They seemed so in love and here
she was alone, having been betrayed so badly by a man who had once looked at her in that
way. Would she ever fall in love or trust a man again?
This thought called to mind her strange encounter with Nicos and how shaken she had been
by it. His leaving abruptly without giving her a chance to defend herself against his ridiculous
judgement had made her furious. The frustrating thing was that she would never get the
chance to tell him that she was the one who had been betrayed and was not the adulteress of
his imaginings. But why did the opinion of a man she had known for only two hours matter
so much to her? After all, he was arrogant, had taken charge as if it was his right to do so and
then had left her with a character assassination that had rendered her speechless. He had been
astonishingly attractive however so different from Peter who had been attractive in a sweet,
boyish sort of way. Nicos was definitely not a boy and could not under any circumstances be
described as sweet so maybe her tastes were changing? Thinking about him was making her
blush a little and Mari wondered what it would be like to be kissed by Nicos, to have him
make love to her. He would certainly approach any such union with passionate intensity and
Mari shivered suddenly, wondering if this was due to the coolness of the evening or
something a little more troubling.
*

An hour before the ferry was due to arrive at the port Mari consulted her itinerary and the
details of the small, functional hotel that was a short walk from the terminal. She had been
informed by her guide book that some of the streets behind the lively port were nothing more
than a stop-over destination and the nearby hotels reflected this. Charming for the residents of
the town, she thought! She had decided to stay overnight in one of the small hotels in the
town and the resort had arranged for her onward journey the following morning.
The Hotel Poseiden was aptly named for the god of the sea but the images she had
downloaded informed Mari that the proprietors were under no illusion that their guests would
be stopping more than a couple of nights. It appeared clean, comfortable and had a small
caf-bar on the ground floor that would more than serve her needs for the night. She had
made her reservation via the internet so hoped that this had all gone accordingly and that no
unpleasant surprises awaited her; Mari had had quite enough of those for the time being. All
she needed was a shower, some supper and a clean bed for the night so that she could arrive
bright and early at the resort to settle in to her new routine.
*
Much later, as she sat at an outside restaurant beside the marina, Mari was astonished at the
variety of vessels docked in the town. From small tug boats to expensive yachts, the Marina
was certainly a lively place to be. She had opted to dine away from the hotel, hoping to get a
sense of the town and she certainly was doing so. Loud groups of people were gathered in the
bars and cafs that were dotted around the marina's perimeter. They all appeared to be having
a good time, with waiters running back and forth bearing large platters of mouthwatering
seafood and carafes of wine. Traditional Greek instrumental music wafted from the various
eateries and this, combined with the warm evening breeze made Mari give a deep sigh of
contentment as she awaited her meal. She felt as though this was her first moment of
relaxation since those uneasy stirrings at Christmas and she was determined to enjoy it.
Sipping her glass of chilled white wine, Mari allowed herself a small smile as she
contemplated a future that might not be as troubling as her recent past.
She watched the promenade of people, confident couples in fashionable yachting regalia,
young families wheeling children in buggies and older Greek couples taking the air, as she bit
into Calamari that nearly melted in her mouth. A number of handsome men had passed by
Maris table and some had actually given her a second glance. Sitting alone she might have
felt self-conscious but something about being in such a different environment was bringing
out a less inhibited side of her nature and Mari grinned and nodded at the next man who
caught her eye.
The man looked quickly away and Mari giggled to herself, feeling quite light-headed
maybe it was the wine but Mari knew that her strange mood was due to more than alcohol.
There is a name for women behaving like that at the dockside, a disturbingly familiar voice
said, interrupting her pleasing thoughts. Looking around sharply Mari saw that it was Nicos,
who had been sat at a nearby table clearly watching her whilst smoking a cigar and drinking
Retsina. How had he arrived at the same island, clearly hours ahead of her? His expression
was grim, the mouth set in an unsmiling line as he stared directly at her, challenging her to a
response. No gentleman to accompany you to dinner, so youll find one before the bill
arrives, is that it? he growled. Mari gasped at this innuendo whilst trying to compose herself
against the shock of meeting him again so unexpectedly. She took a deep breath and in as
calm a voice as she could manage responded, No, Im perfectly capable of requesting the bill
myself, which Im about to do as the atmosphere here has suddenly given me no appetite.
Looking around Mari caught the eye of the waiter and beckoned him over.
Could I cancel the next course and pay the bill please? she asked, I dont like some of the
customers you serve here but thank you very much, the food I did eat was delicious. The
waiter looked troubled and asked Mari who had been bothering her. The gentleman on the
table behind me but dont worry, Im happy to leave. You might inform the owner of the
more undesirable elements in his establishment in case it proves bad for business. The waiter
looked over her shoulder and blushed violently, looking back at Mari with some
embarrassment. She heard a cruel roar of laughter from behind her and then Nicos's voice
addressing the waiter, Dont trouble yourself George, I wont hold it against you the lady
is clearly a troublemaker. It might be better to forget the bill and allow her to leave quietly.
The waiter gave a relieved nod and moved away from the table.
Did you not take notice of the name of this restaurant when you arrived? the mocking voice
continued. Mari froze as, looking up at the restaurant sign realisation dawned the restaurant
was named Androulou and she could also see it printed on the table linen.
I thought not, said Nicos. J ust another Greek restaurant we are everywhere and have no
individuality of course. This restaurant however, happens to belong to me, alongside its four
sisters elsewhere on the island. If we are discussing undesirables, I take full notice of your
recommendation to my waiter and agree, its very bad for business to have your type sitting
in full view of my more respectable patrons. I suggest you leave discretely and well forget
the bill.
Maris face flushed with shame as she stood and fumbled with her purse, humiliation
burning, alongside another emotion she did not immediately recognise. Before she could stop
herself Mari extracted a fifty Euro note from her purse and threw it at Nicoss feet, driven by
a rage she had never before experienced. You might consort with women of that type, you
may very well need to as no self respecting woman would tolerate you but dont ever confuse
me with your usual sort,' she said through gritted teeth. 'You might also need to reconsider
your customer service skills theyre very lacking. With this she gathered her belongings
and walked through the restaurant with her head held high, not looking back once to see the
effect of her actions. As she passed along the waterfront Maris bravado waned and she felt
tears prick at the back of her eyes. Why was she being treated so unfairly by the men she
encountered? She needed space away from the crowds to breath again and made her way
down a set of steps onto a wooden walkway. After a few minutes she saw a small jetty with
only a few small boats moored alongside and decided to sit alone at the end to sort through
her confused emotions.
After a few minutes she was breathing normally again and the anger she had felt in the
restaurant had subsided. Mari was feeling unsettled and wondered again whether she had
done the right thing by leaving England. Was she being a coward, running away when she
should have stayed to work through her problems? She couldnt have borne the constant
phone calls from Peter, begging her forgiveness though, she had needed to be away from him.
Mari was now determined that she would make the most of her time away and resolved to be
a stronger person on her return. A woman who took no nonsense from men, a woman a man
wouldnt dare cheat on. From now on she would control her own life and not experience life
as just surviving pain and disaster. She heard a step on the wooden jetty and turned around. It
was Nicos, holding a bottle of wine and two glasses. How dare you follow me again! Mari
said. Nicos looked down on her and a smile crinkled the corners of his eyes. I didnt need to
follow you, I know everyone in this town. It was not difficult to track the whereabouts of the
hot-headed Englishwoman. Now, will you have the drink I should have offered you in the
restaurant? See, I can be a charming host when I choose!
Mari looked up at him knowing that she should stop this now. The man had been
unspeakably rude to her, misjudging her and calling her character into question. After her
experience with Peter, she really didnt deserve any of this and a complex character such as
Nicos was probably the last thing she needed. I dont want any wine thanks as a woman
travelling alone I need to stay alert, she replied coldly. Nicos sat beside her and poured two
glasses of the ruby liquid. Alert? But where are the dangers on this beautiful island? Look at
the wine through the light the hearts blood of our community here and after all, Bacchus
was a Greek. Let him guide you through the next hour and I will ensure your safe return after
this. Mari looked at the wine he held up, the lights from the harbour dancing through its rich
colour. Im afraid Bacchus hasnt brought me much luck to date, she responded My ex was
a wine merchant and that experience has taught me to stay very alert. Nicos put his finger to
her lips Shhh,' he whispered, 'let us not speak of disagreeable things.
He moved closer beside her and dangled his legs over the jetty. A comfortable silence passed
between them and Mari looked out at the lights on the horizon. Fishing vessels, said Nicos.
I dont know where I should be without them, my restaurants specialise in preparing the
local catch of the day. Next time you might broaden your culinary horizons. He leaned over
Mari to and refilled her glass.
She could smell the pleasant, lemon-scented aftershave on his neck and his nearness made
her draw a small breath. Nicos turned to her but this time didnt smile. His look was intense
and as his eyes bored into hers she could see the hunger in them. He placed his hand on the
back of her head and gently drew her towards him. Mari parted her lips to receive his kiss and
as his lips met her own she felt her stomach turn to liquid. His mouth was strong, searching
and she felt herself respond with equal curiosity, matching his desire.
His hand ran through her hair as he kept her to him and as they parted he groaned softly.
You are driving me crazy, English woman. Mari felt electrified as he moved closer again
and she lost herself in his embrace. All she could think and feel was Nicos, inhaling his scent
and matching his own desire with her own.
As his hand moved along her neck and slowly down her back she felt her pulse quicken and
she took a sharp breath as he moved inside the fine material of her blouse. She should stop
this immediately. Oh Nicos, she moaned, Please stop. His hand moved into her hair and
he tilted her head towards him, searching her face with his intense brown eyes. No, he
whispered , You dont want me to stop, I can feel your enjoyment. Bringing his mouth
down to her own he renewed his vigour and crushed her with his passion until she nearly
cried out. Mari was lost she had never experienced this sensation with Peter, she felt alive
and every nerve ending was crying out for satisfaction. Nicos's hand moved to her stomach in
small circles and then upward and Mari knew that she would abandon herself totally were she
to allow this to continue. Moving away from him she placed her hand gently on his mouth,
No Nicos, we have to stop. Looking up at him Mari was shocked his eyes were ablaze but
in a very different way from moments earlier.
He looked angrier than she had ever seen anyone look, as though he positively hated her. She
sat up with a start and questioned her actions. She couldnt have allowed this lovemaking to
continue on the jetty, she hadnt known the man for five minutes! Nicos, stop looking at me
like that. We couldnt have let this continue, you know that. It was a lovely, out of control
moment but really Ive told you Im not the kind of woman you seem to think I am.
Drawing a deep breath she awaited his response.
Nicos silently rose and replaced his shoes, poured himself a glass of wine and raising it to
her. Then you are doing a fine job of masquerading as one but even worse I think you
arouse a mans passion and then toy with him for your own pleasure. I do not play games so
you will have to find another victim. I prefer the type of woman you are referring to, they are
honest and uncomplicated but you my dear are a poison chalice. Enjoy the rest of the wine.
He turned quickly on his heel and made his way along the jetty not looking back once. Mari
felt hot tears streaming down her cheeks. Why was life so difficult and complicated? If she
had allowed Nicos to make love to her he would have considered her cheap but now she had
stopped it he viewed her as a manipulator. What was she to do?
She suddenly remembered her earlier thoughts of being a stronger woman and taking control
of her life. She would not allow this strange, unpredictable man to ruin her travels two days
ago she had not know of his existence, why should he hold so much importance in her
thoughts? She stood up shakily - she must still be in shock and looked around for her
possessions. Tidying her hair Mari worked out her route back to her hotel and reasoned that
she could continue along the wooden walkway and enter the centre of the small town further
along. This way she could stay away from the crowds and avoid any possibility of running
into Nicos again.
She was also concerned that their encounter had been witnessed by eagle-eyed locals who
might also share Nicoss view of her and she could most certainly do without that sort of
negative attention. A few minutes later Mari came upon a set of steps that led her up to the
main promenade and she saw that the hotel was to be found through a passageway opposite.
It was a good thing that she had a sharp sense of direction and hadnt been dependent upon
her uninvited companion's promise to ensure her safe return that evening! The thought
strangely comforted her. Here she was in an unfamiliar town in a strange country, knowing
nobody apart from a man she would take all costs to avoid like the plague yet she still felt a
sense of liberation that she had been brave enough to embark upon this adventure.
A few weeks ago she had been a music teacher in a small town with her life apparently
mapped out for her. Crossing the road she speculated that her current situation had arisen
from tragic events but with even a few weeks distance she had started to feel like a different
person. With that thought Mari strode purposefully along the passageway leading to her
hotel.
She entered the small reception and smiled at the elderly lady crocheting behind the desk.
The lady handed her a piece of paper on which a message had been written (presumably by
the hotels proprietor who had been managing reception when Mari had left for dinner). It
was from her new employers telling her that Yannis was picking up supplies in town in the
morning and would collect her from her hotel.
The note also let her know that she should be ready ahead of time as the 09:30 pick-up was
approximate and that she was lucky to be getting a lift. Mari was relieved that she wouldnt
have to use two local buses to arrive at her destination and she could now relax, knowing that
she did not need to rise at 06:00 after all. She thanked the lady who nodded in response then
Mari mounted the stairs to the second floor.
*
After her shower Mari looked through her suitcase wondering if she had brought correct
clothing with her. She had two pairs of jeans, as she had been worried about mosquitoes at
night, a pair of three-quarter length jeans, similar length khaki trousers and khaki shorts. Her
white shorts might not be suitable if she was working so she decided they might be useful on
her day off if she needed a break from work clothes.
A selection of different colour vests and plain T-shirts completed her work clothes, as did her
walking boots and gym shoes. Underneath the work clothes she had packed a few dressier
items, small spaghetti strapped dresses and tops, with some favourite items of jewellery and a
shell necklace. This should do for the summer, she had probably brought too much and Mari
couldnt think when she might need to dress up in the evening. Still, it was best to be
prepared. At the bottom of the suitcase Mari had packed the dress she had planned to wear as
her going away dress after her wedding. It would have stayed in the wardrobe forever had
she not decided to pack it for this trip. The purchase had been an impulse-buy and as Mari sat
on the bed she remembered the day she had brought it, so excited and full of hope for the
future.
She had visited Bath with her mother who loved the town and liked nothing better than to
spend a day browsing in antique shops and having lunch at a decent restaurant. Maris father
did not accompany his wife on her outings, as she liked the opportunity of having a girls
day out with her daughter. They had been finishing coffee when Maris mother had spotted a
vintage clothes boutique she hadnt been aware of before. She insisted that they visit and try
on at least one item each. Mari presumed that the boutique would be expensive and that they
would be wasting the owners time, parading about in dresses they had no intention of
purchasing.
She had been pleasantly surprised that many items were in her price range and included items
from the 1950s and 1960s. Her mother had reminisced about the clothing and had spoken
about dates with Maris father and what she had worn in those days. Mari, ever the romantic,
had thought about the wedding she hoped would not be in the too far distance and decided
that she would try on a possible going away outfit to see if anything suited. After a couple
of quite nice choices the proprietor had handed Mari a dress she hadnt seen on the racks. It
was simply quite stunning! A 1960s sleeveless dinner dress that came to just above the knee,
lined with an over-layer of turquoise chiffon that caught the light whichever way she turned.
She had rushed to put it on and standing back from the mirror had been astonished at the
transformation. The material had contrasted beautifully with her pale skin, making her eyes
and lips stand out in a way no outfit had ever done. She would need minimal make-up and
could accessorise the dress beautifully. Her mother had adored the outfit and had insisted on
paying for it, stating that she had never seen Mari look more beautiful and of course it would
make the perfect going away outfit.
She had been so happy and had practically floated on air the entire afternoon, keeping the bag
with its precious cargo close to her side until she safely transported it home. Sitting on the
bed in the Hotel Poseidon Mari returned to the present. Getting the dress out of the suitcase
she decided to try it on to see if it still brought her the same excitement. Zipping up the back
of the dress she turned to look in the mirror and was delighted that it was still working its
magic, transforming her from a pale English woman into something decidedly more
glamorous.
The feeling didnt remain for long however as Mari called to mind the old saying, all dressed
up with nowhere to go. She quickly removed the dress and placed it carefully back in the
suitcase who knew what occasion might present itself where she would need a Cinderella
moment? So far she had no hopes of being whisked off her feet and treated like a princess
especially if the last twenty four hours had been anything to go by.
She now thought about the encounters with Nicos and how they had ended in acrimony, with
her having her character pulled to pieces by the man. He certainly did not have a very
positive view of women if he was that quick to jump to the wild conclusions that he had. She
wondered what had happened in his life to make him so angry and mistrustful? Somewhere
along the line he had been badly hurt she supposed and then chided herself for allowing him
to dominate her thoughts once again.
She had been badly hurt this year yet didnt explode with anger at any available opportunity,
so why should Nicos be allowed away with such bad behaviour? Really, the man needed to
grow up or take anger management classes he would never be happy if he kept making
women pay for someone else's crimes. He was certainly hot-headed, passionate and quite a
task for anybody brave enough to take him on. Mari however, had experienced quite enough
of extreme emotion for the year and certainly did not need the added complication of a man
like Nicos in her life just now.
She could not help thinking back to just how passionate he had been on the jetty and felt
herself blush once again. No wonder he had a mixed view of her! She herself had a confused
view about who the woman on the jetty had been surely not the Mari she had known in
England. She had never given herself so totally to a kiss nor had behaved with such abandon.
Surely she should be ashamed of her behaviour and what would people at home think? At
that moment Mari realised that she didnt care what people at home thought, she wasnt at
home and she would meet whatever she encountered head on, shed played safe all her life
and it hadnt gotten her anywhere. With this thought in mind Mari climbed into bed and told
herself that when she awoke, she would be starting the rest of her life and would make sure
this time that it was a good life.

CHAPTER THREE
Mari awoke early the next morning with the sun streaming through the window. She settled
back against the pillows listening to the sounds from outside as caf owners and delivery staff
went about their early morning business. On waking she had known where she was
immediately and for once did not experience an immediate knot of anxiety in her stomach.
The promise she had made to herself the night before was the first thing she thought about
and Mari smiled to herself , acknowledging that she was at last recovering from the awful
events of the past few months.
Her transport would not arrive for another hour and Mari decided she would dress, take a
short walk and look for somewhere to have breakfast. The hotel provided a buffet breakfast
but Mari thought she would prefer to sit by the marina and enjoy a leisurely coffee. The
marina! J ust thinking about it brought about a wave of shame as Mari remembered the events
of the evening before. How far she had allowed things to go! She wondered if her out-of-
character behaviour was partly due to the exciting surroundings but she knew that the
attraction between herself and Nicos was intoxicating and the moment they had shared had
been one of madness that she had done well to put a stop to. His reaction had been extreme
however, like a toddler throwing a tantrum in a supermarket. Sighing, she realised that Nicos
was far from being a child and someone she clearly needed to keep away from to preserve her
dignity, never mind her sanity.
After dressing Mari walked through an alleyway and gasped at the prettiness of the scene
before her. The sun glinted on the water, so bright it nearly hurt her eyes. Boats bobbed on
the water and the harbour restaurants bustled with activity, as people flocked in to enjoy
breakfast. Having decided to eat as far away from Nicos's restaurant as possible, she settled at
an outside table nearby and studied the menu with interest. Her evening meal had ended
abruptly and Mari was determined to enjoy a leisurely breakfast especially as she would
spend her mornings working hard from now on. A waiter approached and Mari ordered
strong coffee to begin with, followed by a selection of fruit with yoghurt and honey.
The waiter brought a basket of warm rolls and Mari broke one, spread it with honey and sat
back to enjoy her meal. As she finished the meal the waiter returned, Can I get you anything
else, more coffee perhaps? Mari smiled and shook her head, No thank you the coffee is
delicious but much stronger than at home. Id better make a move.
The waiter nodded and pulled her chair out for her, Are you staying locally? he asked. Mari
explained that she was heading to the resort to work for the summer and the waiter said that
he knew the place, it was in a very beautiful setting and she was sure to have an enjoyable
summer. As she paid her bill and walked away Mari remembered the promise she had made
to herself and was determined that the summer would indeed be enjoyable. She deserved
some happiness after all she had been through.
An hour later she was sitting in the front of a small van, heading around a hillside road. Her
companion, Yannis did not speak, studying the road intently with a cigarette hanging from
the corner of his mouth. Looking sideways Mari guessed that he was in his fifties and looked
as though he didnt smile very much. Still, he had been courteous enough towards her,
helping to put her luggage into the back of the van. The road, whilst treacherous in
appearance, appeared to hold no fear for her companion. As they rounded a sharp curve Mari
chided herself for forgetting that in Greece they drove on the opposite side of the road to
home and she would need to stop clutching her seat and wanting to shriek every time an
oncoming vehicle approached.
Mari looked up as Yannis suddenly tutted with irritation. A silver sports car had riskily and
suddenly overtaken them on a curve in the road. Hmmp, he snorted, The Big Man.
Flicking his cigarette quickly out of the open window he pressed harder on the accelerator,
beeping his horn continuously as he closed in on the car in front. Mari drew in a sharp breath,
the last thing she needed was to break up an altercation between two strangers. Was Yannis
mad? This old van could never go head-to-head with a sports car and his stupid, male pride
might get them both hurt in an accident! Please Yannis, stop it! she cried as the driver
started shouting in Greek and shaking his fist at his opponent. The driver in front also started
beeping his horn and Maris nerves were in shreds as the sports car started to slow down,
coming to a stop before them. Yannis braked suddenly, jolting Mari in her seat before
flinging the door open and jumping down onto the road. You think you are something
special Big Man? He roared, running towards the sports car. Mari covered her face with her
hands and shook her head. She observed the scene unfolding before with horror then a
mounting interest, as a well dressed woman appeared from the passenger side of the sports
car and walked quickly towards Yannis. Really Yannis, she drawled in a heavy accent,
These histrionics wont do. You will damage that vehicle of yours.
Mari surveyed the woman who was about her own height with a slim yet curvaceous figure.
Her shoulder-length dark hair was held neatly in place by an aqua silk scarf that matched the
tailored shirt she wore over slim-legged black trousers. Dark glasses and loafer shoes
complemented the outfit, which Mari found to be fashionable yet classy and understated. She
made a bet that the sunglasses hadnt been purchased in one of the beach shops she had
spotted along the way. This womans whole style was expensive and she carried it off in a
way Mari could never hope to and she compared herself unfavourably to the woman, sitting
here in her pastel T-shirt and denim shorts.
Yannis continued to shout and wave his arms about in an agitated fashion, calling for the
driver of the car to show himself. Nicos darling, the woman called over her shoulder, You
really need to get out and deal with this yourself. This feud of yours is becoming tiresome.
Hearing this, Mari was horrified. Please dont let it be... she whispered to herself as a pair of
denim-clad legs emerged from the drivers seat of the sports car. Looking through the fingers
of her hands as they covered her face, Mari saw that it was indeed Nicos stalking angrily
towards Yannis in the centre of the road. He too, was wearing loafer shoes and a crisp, white
shirt open to the waist. Despite herself, Mari could not help admiring the contours of his chest
and stomach as she also took in the strong forearms in rolled up sleeves. How deeply
inappropriate she thought, given the current circumstances!
Nicos had removed his sunglasses and was pointing them menacingly towards Yannis as he
matched the older mans voice in volume. This stops now you stupid old man! He shouted.
That business was brought in good faith and I gave Andreas a fair price, so let it go. I wont
put up with your nonsense do you hear? If I thought it would be a fair fight Id kick your
behind all over this road. Mari then witnessed Yannis removing his shirt before assuming a
boxing stance. The brunette had returned to the car and was leaning against it smoking a
cigarette and looking on in what appeared to be amusement. Surely they werent about to
embark on a physical fight, Mari wondered in horror - Nicos had the advantage by at least
twenty years. Why didnt the woman encourage Nicos back to the car or tell him how
ridiculous he was being?
Yannis began moving around Nicos in a dancing style reminiscent of famous boxers, fists
raised in anticipation of attack. Both Nicos and the brunette bellowed with laughter, Yannis,
the woman cried, If you had wanted to do the Syrtaki you only needed to ask, Nicos and I
both adore dancing. Mari had seen enough, how could they humiliate the older man in such a
cruel fashion? She opened the door and climbed down from the van, bristling with anger.
Hey, you two, she shouted toward Nicos and his companion, Thats enough. You should be
ashamed of yourselves, ridiculing him like that. Go back to your car and find something else
to amuse you bear baiting perhaps!
Nicos and his companion looked at her in surprise, as Yannis turned and shouted, Go back
girl this is nothing to do with you! Recognition appeared to dawn on Nicos and his mouth
set in a hard line. You! he snarled through clenched teeth. Whenever trouble is at hand,
you are never far away. You and the old man are well suited! Did you share Ouzo in some
back street bar after leaving my company last night? Mari was outraged. What was it about
this man that could incite her rage more spontaneously than any person she had ever known?
How dare you!' she yelled, must you debase every contact between a man and woman to fit
your own sordid view of the world? The brunette came nearer and began looking Mari up
and down in a very intense fashion, dissecting her from head to toe.
How do you know this person Nicos? She inquired icily. I thought you were working
yesterday evening? Mari turned to face Nicos, waiting to see how he would react to the
question. This woman is nobody Carla, he responded, she ate at the marina and caused
trouble with one of the waiters last evening. She was dining alone and I think probably had
too much to drink. Lets go. Taking the brunettes arm he led her back to the car and got in
without so much as a backward glance at Mari.
Yannis too had returned to his vehicle and signalled abruptly that Mari should climb aboard.
She walked to the vehicle dejectedly, once again feeling the sting of tears in the back of her
eyes. How could Nicos treat her with such passion one minute and like a complete stranger
the next? The exchange had been humiliating especially as Nicos had suggested that she
was a trouble-maker with a drink problem when it was she that had left the restaurant the
previous evening. Honestly, she had come to the island to avoid heartache and troubling
situations and had become embroiled in both in less than twenty four hours! She hoped that
this was the last she had seen of Nicos and especially his companion, the way Carla had
looked at her had chilled her to the bone definitely a woman to be avoided at all costs.
*
The rest of the journey passed uneventfully with Yannis next to her in a deep, brooding
silence. Mari leaned back in her seat and decided to enjoy the view and what a view. The
road had climbed and she now looked down over a small bay with water so blue it was nearly
impossible to look at. A number of small boats were anchored in the bay alongside a larger
vessel with red sails. The beach, unlike some of the shingle beaches she had seen along the
journey was a stretch of golden sand on which families were starting to settle for the day,
beach towels and 'cool bags' dotted along the front of the shore. With the sun shining in a
cloudless sky Mari sighed at the beauty of it all and decided in such agreeable surroundings it
would be a waste to ponder on the scene that had taken place earlier.
Yannis lit another cigarette and signalled to turn left. Mari did not think the road wide enough
to accommodate a vehicle, let alone a van. Passing under overhanging trees that formed a
green tunnel they suddenly emerged into bright sunlight again and Mari had to shade her eyes
with her hand. The surroundings were now extremely rural with goats and sheep in the fields
either side of the road. Their bleats and sound of bells around the necks of the goats made
Mari realise she was in a heavenly, peaceful place what would the resort be like? Another
sharp left and Yannis took the van along a steep path that suddenly dipped toward the bay.
The earlier scene came into focus and Mari heard the sound of children playing and the sea
lapping upon the shore. Going through a wide set of gates a sign announced Hora Camping
with an illustration of a beach scene and a camper van. Yannis pulled alongside an
outbuilding that announced itself as reception with a set of stairs running down to a deck
restaurant with a cheerful striped awning. Clearly this was a tad more developed than the
basic campsite of Maris imagination.
Yannis called out a greeting that Mari did not understand and a small woman in a bikini
stepped out of the office. Maybe the proprietor would soon join them, Mari supposed. The
woman pulled a pair of wedged sandals onto her previously bare feet, lit a cigarette and
approached the van. She squinted up at Mari and asked, Are you the English woman? in
heavily accented English. Um, yes. Mari responded, wondering who on earth the lady was.
O.K. good. Bring your things and follow me, she replied and turned back towards the
reception room. Mari scrambled down from the van and grabbed her luggage. She turned to
Yannis to thank him and suddenly remembered the awful scene on the journey with Nicos
and Carla. Drawing Yannis into a hug she thanked him for his help and hoped she would see
him soon to share a drink with.
The man initially looked startled but his rough features softened and he grinned in response.
I think the big man, Nicos knows you from before somewhere? he asked. Mari blushed and
replied, Only in passing, for which Im very relieved. I wont be seeing him again
hopefully. Yannis looked at her then barked with laughter, wagging his finger at her as
though she had told him a joke. Well see, he chuckled as he climbed into his van, waving
at Mari as he reversed roughly onto the path. Tooting his horn Yannis disappeared into the
trees and Mari realised she had finally arrived. What was ahead of her? Hey lady, are you
coming in or not? Her small companions voice interrupted Maris thoughts. Picking up the
luggage she followed the woman into the reception area and was immediately soothed by the
coolness of the room and the rattan furniture scattered around for the guests.
The lady stood behind the reception desk and held her hand out in greeting, Im Cassandra
Cassie for short, so you must be Mary? Mari laughed and shook her hand, Similar name but
its Mari. Mary, Mari, Maria its all the same,' Cassie replied, 'now, lets get you settled.
You dont have to work today this is good news I think? J ust to let you know that I run
things over the summer and any problems you have you must come to speak with me. OK?
Mari nodded. I will get Giuseppe to show you to where you will sleep and take you to look
around the place. He will allocate duty rotas each day. Do you want some coffee? Mari said
that she would love a coffee and Cassie waved to the sofa indicating that Mari should sit for
the time being. Lighting another cigarette, Cassie lifted the phone and issued an instruction.
When she replaced the receiver she told Mari to go down to the deck restaurant, where
Giuseppe would meet up with her.
A few minutes later, Mari was sitting happily with a frothy Cappuccino looking over the deck
towards the beach. The resort was settled on a number of levels into the hillside with the
ground level housing camper vans and caravans, the next levels housing various sizes of tents
and the level she was on housing the restaurant and a small outdoor swimming pool in which
she could hear children splashing and squealing with delight. The lady that had brought her
drink was now sweeping down the decking area and had her back to Mari, leaving her to
enjoy the moment.
A young man came towards the restaurant from the swimming pool area and Mari looked at
him admiringly. He was tall and looked slim but well built in a singlet and shorts, bearing the
logo of the resort. His dark hair hung in a slightly grown-out style that suited him and gave
him the look of a singer in a rock band which complemented his dark, mischievous eyes and
beaming smile. Mari surmised that none of the young women in the area would be safe from
his charms!
Kelimera he said in the national greeting and pulled a chair up beside Mari. You are very
pretty, which is good. Mari laughed in response and held out her hand Im Mari you must
be Giuseppe? The young man gave a mock salute and taking her hand, planted a kiss upon
the back of it. I love to work here so many gorgeous girls and you and I get to live together
for the summer. Heaven, he sighed. Mari became slightly alarmed.
Do we have to sleep in dormitories then? I didnt know we would all be sharing. Giuseppe
looked puzzled. Dormitories what is this? Mari explained and Giuseppe threw his head
back with laughter and waved his finger to indicate she was wrong. Do you think Cassie
would trust me in a room with nine women? She would have no workers left by August!
I must suggest this to her for the next season. But not today she has important guests this
evening and is now smoking two cigarettes at a time with the pressure. Give me your bag and
I will show you where you will be sleeping. You do have to share with one other but Anna
will give you no trouble, she sleeps the sleep of the dead by nine oclock in the evening.
Picking up her belongings Giuseppe skipped up the stairs ahead of her and made his way
down a steep flight of steps. Come on, he said, only another four flights to go dont slip.
Mari followed him down to the ground level of the resort, where families were sitting under
awnings to shelter from the sun, which was intense. They passed two blocks of bathrooms
and several barbeque areas. These are for the paying guests but we have our own recreation
area at the back of the staff accommodation, Giuseppe informed Mari. They turned towards
the last building of the site, which was a small apartment block facing away from the main
area. Home, he said, reaching in his pocket for keys. Opening the door Giuseppe indicated
for Mari to follow as he climbed the stairs to the upper floor. Mari saw four rooms with a
bathroom at the end of the corridor. There are two workers to each room and you share the
bathroom. Im afraid you are last on the list as your co-workers arrived before you.
'Dont jump the queue; Ive spent too many summers intervening in arguments about the
bathroom, which is a waste of energy. I prefer to conserve mine for more pleasurable
pursuits. Really, Mari thought, he was too much! Giuseppe opened a door nearest to the
bathroom, Room 3 and threw Maris bags on to the vacant bed. Unpack and refresh yourself.
You have to give the pipes a kick to keep the shower hot on occasion but just call if you need
my help. Id be very happy to scrub your back. He winked and turned to leave. Do many
take you up on that offer, Giuseppe? Mari asked.
Youd be surprised, he replied, The heat can have a powerful effect upon a person. Lets
see what this summer brings. But onto more mundane topics - Ill meet you in the restaurant
in an hour and we will run through your duties for the week.
*
Later, Mari appeared showered and refreshed in a lemon vest and shorts with hair tied in a
loose pony-tail. Giuseppe was waiting for her at the far end of the restaurant, deep in
conversation with Cassie. Yes, they know, he was saying, Elise and Marianne will serve
and Andreas has already done the preparation for the entre. He saw Mari and waved at her
to join them. We all need to make ourselves scarce this evening, one of Cassie's investors is
being wined and dined and she wishes to make a good impression. No backstage staff must
be visible.
Cassie blew a plume of cigarette smoke in Giuseppes direction and waved his suggestion
away with her hand, No messing Giuseppe I mean it. Anyone not working needs to stay
around the quarters or head out for the evening. I dont want a repeat of the fiasco with
Markos do you understand? She nodded at Mari and walked in the direction of the kitchen,
still sporting the bikini of earlier. Does Cassie wear the bikini to dinner? Mari asked. Dont
be cheeky, Giuseppe warned with a quick smile. Shes a hard task master but her shout, is
that how you say it? Her shout is worse than her bite. Mari nodded to indicate that she
understood the general point of what he was saying.
Giuseppe retrieved a clip-board from the seat beside him and motioned to Mari to sit down.
Each of the resort workers is allocated duties a week at a time. You will either be on
domestic duties, cleaning and such like, working in the shop downstairs or tending to the
restaurant. Cassie works the reception but we might get called to help if she needs to be
elsewhere. If you work the restaurant you will either be on breakfast / lunch duty or on the
evening / dinner shift. The dinner is of course, busier as our customers mainly like to cater for
themselves during the day.
If you are on cleaning duty you will start at six and finish at two in the afternoon and then
you are free to enjoy the rest of the day. I have placed you on this duty until Sunday and your
room-mate Anna will take you through the daily tasks and show you where to find
everything. Is this clear? Mari nodded. Oh, you will be allowed one day off every two
weeks,' he continued, 'this is a busy time and we do not have enough staff to allocate any
more free time. As I have said, when your duties are finished you are free to enjoy your own
time. You can generally find a ride into the nearest town at lunchtime or in the evening a
group of us are going up this evening to have some food, would you like to join us? Yes,
please,' Mari replied, 'it will be lovely to meet everybody. Do we have to dress up? Giuseppe
laughed in response, this is essentially a campsite Mari and you will probably be travelling
on the back of a motorcycle do you think a cocktail dress will fit with the surroundings?
Mari blushed and asked what time she should meet the group later. Six Oclock, as Cassie's
dinner party begins at seven. Meet us outside reception and whatever you do, dont agree to
travelling with Markos should he offer. Intrigued, Mari left the restaurant to explore the area,
wondering who Markos was and why he was spoken about as such a liability.
She walked again down the flights of stairs leading to the ground level and followed
signposts to the beach. It was glorious. The water a shade of aquamarine she was very unused
to and golden sand that was something like a photograph in a holiday brochure. It seemed as
though the beach, although a public place was used mainly by customers of the resort and
was therefore not over-crowded, nor littered with sun umbrellas. Three tavernas and a shop
were on the other side of the small road and children were running to and from the shop
carrying sweets and ice-creams.
Mari caught the smell of a barbeque and saw a small cart at the roadside roasting whole heads
of sweet corn. She now felt hungry as she had not eaten since breakfast and bought herself
some corn, taking it in a napkin to sit on a rock near the shore. As she sat and watched people
passing by Mari felt a strange sense of contentment and thought it was the first moment she
had truly relaxed since her break-up with Peter. She had not been abroad for long but her old
life felt very far away at this moment in time and instead of feeling as though she were in
recovery from the awful events that had led her here.
She now felt a little more in control and curious about the future, she was spending the
evening in the company of a group of people she had never met before and this was a thing
she would never have considered at home. Maybe she was changing after all and instead of
feeling afraid, Mari felt a small tingle of excitement at what the next few months would
bring.
*
At five to six Mari checked her reflection in the hallway mirror of the staff quarters. She had
taken Giuseppes advice and had gone for a pretty, casual look that could be worn in any
situation she might encounter this evening. Three quarter length denim Capri pants coupled
with a green satin vest and her emerald drop earrings complimented the healthy glow she had
achieved since she had been in Greece. She had pinned her hair up loosely and a few tendrils
framed her face in a flattering way that was picked out with light make up and lip gloss, for a
more natural look. Slipping on sequinned outdoor slippers Mari shut the door behind her and
made her way towards the reception building. A group of about six people were already
there. Anna, her German room-mate whom Mari had met briefly in passing, two other
women of about the same age as Mari, Giuseppe and a larger man who was unshaven with a
large mop of unruly dark curls.
Good evening, said Giuseppe. Have you met everybody? You know Anna and of course,
me although not as well as I would like here are Francoise and Rosie and may I introduce
you to the infamous Markos, local bad boy.
The women smiled and said hello and the man introduced as Markos gave Mari a very
appraising look and then beat his chest in Tarzan fashion and whooped his approval, to the
amusement of the rest of the party. Take no notice Mari, he likes to make a first impression,
warned Giuseppe, and second, third and fourth, he quipped further. Markos and his wild
ways are indulged around here because he is related to Cassie's main backer and she has
taken him off the familys hands for the summer. He is supposed to work but mainly looks
after his cousins yacht and chases female tourists around the area. Say hello properly
Markos.
The man bowed his curly head towards Mari and said, I am very pleased to meet with you,
lovely lady. Take no heed of my friend here; he is just jealous of my prowess with the ladies.
As for this evening, I will be happy for you to ride with me I assure you I will return you in
one piece. Mari looked uncertainly to Giuseppe, who was consumed with laughter. You are
moving too fast my Greek friend and will frighten the English lady away by your
forwardness, he teased. Now people, if everyone is happy we will meet for drinks at Monas
and then wander along to Harry for dinner. Is this agreeable? The group nodded in
agreement. Mari, I am taking you in my car so some other fool can risk themselves on the
hillside roads with Markos if they wish. Markoss shook a fist in a mock threat towards
Giuseppe and then informed him he would race him to the town. Giuseppe moved towards
his car, waving for Mari to join him.
When she was seated Mari asked Giuseppe how long he had been working at Hora Camping.
This will be my fifth year,' he replied. 'I came as a visitor from Italy the first summer and
made friends with Cassie and her brother. I now work hard from April to October and use the
money I have earned to travel during the winter. Mari sighed, thinking that Giuseppe lived a
much uncomplicated life. Doesnt that feel a bit nomadic? she asked. I dont like to be tied
down in any way, he replied. This way I have fun all year around, make some good friends
and escape any shall we say, complications? He smiled at Mari, So why are you here? Are
you also escaping complications? Mari shuddered at the thought of her recent unpleasant
months and the pain she had suffered, Yes, she replied, Something like that.
Giuseppe looked at her with concern and then gave her a wry smile. Dont be sad,' he said,
'you are far too lovely. Who knows what will happen? Be a bit more like me and dont worry
so much about tomorrow. So tonight we will have some fun, yes? Mari nodded and said that
with Markos in tow, the evening was bound to bring a few surprises. Yes, agreed Giuseppe
Hed better not play up when he gets back or Cassie will definitely tell him to go this time.
His cousin might also take a dim view if hes drunk again. Oh, said Mari Is his cousin
Cassie's husband or something? Giuseppe shook his head, No, he replied, His cousin is the
guest of honour tonight hes Cassie's main backer and were all a little intimidated by him,
all except Markos it would seem. Ive told the fool before that with an important man like
that hes making a big mistake getting on the wrong side of him. I see, said Mari So who
is this Greek God we need to bow and scrape to? Oh sorry didnt I say?' asked Giuseppe.
'Remember the name, its Nicos, Nicos Androulou.
CHAPTER FOUR
On her return journey from the town Mari reflected on her very pleasant evening. The group
had met in a harbour bar and Harry, the proprietor could not have been more welcoming. He
poured Ouzo for everyone and toasted them in the traditional way; Mari laughed as she
clinked glasses with her new friends and shouted Yammas before downing the liquorice-
flavoured aperitif. Giuseppe had been attentive and Mari had the sense that he had been
circling and watching her throughout the evening. This was one complication she did not
need and she resolved to be very careful where he was concerned. Her room-mate Anna had
told her a little about her own background and how she spent summers on different Greek
islands working until the autumn when she would return to her university in Bonn. The other
women were in similar situations and did not find it remotely unusual that Mari had left her
job to spend the summer in Greece. She had not told them everything about herself and did
not feel she was being pushed into doing so, the evening having a relaxed, friendly feel.
They had moved to an excellent restaurant, where Markos had taken it upon himself to order
for everybody. A huge selection of meats - gyros and souvlaki she had been told was
accompanied by bowls of salad and feta with a delicious dip made from split peas and served
with baskets of bread. Marcus had ordered and reordered carafes of wine whilst two
musicians played the kithara and bouzouki, one of them singing traditional folk songs as
members of the party joined in one or two of the better-known ones. Mari missed her own
evenings playing music and thought this evening bore little resemblance to the Greek
Evenings she had attended with Peter on one or two of his work events. There people had
generally become loud and raucous, demanding the musicians play Zorba The Greek and
wishing to smash crockery as they became increasingly inebriated.
Giuseppe had seen her looking wistful when listening to the music and had accurately
predicted her limited knowledge of Greek music, I imagine you are more familiar with the
work of Theodorakis, he had said and when she had looked puzzled continued, Zorba. The
poor man, such a prolific composer. You know he was jailed during his lifetime?
Mari had shaken her head and admitted to a certain ignorance of Greek history and culture.
No matter, he had responded and had dragged her up to dance with the others. Mari had
enjoyed the folk dance, holding hands with the others in a circle and moving left, then right
as directed by the restaurant proprietor. All in all, she had decided, it had been one of the
most entertaining evenings of her life.
Calmer now, returning in Giuseppes car they had relaxed into an easy silence as he
maneuvered the vehicle around the hillside roads. Mari felt comfortable and sleepy - the
small glasses of wine coupled with the evening air had banished any troubling thoughts. With
a jolt she remembered the shocking news that Giuseppe had imparted earlier regarding Nicos
and his relationship with her employers. Tell me about Markos and his cousin, she asked
him. He looked at her and raised his eyebrow, And there I was, presuming you were thinking
about me, he said. Mari grinned in response. Well, the story is a long and complicated one,'
he continued, I will have to give you the highlights. Cassie has told me most of it over the
years so I think her account is fairly accurate. Nicos, the friend of Cassie is the eldest cousin
of the family. He went to study Accountancy in Athens, as the wish of his father Georgiou.
'The family had owned a restaurant in the north of the island and Georgiou wished for Nicos
to become a businessman and not have to work the long hours he had endured. Nicos had
expected to take over the family business and would have liked to have followed on from his
father but out of respect he went to Athens and studied for years. 'Are you still awake? he
asked and Mari nodded but did not tell him how transfixed she was by this story of a man that
despite her best intentions had begun to fascinate her. Well, during the third year of
studying, Georgiou became very ill with a chest complaint and was finally taken to hospital.
He had told the family that Nicos must continue his studies and not return to the island, he
would soon recover. Sadly, this didnt happen and Georgiou although able to leave hospital,
was not fit to work and despite the family trying to run things, the restaurant began to lose
money. Georgious health began to deteriorate due to the worry about the business and it was
Markos who telephoned Nicos in Athens and told him the truth about the situation at home.
Georgiou was very angry with Markos and refused to speak to him again.
'Nicos returned home for a few months to assess the situation, planning to find a manager for
the restaurant so that he could return to Athens and complete his studies. Giuseppe paused
and looked at Mari. Whats wrong? she asked. Im not sure if I should be telling you all of
this, it is very personal to the family and especially to Nicos, he said. Mari was torn between
doing the honourable thing and urging Giuseppe to continue with his story. I wont tell
anyone, she said, knowing that her fascination with Nicos was influencing her actions.
Well, as you are such an avid audience I will tell you some more, he continued.
What Nicos had not told his family was that he had fallen in love whilst in Athens. His
intention was to finish his studies and when he had found suitable employment, ask the girl to
marry him. Mari was astonished to find her stomach turn over on hearing this information -
she had only known the man a matter of days for goodness sake! This next bit is the stuff of
tragedy, for which the Greeks are famed, Im afraid, Giuseppe said.
Whilst Nicos was back on the island trying to sort out the business it seems his lady love
found herself other interests and when he went to Athens on a surprise visit one weekend, he
found her in shall we say, something of an embarrassing situation when he called at her
apartment. Oh no, Mari gasped, how awful. Giuseppe nodded grimly. Nicos returned
here and took over the restaurant himself, working day and night and not allowing himself
any other life. His family was sick with worry for him and wondered if his health, like his
fathers would deteriorate. As Nicos was a younger man this did not happen and fortunately,
the restaurant prospered. Although he hadnt finished his studies Nicos had an excellent head
for business and secured finance on a second restaurant. The rest, they say, is history. Nicos
now owns five restaurants, a share in a winery and is able to help financially with other small
businesses, such as Cassie's. He is well liked and respected on the island.
'For Markos though, the story is not such a happy one. Markos was always a hard worker
although he hadnt the business acumen enjoyed by Nicos. His intention was to always work
alongside Georgiou as a second-in-command of the restaurant and this had worked well until
Georgiou became ill.
When Georgiou told Markos he never wished to speak with him again the family thought
this a heat of the moment decision but Georgiou blamed Markos for his son never completing
his studies and refused to have him work in the restaurant even though Markos had been
well intended when he made the phone call to Nicos. Nicos tried to talk his father around but
Georgiou would not move on his decision.' Giuseppe looked across to see if Mari was still
listening and seemed pleased to have such an attentive audience. 'The result' he continued,
'was that Markos began to drink heavily and couldnt hold down a job, even though Nicos
had found several offers of employment for Markos. 'This went on for a few years and part of
Nicoss agreement in financing Cassie was that Markos could have a home in one of the
apartments on the resort and help out where he was needed.
Hes been a handful but Cassie is able to manage him fairly well and Markos likes working
on Nicos's boat and as I say, chasing women around the island. He is a wild man but has a
good heart. Mari looked out of the open window and thought about the story she had heard.
Poor Nicos and poor, poor Markos. They had certainly been dealt some unfair blows in their
lives. Having had her own share of rotten luck Mari could sympathise with them and her
feelings for Nicos increased with a greater understanding of his character. Of course he had
gone overboard at the gypsys assessment in Athens if he had been so cruelly betrayed in
the past he would be naturally suspicious of any other woman he thought might be toying
with his affections. She did however feel that she had been treated unfairly and would like the
opportunity to explain to Nicos that they were the same, that they had both been treated
heartlessly by the person they had loved. She was sure she wouldnt have the opportunity
now, especially if Nicos was in the constant company of Carla a woman Mari was certain
should not be crossed.
The car pulled into the resort car park and Giuseppe parked it with ease outside the reception
area. He turned off the engine and looked at Mari, his gaze boring deeply into her eyes. So
that is the story of Nicos and Markos. Do we have a story, cara? See I am lapsing into my
Italian mother tongue so much more romantic than your English darling do you not
think? Giuseppe gently cupped Maris face in his hand and began drawing her slowly
towards him.
Mari was certain that he was about to kiss her and was shocked that she was not altogether
opposed to the idea. Giuseppe gave a wicked grin and moved closer, staring intently at Mari.
J ust as he went to place his lips upon hers they heard a high pitched scream coming from the
restaurant and they parted abruptly, turning to look in the direction of the scream. Cassie
came running up the stairs towards reception. Seeing the car she roared at them, Come
quickly, come now. Markos is in the pool and Nicos is about to kill him I was going to call
the police, Giuseppe come and stop them! I said now, Giuseppe! Her urgency spurred
Giuseppe into action and he wrenched open the door of the car and ran down the stairs into
the restaurant.
Mari followed him into scene of utter chaos. A group of people was gathered on the deck
next to the swimming pool and she could see two figures fighting in the water, alongside
garden furniture, which had been pulled into the water with them. Nicos had hold of Markos
with his arm around his neck and was roaring at him to calm himself. Markos, in turn was
shouting back at Nicos, you big man, you hero, always involved in everybodys lives. If I
want to drink and swim then I am man enough to do so.
Cassie continued to call to Giuseppe for help and Mari looked around for him, seeing that he
had removed his shoes and was now jumping into the water. Giuseppe swam quickly towards
the fighting pair and grabbed Nicos by the arm, urging him to remove his grip on Markos.
Come on Nicos, he could drown,' he pleaded, 'Markos has been drinking Ouzo all evening.
Let go of him! Nicos turned his glare on Giuseppe and looked as though he was about to
strike him.
He then appeared to come to his senses and released his grip on Markos shouting at him, you
were lucky this time boy. Your friend has come to save you again, you fool now get out of
my sight. Markos was then dragged by his shirt towards the other end of the pool by
Giuseppe. He continued to shout at Nicos who ignored him and began climbing out of the
water, his clothes weighing heavily. He called to Cassie for a large Metaxa brandy and went
to sit at a table alone.
Mari looked around to see what she should do to help and Cassie called to her to bring towels
from reception. When Mari returned there was no sign of Giuseppe or Markos and Cassie had
urged any onlookers to disperse, leaving herself, and Nicos alone at a table. Mari approached
with the towels just as Nicos looked up and caught sight of her. He threw his head back and
roared with laughter but the sound held no mirth and Nicos was still clearly furious. I might
have guessed, he called, the Angel of Darkness, always in place when trouble strikes. Mari
blushed to the roots of her hair and handed the towels to Cassie, who looked extremely
confused by Nicos's outburst.
Have you two met before? she asked. Mari nodded without speaking, unsure of what she
could say to clarify the situation. Nicos downed his drink quickly and said, Yes Cassie, this
spectre at the feast has clearly been sent to me for sins committed, although I know not what
they are! He was in a highly agitated state and Cassie looked first to Nicos and then Mari
before approaching the bar to bring over the brandy bottle. Sit, Mari and take a drink with
us. I apologise for the scene but this is not a normal evening here. Maybe you could both
enlighten us as to your previous acquaintance? Mari was unsure but at Cassies insistence
pulled out a chair and sat down beside Nicos.
Well? Asked Cassie with a wry smile. What is the mystery? I thought you had only arrived
in the country a few days ago? Mari nodded, unsure what to say. She cast a glance at Nicos
who was roughly drying his hair with the towel she had handed him. His shirt was sticking to
his chest and Mari marvelled at his physique then chided herself for being inappropriate.
Nicos was clearly not going to help her out so she addressed her response to Cassie.
Unfortunately, she began, ' someone attempted to rob me in Athens and Mr. Androulou
happened to be walking by. He saw off the robber and ensured my belongings were safe, for
which I was most grateful. 'We have actually crossed a couple of times since I arrived on the
island but I had no idea you were all friends. Cassie raised an eyebrow and turning to Nicos
said, Well, well quite the hero of the hour Nicos. On hand to rescue a damsel in distress,
what did Carla have to say about this?
Nicos picked up his glass and downed his Metaxa. The lady exaggerates,' he replied. 'You
get that type of youth near the tourist areas and I am well used to seeing these robberies. All I
did was roar rather loudly and the robber headed off into the crowd there was no drama. As
for Carla, I was in Athens on a business trip and we are hardly joined at the hip Cassie. Now,
does Giuseppe have any dry clothing I can borrow now that the cabaret has finished? Nicos
rose and left the table leaving the two women alone.
So what were the encounters you spoke of? Cassie asked Mari, lighting a cigarette. Mari
blushed, remembering how Nicos had followed her along the harbour and what had then
happened between them the previous evening. Oh, I happened to eat in his restaurant in the
town and then he had an argument with Yannis on the way here today. Thats probably why
he wasnt happy to see me this evening, Im afraid I became involved in arguing with Nicos
and Carla as two against one didnt seem fair.
Cassie chuckled deeply. I see there is more to you than your 'English Rose' suggests and if
Im correct, this hasnt gone unnoticed by our mutual friend. He is always unspeakably rude
when a woman has piqued his interest. Nicos and I go back a long way, I can tell. Mari took
a sip of her drink, not quite knowing how to respond. She did not know Cassie well and the
woman was her employer, after all. She cleared her throat, Im not sure about that but yes,
Nicos has been unspeakably rude and he had seemed such a gentleman when I first
encountered him in Athens. Im afraid that when the charm offensive became merely the
offensive I was very pleased to part company with him.
'I can see he is a good friend of yours so I will keep out of his way if he is visiting, Cassie
Im not the sort of person who deliberately causes trouble. Cassie waved Maris protests
away, As you can see, we are not the sort of people to stand on ceremony so no stiff upper
lip is required of you Mari. I am not the mans mother and it is your business. I would say
though that these holiday romances can be more trouble than they are worth and Mr.
Androulou, much as I love him, is a very complex character. I tell him that he behaves as
though he has just placed his head in a bucket of wasps, she laughed and deeply inhaled on
the ever-present cigarette.
Mari shook her head, You will have no worries on that score I can assure you. I came here to
escape complications and I have no intention of becoming involved with anybody here
especially our cantankerous friend. I think Ill leave you to it Cassie and say goodnight before
he returns. Take care. Cassie waved to her, Kelinikta, she said as Mari made her way up
the stairs away from the restaurant. Well see, she chucked to herself out of Maris earshot.
*
Mari decided to take a stroll as the events of the evening had unsettled her and she was not
yet ready to sleep. She made her way quietly to her room and took a torch and cardigan from
the wardrobe. Wrapping the cardigan around her shoulders Mari headed through the resort
towards the beach, thinking she would sit at the shore and gather her thoughts. The area was
mainly quiet now but one or two groups of younger people were outside talking near a swing
chair, their torches and candles lighting the path ahead of her. She was glad shed had the
sense to bring her own torch, as there was no street lighting on the small road leading to the
beach.
The group of young people smiled and waved as she passed and a security guard stood
talking to a couple at the beach entrance so Mari felt perfectly safe, as long as she did not
wander too far. She came out of the gate and shone her torch onto the road ahead, deciding
she would make for the large rocks at the end of the beach, where she had been sitting earlier.
The tavernas had closed for the night and all she could hear was the sound of the sea lapping
against the shore. It was a magical evening, warm with a light breeze and with so many stars
above Mari thought she had the perfect setting in which to ponder her troubled mind. So
much had happened in the past few days, she could hardly believe it. She wondered if Nicos
had taken himself home and what he had been arguing with Markos about. What a scene to
come back to! Mari remembered with a jolt the way the fabric of Nicoss clothing had
moulded to his shape when he emerged from the swimming pool and how his hair had
formed wet tendrils around his face.
She also remembered the way he had kissed her the previous evening and realised that she
was becoming more than intrigued with him, if she wasnt careful she would lose her heart to
Nicos and that was the last thing her complicated life needed.
Hearing a cough behind her Mari looked around to see who was at the beach with her. Her
heart rose in her chest as she thought Nicos may have followed her down but no, he had not
been aware of her leaving and disappointment crushed her when the figure emerged and she
realised it was Giuseppe. Hey, cara you look so thoughtful. Thinking about me? he asked
with his usual grin. Mari smiled back sadly and replied, Sorry Giuseppe I was miles away.
In England, surely it is too cold there? He teased. Moving around the rock Mari sat on
Giuseppe turned to face her. I think you are probably escaping some sad love affair, yes?
Why dont you free yourself and have some fun whilst you are here on Naxos? I know plenty
of fun people but none I think who can rival me. You should follow the lead of your
housemates they know how to take advantage of a good situation and believe me, there is
enough fun to go around!
Mari sighed and shook her head. Im not quite that free Giuseppe; Ive never been a love-
them-and-leave-them type. Once Ive fallen for someone its very hard for me to forget about
them. She heard a snort of derision from the shadows and saw the lighted end of a cigar.
Straining her eyes Mari saw Nicoss outline from the subdued lighting of the resort he had
followed her down here and was eavesdropping on their conversation.
Giuseppe looked startled and squinted at the figure in the shadows. Good evening Nicos,' he
said, 'I hope you have dried out and the clothes fit you well enough? I apologise for Markoss
extreme behaviour but you should know not to tease him when hes been drinking. Nicos
came forward towards them, a grim set to his jaw. I have no problem with you Giuseppe but
I draw the line at you instructing me on how to conduct my family relationships, he flicked
the end of his cigar so that it landed near to Giuseppes foot. I will now give you a word of
advice my friend. Do not believe a word this charming creature says. She is not as she seems
and I urge you not to get involved. Ill take the opportunity of wishing you goodnight I
think Cassie may need to speak with you before she retires for the night.
This is the reason I came to search for you. Turning on his heel Nicos retreated back into
the shadows and Mari jumped furiously from the rock. Turning quickly to Giuseppe she said,
Im sorry you had to hear this nonsense I assure you that none of it is true. Im going after
him to tell him so. Ill see you tomorrow. Goodnight and thanks for this evening. Mari ran
up the road after Nicos, fueled by rage. She caught up with him at the entrance to the resort
and grabbing his arm, spun him around to face her.
How dare you speak about me like that, she said You dont know anything about me so
take your disturbed thoughts elsewhere, preferably to a psychiatrist. You clearly have an
issue with women and I will not allow you to make this my problem. Trying to make her
way past him, Nicos stood in front of her, barring her way. Maris breathing was fast, her
chest rising and falling quickly and as she passed a hand over her forehead she could feel it
was covered in the sweat of her anger. Nicos gripped her arm and pulled her around to face
him. So, I have a problem with women? He said huskily. Before Mari knew what was
happening he brought his mouth roughly down on hers, lips grinding into her teeth, his hand
at the back of her head drawing her towards him. Mari knew she should break away from him
but instead found herself responding as though she had no control over her body or mind. She
brought her hands up to caress his face, as she was now lost in the kiss and didnt want it to
stop. Nicos ran his fingers through her hair then grabbed handfuls of it as he kissed her more
passionately, neither of them wishing to break this off.
Oh, you are driving me crazy, he murmured as his lips left hers and he began to kiss her
neck, making Mari take a sharp breath. She really did not know where this would end but was
powerless to stop it. Nicoss kisses moved down her neck until he reached the soft material of
her top. Take this off, He urged, his hands moving around to her back, finding their way
under the material. When she didnt respond Nicos pressed his palm against her stomach,
making her want to cry out in pleasure. His hand moved over the bare flesh and upwards as
his mouth again found hers. Maris knees turned to jelly and she leaned into Nicos for
support. He groaned in response, moving into her and pinning her against the wall with his
thighs. You want this, he said huskily into her ear and Mari nodded, unable to speak.
What was happening to her? She had never before felt this way with a man, as though he
were totally in charge and all she could do was follow, as all control left her. Nicos
unbuttoned his shirt whilst hungrily kissing her and her hands moved across his chest,
marvelling at his toned, muscular frame. Mari felt as though she were on fire as Nicos
responded in kind. He groaned again then his eyes fixed on hers as his kiss became more
urgent. Mari was totally lost in the physical sensation, as she gazed passionately back at him.
This was unlike anything she had experienced before and she had moved past the stage where
she could do anything but move with Nicos and respond to his touch.
She had closed her eyes but opened them momentarily to find Nicos staring intently back at
her, a bead of sweat sliding down his cheek as he paused before hungrily finding her lips
again. Mari grabbed his hair pulling him ever closer towards her and he responded by moving
his fingers roughly through her own hair before moving lower, exploring her body through
her clothing. She was so lost in the moment that she didnt hear the snap of a twig and
someone approaching them. She realised they were not alone and Nicos lifted his head away
from her and turned to look behind him.
What do you want Giuseppe? He growled. Mari looked over his shoulder to see Giuseppe
looking at them with an expression she could only interpret as disgust. I can see you are
otherwise occupied but Cassie would like to speak with you. he said, turning on his heel and
striding quickly away. Mari looked up at Nicos not knowing what to say. You had better
arrange your clothing and head off to bed,' he said, 'Ill catch up with him he knows better
than to spread gossip. Still, it wouldnt do for the workers here to discuss this evenings
events about the place. Ill say good night. Nicos then walked quickly away buttoning his
shirt as he went.
If he looks back, she thought, I'll go to him and ask what is going on between us. Mari
watched Nicos moving up the path, holding her breath and willing him to turn to look at her.
He did not look back once and Mari felt her stomach lurch and felt the familiar tears begin.
Wiping away a tear with the back of her hand she walked slowly up the beach path and
passed the security guard at the gate of the resort. Good night, he said softly and the
kindness in his voice made her tearful state even worse. Not being able to speak Mari raised a
hand in gesture and with a sob, ran towards the staff accommodation. Why had she allowed
herself to become involved with Nicos again? She didnt know how he was going to react to
her from one encounter to the next and yet she, who believed herself to be a strong person,
lost control of her senses whenever she was near him. Now he had dismissed her as though
she were of little consequence, which was unbearable to Mari. Her frustration made her cry
again and as she tiptoed into her room, her breath came in short bursts and she held her hand
over her mouth in an effort not to wake her room mate. Trying to stifle her sobs was not easy,
as she felt so very confused and distressed and as she slipped under her covers she wondered
how to get out of this mess. She hadnt travelled all this way to have her heart broken again.
She closed her eyes and hoped that sleep would come soon, anything would be better than the
nightmare she was actually living.

CHAPTER FIVE
Maris eyes were still red when she looked in the mirror the following morning. At first she
thought she had dreamt the events of the evening before. It had started out in such a lovely
way, with everybody being so friendly at the bar and in the restaurant. She had really felt for
the first time that she was in Greece and had actually belonged. Of course it had all gone
wrong as soon as Nicos had entered the situation. But how wrong? The moments they had
shared alone were some of the most passionate and stirring she had ever experienced, she
hadn't wanted it to stop. He must have felt it too? How could he have just walked away
without looking back? She had been humiliated by Nicos and the obvious shock on
Giuseppes face had affected her deeply. Mari now had to work alongside Giuseppe today
and wondered how he would respond to her. Who else might know about the humiliation
with Nicos?
Coming out of the shower Mari passed Anna in the corridor. The girl gave her a tight smile
and quickly brushed past her, clearly in a hurry to get to the bathroom. Was Mari imagining it
or had Annas attitude become slightly cooler towards her? Maybe she was being paranoid.
She definitely couldnt spend the rest of the summer worrying about what her co-workers
thought of her it would drive her mad. This summer was intended to be a liberating
experience and here she was in pieces, red-eyed and on her way to more heartbreak. It would
have to stop.
Making her way through the resort in the early morning, Mari relished the quietness of a few
people taking a walk. The sound of the sea lapping on the shore was soothing and Mari
headed in the direction of the beach. She had ten minutes before the breakfast meeting where
Giuseppe would allocate tasks for the day.
Mari removed her shoes and allowed the cold sand to run between her toes then she walked
towards a group of large rocks. She would spend five minutes enjoying the experience of
doing absolutely nothing, settle her troubled thoughts and then make her way into work,
ready for the day ahead. As she looked out towards the horizon she felt her mood lift. Hadnt
she suffered more profoundly back in England? All she had with Nicos were a few kisses
these were nothing compared to the intimacy she had shared with Peter. Or were they?
Sighing, she realised that she was fooling herself. Although she had been in love with Peter
and hed broken her heart, she had obviously not known real love or passion. Those snatched
moments with Nicos had been unlike anything shed known before. Shed certainly
responded in a way she hadnt realised she was capable of. Remembering the night before she
blushed, even though she was alone. What did Nicos truly think of her?
The sound of a car pulling up to the beach caused Mari to turn her head. She couldnt see the
driver but as the door opened she could see a woman getting out then leaning into the car to
retrieve an expensive looking handbag. The woman locked the vehicle and walked towards
the resort then took a casual look around, her gaze falling upon Mari sitting on the rock. With
a jolt Mari recognised the woman as Carla, who had been in the car with Nicos the previous
day when Yannis had fought them on the road. She hadnt liked the way the woman had
looked at her then but now the Carlas glare sent a shiver down her spine.
Mari decided to ignore her and turn her gaze towards the sea. Her heart was pounding and she
could feel waves of hostility emanating from Carla as the click of the woman's heels on the
road indicated that she was walking towards Mari. Surely she wouldnt attempt to walk on
the sand in heels that high? The sound stopped and Mari looked around anxiously to see
exactly where Carla was heading. What did the woman want with her? She didnt even know
her. Mari knew however, that Carla was in some way involved with Nicos and now seemed
to have some sense of her own connection with him.
Carla had stopped at the end of the concrete road where it joined the beach. She had raised
her sunglasses and they rested on top of her glossy hair. As before, she was exquisitely
tailored and wearing a crisp white shirt over tight-fitting jeans with high-heeled sandals. She
had a small gold chain at her neck. The make-up was less understated and her crimson lips
were set in a straight line as she stared intently at Mari. Ive come to see Cassie but you will
do for now, she called in a smooth Italian accent. 'Ive been informed there was drama here
last evening involving Nicos. As he does not wish to speak of the evening maybe you could
explain why he returned so late with damp hair and clothing in a bag?
Mari was lost for words. Did this woman live with Nicos? She jumped down from her rock
and walked towards the resort. I was out for the evening with the other workers, she replied.
Youll have to talk to Cassie or better still, Nicos if you want information. I have to go to
work now, so youll have to excuse me.
She went to pass Carla but the other womans hand shot out and grabbed her wrist, causing
her to wince with pain. I know what goes on around here, I have friends who tell me, Carla
said moving her face to within inches of Maris. Mari could feel the womans breath on her
face and was uncomfortable with the proximity between them. Well if you know everything,
why are you bothering me? She responded, her voice confident, not betraying her nerves.
Dont play with me girl! Carla spat back. You are the latest in a string of bland and blonde
girls who think they have a chance with Nicos. You all come here for the summer and dream
it will end with a relationship, its pathetic. What Nicos needs is a strong woman and Im
here for the duration, not a summer fling so keep away.' Carla's eyes were blazing into hers
and to Mari she appeared deranged. 'Ill warn you now,' the woman continued, 'do not ignore
my advice or make an enemy of me.
Mari pulled her arm away from Carlas grip. She wasnt going to be threatened or
intimidated. You sound like a character from a bad soap opera,' she replied. 'Ive got to work
- sorry I cant stop around for your next scene. With this she turned and walked quickly into
the resort not looking back. Lets see if you last the summer darling, Carla called after her.
That was definitely a threat, Mari thought as she climbed the stairs towards reception. She
decided to discreetly ask around about Carla but who would she approach? It seemed as
though Giuseppe may not be as friendly towards her after finding her with Nicos and her
roommate was distinctly less friendly than she had been the day before. Who were Carlas
friends at the resort and did that mean they would become Maris enemies and spy on her?
This was all getting too complicated for words!
She entered the dining area where the morning planning meeting was held. She was the last
to arrive and quickly grabbed a coffee before joining the others at the largest table. Cassie
was at the head of the table with a half-smoked cigarette in her hand. She was examining a
rota and speaking in Greek with Giuseppe. She nodded and then clapped her hands to
interrupt the chatter from the workers. OK people. We have a rota change so listen please.
Mari waited as Cassie listed the tasks for the day and discovered that she would now be
working on reception for the morning, taking her break in the afternoon and assisting in the
kitchen for the evening. Although the work was less than glamorous Mari was pleased that
she would be occupied in the evening and decided that she would speak with Cassie to
volunteer for further evening work. This would at least keep her out of trouble and let the
temperature cool on any gossip regarding her and Nicos.
The group left noisily with chairs clattering and went about their tasks. Mari grabbed a
croissant and made her way through to reception, where she saw Giuseppe counting money
and putting it back in a safe. He turned and smiled tightly at Mari, Good morning he said,
'Ive been asked to show you how we work the reception this morning. What languages do
you speak, as well work it between us? Mari informed him and he nodded, Thats good, I
will obviously deal with our Italian customers and you our English. You can work with
German guests and Ill take on the Dutch. Scandinavian campers generally speak English but
I know a bit so Ill deal with any enquiries.
'People tend to want information about events on the island, pay their bills and keep valuables
in our safe deposit box. They have to sign in and out each time we hand them their wallets to
confirm how much they have taken and we counter-sign. There is generally no disagreement
on this but we have to ensure that we cant be accused of theft. You can watch me the first
few times and then Ill let you have a try is this ok? Mari nodded and smiled uncertainly,
wondering if Giuseppe would continue the morning in this business-like fashion. He proved
however to be a calm, patient teacher and she knew she would learn quickly from him, as she
was sure he would understand if she made mistakes the first few times.
It would have been a different matter if Cassie were teaching her, as Mari would have been
anxious to get everything right first time, which would have led to her making more mistakes
than usual. She would spend the morning concentrating and trying to do a good job that was
why she was here after all. The morning passed quickly and Mari met lots of people, pointed
them in the direction of maps and information pamphlets and learned a great deal about the
island herself. She would definitely take time to explore on her next afternoon off. She
looked at brochures for scooters and motorcycles and wondered if it would be worth her
hiring transport so that she could explore at her leisure.
Giuseppe saw her looking and said, Are you thinking of hiring a scooter? Mari nodded.
How confident a rider are you? he asked. I had a small motorcycle when I was at university
,' she replied, 'I was familiar with the roads at home but Ive heard that lots of tourists have
accidents on Greek islands because theyre a bit reckless.'
Giuseppe agreed, Youd need a bit of instruction and the route down here from the main
road is very treacherous. Id suggest a small, light vehicle and a lot of practice before you
head off around the island. I could show you around. When is your next afternoon off? Mari
informed him it was that day and Giuseppe said he would see if he could find some time to
assist her. Mari didn't relish the idea of learning to ride again on unfamiliar roads but realised
that to get the best from her working holiday she would have to be independent and not spend
all her time at the resort.
Shed read that there was a natural volcanic pool on one of the beaches at the far north of the
island that she was keen to visit. She didnt want to have to ask other people to take her to
places, as they would have their own arrangements on days off. She had regained some of her
initial excitement at being away in a new place and would definitely make the best of her
time away. She actually relished the thought of her forthcoming independence and the
possibility of new adventures.
Before she knew it, Giuseppe looked at the clock and told her it was lunchtime and that she
should go and enjoy her afternoon. Mari had been told that she could have anything from the
bakery for lunch and would be provided with an evening meal on her break from the kitchen.
She skipped up the steps to the shop, where the baker delivered fresh bread, pies and pastries
each morning. The smell was delicious and her mouth watered in anticipation. She hadnt
finished her croissant that morning, as she was still upset about her encounter with Carla. She
would certainly enjoy lunch and take her pastry to a secluded area of the beach where she
would pass the afternoon reading, swimming and day-dreaming. Her day was not going to be
ruined by that vicious woman and she would lose herself in her novel and ignore all thoughts
of Nicos and the confusing events of evening before. A few minutes later Mari clutched a
spinach pie in greaseproof paper and headed towards her room to collect things for the beach.
*
Later that afternoon she breathed a sigh of contentment as she lay back on her towel and
closed her eyes against the sun. She had walked to the far end of the beach where there was
overhanging greenery, giving shade from the sun. Her lunch had been enjoyed picnic-style
and she had relished the delicious pastry she had eaten alongside the peach juice she had
purchased from a small shop at the beach. Mari had spent time swimming in the cool water
that was a stunning shade of blue-green. She had seen many people swimming around rocks
with snorkels and had decided that she would buy some equipment from the beach shop on
her next visit.
She had been warned about the heat of the sun and had taken care to purchase a high-factor
sun cream that she reapplied frequently. Her pale skin would have burned horribly if she
hadnt been sensible so she spent considerable time in the shade. Mari was happy that she
was showing a small amount of colour but she would not sunbathe again today. She had
another hour before she had to shower and return to work.
Closing her eyes Mari could not stop herself from ruminating on the previous evening. Why
hadnt Nicos turned to looked back at her? She was torn between feeling shattered and being
absolutely furious. Mari was surprised at her strong reaction to the man and again wondered
again at the fact that she had only known him for a brief time. She also realised that she
hadnt thought about Peter once in several days. What was happening to her? She thought
about a friend whod suggested Mari date other men to get over her heartbreak from Peter but
she had dismissed this as superficial at the time. Maybe Nicos was helping with her recovery
but how would she then recover from Nicos?
Mari was aware of a shadow passing overhead and opened her eyes slowly. Giuseppe was
standing looking down at her with a smile. Come cara, youve had enough sun for today and
I need to talk with you. Lets go and have some coffee, he said. Mari, embarrassed at him
seeing her in her bikini, quickly threw her sun-dress over her head and stood up to join him.
They walked together in silence to a nearby taverna where Mari ordered a cappuccino and
Giuseppe an iced coffee. When the waiter returned with their drinks he took a sip of his
through a straw and looked intently at Mari. I was shocked when I found you with him last
night, he said. 'I thought you hadnt known anybody on the island but it appeared as though
you knew, or were getting to know each other very well, Mari took a deep breath and
decided to tell Giuseppe the truth, he was a lovely man and she suspected he was developing
feelings for her.
I met him in Athens when I first arrived, Giuseppe,' she replied. 'He retrieved my bag when
someone attempted to rob me and took me for a drink to recover from the shock. He was
lovely at first and then seemed to change in an instant, storming off without my knowing
what Id done to offend him. I saw him again when I arrived on the island and we kissed but I
put a stop to it, which made him angry again.
'I just dont understand him and to be honest, getting involved with someone is the last thing I
need.' She took a sip of her coffee and saw that Giuseppe was listening with interest and a
wry smile. 'Last night was a mistake because he went off again without looking back and I
just dont know where I stand,' she continued, Im not usually like this Giuseppe.
I was engaged in England and my fianc broke my heart by having an affair with someone
else. Its been a horrible year and Im quite fragile. She stopped and took another sip of her
coffee. Giuseppe took her hand and looked at her with his gorgeous brown eyes, Im sorry
darling. So youve come here to escape all of that? He asked and Mari nodded, tears pricking
the back of her eyes. Then Nicos is the last person you need in your life. Hes a very
complicated person its not the way to go, Im sure of it. You are too sweet to get involved
in all of that. Theres also Carla to consider
Mari was immediately more attentive at the mention of Carlas name. Ive met her actually,
she said. She approached me this morning. Shes quite a scary lady. Giuseppe laughed.
Yes, thats one way of describing her I suppose, he replied. He looked away for a second
and then turned back to face Mari. Carla is convinced that if she holds out for long enough
Nicos will ask her to marry him. She came to the island, like you to work for the summer.
That was five years ago and she never left. Carla is Italian like me but unlike me she comes
from money and only worked that summer for fun. She now owns an expensive boutique
across the island and her clientele, as you can imagine arent the sort who choose to go
camping in the summer.
'Carla mixes with the yachting crowd and only comes here if Nicos is meeting Cassie on
business before dinner. Mostly she stays on the other side with her rich friends and cannot
understand why Nicos keeps his friendships with people who arent influential. Im surprised
she was here during the daytime, especially that early. She was protecting her interests and
pumping Cassie for information about last night I imagine, Mari replied. She warned me to
stay away from Nicos in no uncertain terms. What is their relationship exactly? Carla gave
me the impression that she and he share a home together. Giuseppe laughed. Im sure she
did,' he replied. 'She wants everybody to think shes his wife in all but name. Nicos wouldnt
share his home with a woman who wasnt his wife - hes quite traditional in that way. Like
many on the island Nicos does not bother to lock his home and he occasionally finds that
Carla has let herself in to await his return. They have argued about it many times, sometimes
in public if the mood takes them. As you have seen, Nicos does not hold back when he loses
his temper.
Mari remembered the scene she had witnessed between Nicos and Markos the previous
evening and understood exactly what Giuseppe was saying. She was also ashamed of the
relief that flooded through her on hearing that Nicos and Carla were not quite the item she
had feared. Dont misunderstand me Mari,' Giuseppe continued, 'Nicos has had his share of
admirers he still does and he is not shy when it comes to women but as I told you, he has
had his heart broken and will not involve himself in that way again. I agree that he has the
looks and charm but dont forget that he didnt succeed in business by being a weak person.
He is actually quite ruthless when the occasion demands. I just wanted to warn you as a
friend not to get your own heart broken. If you had thoughts of anything more than a casual
encounter youd be wise to forget them. He looked at Mari and gave her hand a quick
squeeze. Mari couldnt finish her coffee, she felt physically sick and wondered if this was due
to the poor nights sleep from the night before, too much sun or the information Giuseppe had
just given her. Probably a combination of all three, she supposed and sighed Giuseppe heard
the sigh and said, Come back now and prepare for the evening. You will need your energies
for helping Andreas in the kitchen. He is calm unlike most chefs but is quite demanding so
youll have your work cut out. At least you can order from the menu this evening, its a perk
of working in the restaurant. He pulled back his chair to leave and Mari rose heavy-hearted
to follow him. Working in a hot kitchen for the evening was the last thing she needed but as
always, she was determined to keep to her end of the bargain and to do her best.
*
Later, as Mari sat on the outside steps sipping lime and soda water she reflected that the
evening wasnt going too badly. Andreas had announced that as long as she wasnt lazy and
expecting to behave like a guest at the resort, he would be happy to work with her and maybe
teach her a few culinary tricks to take back home with her to impress her friends.
Mari had spent the first part of the evening preparing vegetables and salads and had later
worked alongside Andreas clearing up behind him and passing crockery to the kitchen porter
to load into the dishwasher. Greek music had been playing on the small radio in the kitchen
and Andreas sang along as he worked. Mari was impressed with the dishes he produced and
asked if he would teach her how to prepare lamb as tender. Of course, he had beamed. I
will speak with Cassie about you working here more often. You pick things up quickly and
dont annoy me! Mari had actually enjoyed the first half of her working evening, even
though the kitchen had been hot and busy.
She finished her drink and looked at her watch. Sitting on the steps had been peaceful and
relaxing but now she was needed back in the kitchen and would work through until 11.00p.m.
Mari peeped into the restaurant and saw that it was quite full. Giuseppe had explained that
guests sometimes tired of barbeques and picnics so wanted food cooked for them, especially
if they had been out touring all day.
The place was full of noisy chatter and a friendly atmosphere prevailed. Now Mari, called
Andreas. I need six mozzarella salads and two fried feta with chillies. You saw me do them
earlier do you think you can manage? Im very busy on this other order. Mari nodded but
was apprehensive. She thought she would just be assisting Andreas and not preparing dishes
herself. It was fine when she and Peter were having dinner parties and she was confident with
her preparation at home but this was a real restaurant. She decided she would just have to get
on with it, she was sure the dishes would be sent back if the diners were not satisfied, isnt
that what people liked to do in restaurants?
Mari spent the next fifteen minutes chopping, seasoning, frying and garnishing the food she
was preparing. She was very focused on the task, nervous that she would make mistakes.
Now looking up, she saw that Andreas had turned and was walking towards her. She drew a
breath and waited anxiously for his verdict. Andreas gave a quick glance at the dishes then
nodded and walked back to resume what he was doing.
Mari pressed a button on the wall to summon a waitress and pointed to the dishes once she
came into the kitchen. Thank you, the waitress said quickly, loading plates in between her
fingers and onto her lower arms then walking quickly back into the restaurant. Mari
marvelled at her dexterity and thought she would never be able to work with the skill the
waiting staff appeared to have. She suddenly stopped herself - she had just prepared food in a
commercial kitchen that a trained chef had approved of!
Not being a conceited or arrogant girl, Mari seldom congratulated herself on anything but
now smiled and was pleased with her efforts. She was learning new skills and actually
enjoyed working in the restaurant so was hoping Andreas would request her assistance again.
Maris mood had improved considerably and she was relieved that this evening appeared to
be progressing far less traumatically than the previous evening.
The time passed very quickly with Andreas demonstrating a number of the starter dishes for
Mari. She had followed his lead and had attempted to recreate the dishes as they were
ordered, needing help from him on a number of occasions but not dropping or ruining
anything. At 10.30p.m. The restaurant stopped taking orders and the kitchen needed to be
cleaned in preparation for the next morning.
Mari was not so keen on cleaning grease from cooker and counter-tops but she did her best
and was pleased when Andreas announced they were finished and she looked up to see
gleaming surfaces with no food in sight. Now we go and have a drink, Andres said. You
have done very well - I didnt have to throw anything at you! he joked.
Mari followed Andreas into the restaurant to see Cassie, Giuseppe and the waiting staff
sitting at one of the large tables, a bottle of Metaxa brandy and coffee cups between them.
Cassie was leaning back in her chair with the ever-present cigarette in her hand, everybody
appeared in a pleasant mood and Cassie looked up and smiled as they approached.
Ah, the chefs have arrived! she cried. Not one complaint and forty-four meals cooked. It
was a good evening and we have made money so sit and enjoy a drink'. Cassie pushed a chair
out next to her for Mari to sit down and she did, accepting what appeared to be a very large
glass of brandy from one of the waitresses.
Cassie turned and after breathing a cloud of smoke in Maris face said, You had your head
down working hard any time I came into the kitchen tonight. Its a pleasure to see someone
get on with their work and Andreas tells me you have potential as a cook. Mari was
delighted; as she thought everybody worked hard in the resort and hadnt expected to be
singled out for any personal praise. She took a sip of her brandy, smiled at Cassie and said,
Thank you. I actually enjoyed it. Putting her glass down Mari looked at the night-time view
over the cove with the light from small fishing boats near the horizon and the fairy-lights
strung in trees across the hills. She felt the warmth of the brandy she had sipped and sat back
in her chair watching the animated conversations of the people around her, people she had not
known a week ago. She felt something she hadnt felt for a very long time. Mari realised that
at last she was happy.
*
The following day she worked again on reception and enjoyed the opportunity of practicing
her languages. She made one or two small mistakes that had resulted in both her and the guest
roaring with laughter. Giuseppe also joined in and told Mari she was fun to work with. Her
confidence was growing and Mari realised that she would make some important decisions
about her future on this trip especially about her career.
She did not want to go back to teaching in a school and realised that she was now willing to
take a few risks, after all - her ordered life had come apart at the seams without any input
from her. She would spend her rest days thinking about what she wanted to do on her return
and ask Cassie if she could use the internet when it was quiet, to do some research on training
courses.
Mari did really think the world was her oyster and for once, her thoughts didnt revolve
around a man or a relationship and any nagging thoughts of Nicos were pushed firmly from
her mind as she went about her business that morning.
At lunchtime Giuseppe came to see to the shift handover and turned smilingly to Mari saying,
OK so you want to be a biker chick do you? Lets go to town and talk to the hire firm. Im
sure I can get you a good deal, as they know me well there. Mari asked for the keys to the
safe deposit box and signed to show that she had removed her passport, driving license and
credit card - she would need these to hire a scooter. Giuseppe told her he would meet her in
the bar so that they could have a quick coffee before heading off. She excitedly joined him at
a table near the open gallery where the view was, as always, spectacular. What are you
having to drink? He asked. Mari said that she would like a cappuccino and sat and looked
out across the beach towards the sea, which was today so blue it nearly hurt her eyes.
She watched as a pleasure cruiser stopped outside the bay and people dived off various
heights of the vessel. She would like to take a few trips herself and thought she would ask
Giuseppe if they could pay a quick visit to the various tour operators in town to enquire as to
the best options. He returned with their drinks and lit a cigarette. Now, he began. Ive told
you how treacherous the roads can be but that is nothing compared to the drivers on this
island locals and tourists.
'I think you need a light vehicle that you can easily control and doesnt have the capacity to
go too fast in case youre tempted to speed along around mountain roads. This would not be
sensible, he smiled at Mari and took another sip of his drink. Youre the expert, she
replied. I used to have a small motorcycle but its years since Ive ridden one. I just want
something that could take me around the island on my days off, so I dont spend my entire
trip just in this bay. Giuseppe nodded in agreement. Talking of which, she said. Would
you mind if we stopped at some of the tour operators in town? Id really like to take some of
the boat trips around the island and to some of the other islands. It would be a shame to be in
the Greek islands and only see one of them.
Giuseppe smiled, Of course, he replied and putting his cigarette out said, You also know
that the entire staff group is taken out once a year on a big boat trip to thank them for their
hard work. Cassie has friends who come and work here on that day so that everybody has an
opportunity to attend.
Its on the day after the feast of the Virgin Mary when the island goes mad with excitement,
festivals and parties - its a very special time here. Cassie's good friend skippers his boat for
the day and its a beautiful vessel. I am very jealous of both the vessel and the man, as he
seems to have everything, he laughed as he saw Mari's curious expression. Yes cara, it's
Captain Nicos who'll be leading us that day but let's not think about this today'.
Giuseppe sighed and gathered up his possessions. Maris stomach did a flip. There it was
again! Would she ever be free of hearing about the man? Certainly not on this island and now
she had the dreadful boat trip to look forward to where she had better keep away from Carla
or it would be Woman Overboard. With a grin Mari realised she wasnt sure which one of
them might end up in the sea and was relieved that her sense of humour had returned. She
finished her coffee and followed Giuseppe out of the restaurant, pleased to be starting her
independent adventure on the island.
Climbing aboard Giuseppes large motorbike, Mari realised that although she had been a
motorcycle rider she had never ridden pillion and wasnt sure what to expect. She was
actually quite nervous as he started up the machine and pulled down the visor on his crash
helmet. He had told her to either hold onto the handle at the back of the bike or, if she was
very nervous to hold onto him. It was most important, he had said, not to move around too
much out of nervousness, as this could tip the bike going around corners which could be
dangerous. She decided to opt for holding onto Giuseppe until she felt more comfortable as a
passenger.
Hed also insisted Mari wear a crash helmet which relieved her, as she had seen people riding
motorcycles without any head protection on the island. The thought of her hair blowing in the
breeze was very romantic but safety came first. Mari had fixed the helmet securely and was
now holding onto Giuseppe as he started the machine.
Soon Mari relaxed into the journey and instinctively leaned as Giuseppe had instructed. She
began to enjoy the spectacular scenery as they rounded the hillside looking down on the bay
below. As she had arrived at the resort she had looked down as a visitor, now she felt
something different altogether and realised that she now felt a sense of belonging, which
pleased her greatly.
Giuseppe was a confident rider and in no time they had arrived in the small town. Was it such
a short time ago that she had ventured in that evening with her colleagues, getting her first
taste of authentic Greek cuisine and hospitality? Her thoughts soon returned to the events of
later that evening. Once again Mari blushed at the thought of her intimacy with Nicos and
was glad she was wearing a crash helmet to hide her discomfort from Giuseppe. Climbing
from the motorbike Mari removed her helmet and saw that they were in the busy main
thoroughfare, outside of the motorcycle rental booth. Giuseppe was already heading towards
a man inside the booth who raised his hand in recognition.
The two began to speak, the man nodding his head as Giuseppe explained his reason for
visiting. They both turned to look at Mari standing uncertainly outside and Giuseppe
beckoned for her to join them. A quarter of an hour later Mari was nervously guiding a small
scooter up and down the road under the keen eye of Giuseppe. He said that once she had
mastered the basics he would take her on a short journey to ensure that Mari could handle the
traffic before finally hiring the vehicle and returning to the resort. OK Mari, he said, Its
not a difficult machine automatic gears so all you have to do is turn it on, turn it off and
lean correctly around corners. Do you think you can do this? Mari nodded.
She was still uncertain of the roads and the traffic but her memory of having used a
motorcycle were returning and she reasoned that as long as she was careful, she shouldnt
have any concerns. Giuseppe put his crash helmet back on and indicated for Mari to do the
same and follow behind him. He didnt take the same route as they had on the way into the
town and soon they were moving through side roads with whitewashed houses and balconies
covered with bright flowers.
Despite her initial concerns Mari was starting to enjoy herself, her confidence as a rider
quickly returning. She maintained a good pace and kept Giuseppe within sight as they left the
houses behind and rode through rural scenery, olive grove after olive grove forming a rich
patchwork against the horizon. Giuseppe lifted his left arm and indicated that they should
slow down. Mari obeyed and pulled her cycle into a grass verge next to his.
She placed the bike in a standing position, took her crash helmet off with relief and shook her
hair free. Is there a problem? She asked Giuseppe. No, he replied. There is however
something I think you should see as were in the neighbourhood. He pointed to a narrow
pathway covered over with greenery and waved for Mari to follow him. She did so with a
childish excitement, lifting the overhanging branches from her path. The only sounds she
could hear were the goats in the distance and chirping from the hedgerow, it was idyllic. On
reaching the end of the pathway Mari gasped at the view in front of her.
A small isolated cove with white sand gave way to the clearest and most beautiful seawater
Mari had ever seen. A small wooden shack sat back amongst the trees on one side and a
number of brightly coloured hammocks were dotted amongst trees nearest to the beach. As
Mari looked closer, she could see that the shack housed a small caf yet the beach was only
populated by about ten people who would know it was here? Giuseppe grinned at her
obvious delight and puzzlement and moved towards the shack, calling out to the attendant as
he went. As she moved nearer to the shack Mari could hear the soft sound of reggae music
and saw that Giuseppe had rested on one of two bar stools.
Sit here Mari and meet an old friend of mine, Luca, he said. Mari smiled at the man behind
the bar, who had shoulder length hair and a pendant made of shells around his neck. Hello
Luca, she said with a smile, a secret beach, its absolutely gorgeous. Luca seemed pleased
and grinned back. There are other ways of earning a living but Im not sure Id be interested
in any of them, he said and placed a drink in front of her. Mari frowned slightly as she
wasnt sure what the drink was and whether she should accept prior to taking another journey
on the scooter.
Luca laughed, Dont worry, its freshly squeezed lime with iced soda water I dont get the
ladies merry unless they ask me to! 'Drink up its the perfect beverage for this time of day.
Mari sipped at her straw - the sourness of the lime was so refreshing and Luca had placed a
fresh mint leaf in the drink, giving a sensation of flavours.
She nodded her agreement, Its wonderful and I see youve worked very hard at the
ambience here. Mari turned on her bar stool and admired the ocean, sitting in silence for
more than a few minutes. Why had she not explored more of the world before? This was
absolutely stunning and unlike anything she'd ever experienced. Giuseppe seemed very
relaxed as he chatted away in what she could now recognise as Italian with Luca.
She could just sit and drink in the experience with no concerns whatsoever. Mari cast her eye
lazily around the beach and saw that some of the sunbathers were now making their way
towards the bar. There were two couples who looked like something from a billboard
advertisement, so fashionable and suntanned. The couple in front looked vaguely familiar but
as Mari had not been on the island for very long she thought she was just being fanciful and
turned back to speak with Giuseppe. Im glad I showed you this place Mari, he said, placing
an arm on her shoulder, Its a small piece of paradise after all the hard work we do so we
deserve it dont you think? Mari smiled and nodded in agreement. A feeling of contentment
washed over her and she sighed with pleasure.
The feeling was short-lived however, as she heard a familiar and contemptuous voice. My,
my you certainly are getting to know the local area and if I might say, the locals too! said
Nicos, you are a quick worker. Mari spun on her seat in shock and saw with alarm that she
was facing both Nicos and Carla, the latter lifting up her sunglasses so Mari was in no doubt
of her glare. You again, said Carla, you really do get everywhere dont you? A bit like one
of those nasty skin infections. She laughed and turned to the other couple. This is one of the
workers from that camp site Nicos spends so much time at. Doesnt seem to be doing much
work from what I can see but obviously working her way through the men.
With this, Carla picked up a cola can and walked away with the woman from the couple, who
looked back at Mari with curiosity. Nicos leaned on the bar with his back to Mari, blocking
her from the conversation. How is business Giuseppe? Do you think youll stay after the
season this year? he asked, making superficial conversation.
Giuseppe looked uncomfortable with the change in atmosphere at the bar but seemed willing
to join Nicos in conversation, much to Maris dismay. Her stomach was churning after the
cruel and undeserved words from Carla and now Nicos was once again treating her like she
didnt exist. Well, she wasnt going to just sit here and take this.
Giuseppe, she said, leaning around Nicos to speak to him, Ive finished my drink so Ill
make my way back to the bikes and see you in about fifteen minutes, is that ok? Giuseppe
frowned, Why dont you take a swim as youre here? The sea is very beautiful and Ill let
you know when Im ready to leave. He had been so nice Mari didnt want to seem churlish
so she smiled in agreement and made her way to the shoreline, well away from Carla and her
friend.
She was pleased that shed worn a bikini under her outfit and thought that she would dry off
riding the scooter back to the resort so was not concerned about taking an unexpected swim.
As she removed her vest and shorts Mari could feel eyes upon her and looking up, saw Carla
leaving with her friend and glaring at her from one end of the beach and Nicos gazing
intently from the bar area.
The situation was ridiculous, she couldnt even take a swim without unwelcome intrusion so
Mari decided to forget everything apart from her surroundings and with this thought ran into
the sea, allowing the cool water to comfort her. As she lay on her back with her hands behind
her head, Mari took a deep breath and reasoned that she could be working in a stuffy
schoolroom back in England at this very moment. How right she had been to take off like
this, her previously unknown spirit of adventure guiding her into - she had to admit - some
very strange situations.
Floating on the surface of the ocean gave Mari a deep sense of relaxation and she wished she
could capture this moment forever. Her meditation was short-lived however, as she heard
splashing and experienced a jolt of waves rocking her. Maybe a dog had run into the sea
nearby but Mari hadnt noticed any dogs on the beach when shed arrived.
She suddenly felt a pair of hands under her back turning her over roughly and panicked as she
swallowed a mouthful of seawater. Mari lashed out as she attempted to stand up in the water
and the back of her hand came into contact with human flesh.
She heard a roar of protest and felt someone grab her wrist tightly, hurting her in the process.
She finished coughing but was still disorientated yet let out a shrill scream, hoping that
someone had seen her being attacked in the water. Be quiet, a male voice commanded,
youre being hysterical. As she blinked her eyes open Mari could see that the man was
Nicos and that no-one had run from the shore to rescue her. She was livid. Surely, being a
local he would know how dangerous it was to play pranks on people in the sea?
Idiot! she screamed into his face. Why dont you leave people alone or cant you bear not
to have attention, is that it? Mari turned and attempted to walk quickly away but as she was
up to her thighs in water, this proved very difficult. She heard Nicos chuckling as he grabbed
her and pulled her towards him, their stomachs touching.
You are not the only one who can play games, he whispered into her ear, his hot breath
sending desire coursing through her veins. Before she could answer he turned and swam
quickly away from her towards the shore leaving Mari shocked, embarrassed and looking
around to see who had witnessed the exchange. Thankfully, nobody seemed to be paying
attention, as they had been too far away and with as much dignity as she could muster, she
returned to the shore, gathered her belongings and walked towards the exit path without
looking back.
CHAPTER SIX
Following the exchange at the beach Mari did not see Nicos again for some time and
concentrated on her work at the resort. Her room mate had not been any warmer to her and
she wondered if the woman was in some way connected to Carla, probably having met her on
previous visits to the island. It was unfortunate to have to share a room with a hostile
atmosphere but she and her roommate very often worked opposite shifts due to Mari
spending more evenings in the restaurant. She continued to enjoy working with Andreas and
was pleased with the culinary skills she was developing. Cassie too, seemed pleased with her
progress and appeared to think that the menu was in safe hands with her current kitchen crew.
Still, she did not lie to herself and often found herself thinking of Nicos, she had come to
realise that the last beach encounter with him had both infuriated and excited her. Why would
he make an approach even in jest to her when he was in the company of friends and his
supposed lover, Carla? He did not seem to be able to leave her alone. Maybe she had been
accurate in stating that he appeared to need the attention of every woman in sight. She was
aware she looking out for his visits each day but working in the restaurant gave her little
opportunity of crossing paths with anyone.
Mari had seen him once or twice from a distance but he always appeared to be discussing
business, his head bent over accounts sheets or other paperwork with Cassie. She could hear
him saying goodbye from the open window of the kitchen as he left and hoped that he hadnt
seen her peering out at him. Mari was very cross with herself for devoting so much time to
thinking about the man but when she remembered his hot breath against her ear in the sea,
she realised more and more that she had never felt this way about anyone before.
Mari was aware that she would have to cross paths with Nicos at some point, as there were
several events involving Cassie and her staff on the horizon. The feast of the Virgin Mary
was in a few days time and Cassie had informed her that the festival caused much excitement
across the island. Every village would engage in a procession and ceremony in celebration of
the Virgin followed by a feast where everyone gathered to eat, drink and dance long into the
night.
As their resort was well-place in a cove, Cassie hosted festivities following the procession
down from the nearest village. Mari would be expected, as part of Cassies extended family,
to work hard and to play her part in the event. A sixteen hour day plus many days work
beforehand. If you think you have been working hard in my kitchen you wait for this, I hope
youre up for it! Still, hard work is rewarded here so youll have your chance to join the
celebrations', she had instructed Mari. Cassie hadnt been joking. For two days prior to the
feast Mari had been working long days in the restaurant preparing and freezing food. Andreas
had been red-faced and highly-strung, shouting continuously as the stress mounted. Over the
weeks Mari befriended Andreas and took no notice of his outburst, werent all chefs
supposed to behave like this? He was usually very calm under pressure, so this event must be
extremely important to him.
They were responsible for preparing a feast for up to 200 people, as well as keeping on top of
the usual lunch and dinner requests, which was now mainly undertaken by Mari, under
Andreass guidance. She had no time to worry about how well she was preparing and
presenting the food and her lack of anxiety served her well, as several times she had received
word from the waitresses that compliments had been sent to the chef!
This particular morning Andreas was shouting into the telephone, as the butcher had not yet
made the large delivery, which needed marinating overnight before being cooked slowly over
coals on the evening of the festival. Mari was busy preparing large bowls of salad in
preparation for the lunchtime customers in the restaurant and Andreas seemed to be finding
fault in everything she did.
No Mari, he roared when he had finished with the butcher, Very big pieces of Feta, you are
not in England now! Mari held her temper and continued with the task, as she had many long
hours ahead of assisting Andreas plus the preparations for the feast - falling out with him so
early in the day would be ill-advised. She had not yet asked Cassie at what time staff would
be allowed to attend the festivities on the evening of the party and if the restaurant would be
shut to customers on that day. She reasoned that if she worked hard and finished her tasks,
she may be allowed time to shower and attend the festival later when the party was in full
swing.
She had yet to wear her blue dress but felt as though it were destined to never be worn,
working here in the kitchen night after night. At least her days had been mainly her own and
she had made full use of her own transport to explore the island, even visiting the Secret
Beach several times. Much as she tried, she could not rid herself of her first memory of
visiting the beach and as always these days, felt herself thinking of Nicos as she swam and
sunbathed.
She did wonder if he would spend the evening at Cassies party or in his own village and
sighed at the thought that he would not see her in her dress. Guiseppe had indicated that
Nicos was likely to spend most of his time with his own people on the day but that his father
always sent large racks of meat as a gesture of friendship to Cassie and Nicos delivered them
to the resort.
If Nicos did deliver this in person she did not like the thought of his seeing her for the first
time since their beach encounter in her working clothes, red-faced from her culinary
exertions. It had been good of Giuseppe to tell her that she might be seeing Nicos again soon
and their friendship seemed to have recovered a little, although she occasionally caught him
looking at her sadly. Whenever this happened he would catch himself and give her a big grin
before appearing very busy and making an excuse to leave her company. Giuseppe had teased
her at breakfast that he might honour her with a dance at the party - if she knew how. I might
surprise you caro, she had responded spiritedly, causing Cassie to raise an eyebrow behind
the inevitable plume of cigarette smoke. Well, we will have nothing to feed our customers or
our guests if you dont get a move on Mari, she had chided.
A telephone call interrupted her day-dreaming and she once again heard Andreas roaring in
response to the caller. He then hastily removed his chefs uniform and ran across the kitchen,
OK, now I have to collect the butcher's delivery myself if I send anybody else that robber
will substitute the order for inferior meat. I will be two hours at the most. Mari gasped, but I
cant manage the lunch crowd by myself! Really, it was too much. She hadnt been
employed here as a chef and was very fed up. I tell Cassie that only soup, sandwiches and
salad for today no menu food. She will send in Markos to help you', he replied.
Throwing a cloth onto the counter Andreas breezed out of the kitchen leaving the door
swinging wildly behind him. A heated exchange with Cassie followed, some of which Mari
could understand in her fledgling Greek. It certainly seemed as though Cassie was furious
with both Andreas and the butcher and Mari was sure that a number of swear words had been
uttered, although she couldnt be sure. She decided to keep her head down and out of Cassies
way for the next couple of hours. As she bent her head to concentrate on chopping Parsley the
swing-doors opened again and looking up she saw Markos enter the kitchen, shouting
something over his shoulder to an irate Cassie. J ust do it! Cassie yelled in response, her
angry face disappearing as the doors swung closed.
So! he clapped his hands, Where is my uniform lovely lady? I believe I am in charge
today. Before Mari could answer, the kitchen intercom crackled and Cassies voice could be
heard, You are to clean and wash crockery nothing else unless Mari asks you to. Do not go
near the food do you understand? I have no time today for games. The message ended as
abruptly as it had started, causing Mari to grin. Markos shrugged and put on an apron, So, I
am your slave for today. As a good employee I am at your command. He raised his
eyebrows suggestively and Mari threw a tea towel at him laughing, You can make a start on
that mound of washing up in the sink.
The next hour passed uneventfully, as Mari prepared the simple lunch requests and Markos
sang (very loudly) to the Greek radio station. She remembered Giuseppes story and thought
sadly at how things might have turned out differently for Markos. He wasnt a bad man; he
just needed a hand with keeping his life in order. Maybe thats why Nicos seemed so hard on
him, perhaps it was the only way to ensure Markos got into no further trouble than he already
did.
Thinking about Nicos caused the familiar sensation in her stomach and Mari was relieved
when lunchtime had ended and nobody had sent their food back. She and Markos quickly
cleaned up in preparation for Andreas's return and then the whole circus would start once
again. She would take a couple of hours break, as she had almost single-handedly directed the
lunchtime operation but would return after this to continue assisting Andreas throughout the
evening.
Mari decided to take a ride on her scooter to clear her head; she had worked hard and needed
some time alone before the onslaught of the next couple of days.
*
Later that evening, showered and wearing fresh shorts and t-shirt Mari returned to the
restaurant. Shed had a lovely ride to the other end of the island and had enjoyed a leisurely
coffee in the marina there. If only lunch breaks had been as enjoyable back in England! As
shed moisturised following her shower Mari noticed that shed acquired a pleasing tan and
her golden skin complemented the blonde highlights that had appeared naturally in her hair.
She was looking better than she had in years, yet tying her hair back realised that she had
nobody to appreciate the improvements.
She returned to the kitchen with a heavy heart, sorry that her thoughts had taken her in this
direction. She would have to throw herself into her work that evening to take her mind away
from things so, tying a clean apron around her, forced a smile towards Andreas and asked
what he would like her to do. They worked diligently and by 10.00p.m. preparation for the
next days feast had been done and the meat was marinating nicely in the large fridges. Mari
was pleased with her efforts and enjoyed the tiredness of a hard days work. She smiled in
response to Andreass offer of a cold beer on the deck of the restaurant and relished the idea
of a relaxing for half an hour before retiring to bed.
They were sitting in contented silence whilst the others chatted in a relaxed manner when
they heard raised voices from within the restaurant. Cassie appeared to be shouting at
someone to go to bed, roaring that they had had too much to drink. Andreas jumped up and
moved quickly into the restaurant to find out what was going on. Mari tentatively followed
him. It came as no surprise to her that the inebriated person was Markos and as she moved
closer she could see that he was highly emotional, alternating quickly between anger and
tears.
Andreas took him by the arm, encouraging him to leave the restaurant and go for a walk with
him. Markos however, shook him aside and then turned his anger towards Andreas, Yes, you
are the Big Shot, the chef and we all have to bow to you! he shouted. Andreas did not
respond and he as he and Cassie attempted to walk Markos towards the exit. Before they
could reach the doorway he broke free and ran into the kitchen, shouting that everybody
treated him like a fool so now he was going to behave like one. Mari realised with horror that
he had started throwing things around the kitchen; she could hear the crashing of pots and
crockery as she ran inside with Cassie and Andreas.
The scene that greeted them was awful. Smashed crockery covered the floor and Markos was
pulling food out of the refrigerator. Andreas cried out as he saw the carefully prepared joints
of meat hurled to the floor with Markos showing no signs of stopping. Mari ducked her head
as bowls of food were hurled and ran to find a broom. Cassie had retrieved her mobile
telephone and was shouting into it in a rapid Greek that Mari could not understand. There
was one word she did understand however, as Maria shouted the name Nicos into the
telephone. Looking into the kitchen she saw a red-faced Andreas packing up his knives and
removing personal cooking utensils. He pushed angrily passed Mari and shouted to Cassie
that he had had enough and she would need to look for a new chef.
Cassie's voice increased in volume at this new development and she was strongly urging
Nicos to come to the resort to bring Markos back under control. Looking around, Mari felt
tears welling, as all the hard work they had undertaken lay in ruins. She was furious with
Markos and aggressively swept away crockery whilst Cassie continued to roar into the
telephone. Poor Cassie! All that time and expense for nothing and what would happen about
the feast? Two hundred people were due the next day and there was now nothing to feed
them with. Markos had a lot to answer for and she had no doubt that Nicos would be the one
to make him pay for his actions today.
*
An hour later the kitchen had been cleared away, as had Markos. Cassie and Giuseppe had
moved him into the restaurant area as soon as he had calmed down slightly and had been
feeding him strong coffee ever since. Mari had remained in the kitchen, throwing away food
and broken items and had had the foresight to list each item as she had thrown it in the refuse.
This would make it easier when replacements needed to be ordered. She had no idea why she
personally felt so sad but thought it might have to do with being caught up in the festive spirit
and the fact that she now felt a strong connection to Cassie and the others so that she too felt
their loss.
As she mopped up the last area of the kitchen the doors opened and she looked up with
surprise to see Nicos standing in the doorway. He looked down at her and she self-
consciously tucked her hair behind her ear, annoyed that he had caught her looking so
downtrodden and unglamorous. His face softened as he saw her discomfort and beckoned her
to follow him into the restaurant where she saw that he and Cassie had once again settled
themselves alongside a bottle of Metaxa and a large pot of coffee.
Mari moved a chair and sat down next to Cassie who was looking up to the ceiling and
blowing a smoke ring. Im so, so sorry Cassie. I so wanted the fiesta to be a success
Andreas and I worked very hard to make sure it would be. Cassie looked at her and patted
her arm. I know, I know. Now, you must have a brandy and settle yourself after the drama.
Its not the first time we have been in this situation and I think of you now as part of the
family. Thank you for cleaning up, it cant have been easy. Cassie poured Mari a glass of
brandy and she sipped it slowly, acutely aware of Nicos looking at her intently from the other
side of the table.
Cassie tells me you have been an invaluable help to her this week. You are not just a pretty
face Ive been told. Mari glared at him to establish whether this was one of his usual insults
but saw with surprise that he was smiling warmly at her. He held his hands up in a gesture of
surrender, No, please I dont want to argue this evening. Have we not seen enough of this?
Mari nodded silently, suddenly feeling shy. She turned to Cassie What are we going to do
about the fiesta? she asked.
Ha! Cassie responded, I have asked Nicos if we can place Markos on the spit roast so we
can all have an opportunity of turning him slowly and seeing his pain. She poured herself
another drink. It is a disaster but nothing that cant be overcome. I would not still be in
business if I fell at every hurdle. Nicos and I have been discussing this very thing and I think
we have come up with a plan. Mari raised her eyebrows in anticipation. Yes, Cassie
continued He kindly offered to transport two hundred revellers to his village for the evening
but I doubt the village will be able to cope. So, I have decided that we will feed them here but
as the meat is ruined, we will have to change tact and think of something else for the menu.
Mari wondered how two hundred people could be fed al-fresco and suddenly had an idea.
What about, she began to quizzical stares from Cassie and Nicos, what about going for the
simplest option? It would cost too much to try and replace everything we've lost and you
probably couldnt find that amount of meat to replace anyway. Youll have the coals and
barbeques set up anyway so why not use them to keep pots of food warm that we can prepare
here in the kitchen? Cassie looked puzzled. But what food Mari? There will be two hundred
people to feed. Mari became more excited by her idea and turned to Nicos.
You must know local farmers and suppliers. My idea is to bake large potatoes and have pots
of different fillings. The potatoes could be baked in the ovens here and kept warm on the
outside stoves. We could have hot fillings such as chili-con-carne or curried chicken and
large bowls of cold fillings, such as coleslaw, cheeses and different meats. Then we could
have a large table with all the different salads and breads that we do here in the restaurant.
'Once it has been set up people can queue up and help themselves and all we have to do is
ensure that the pots never run dry. What do you think? Cassie and Nicos looked at each then
back at Mari. Feed Greek people curry on the Feast of the Virgin Mary? he cried. Looking
at Maris determined face however he smiled, OK, OK, you seem to have thought this
through and Im nothing if not a risk-taker. At least it will be talked about for months to come
and yes, it does make economic sense. What do you think Cassie?
Cassie downed the last of her brandy and put out her cigarette, Why not? she said I dont
want to cancel nor do I want to be accused of not feeding people. Can you find two hundred
and fifty potatoes Nicos? They looked at each other and started to laugh, then bellowed, their
shoulders shaking so much that it was infectious and Mari joined in with them, the relief of
the laughter the most perfect antidote to the unpleasantness of the evening. She raised her
glass, Here's to the most original, most magnificent and hopefully most enjoyable Feast of
the Virgin Mary ever, she said.
*
The next morning Mari awoke before her alarm clock and felt excited about the forthcoming
celebrations. She was slightly nervous now that Cassie and Nicos had joined with her
enthusiasm and had agreed to the contingency plan for the fiesta but what if it was a disaster?
Throwing herself out of bed she decided that she had no time for misgivings, she needed to
get into the shower and up to the restaurant quickly.
After sharing coffee with Giuseppe they set to work for the morning, preparing huge pots of
chili, curry and giant bowls of salad. Nicos was out sourcing the hundreds of potatoes that
had caused so much amusement the previous evening. They had decided that he would also
bring the usual lamb donation from his father but that this would be prepared and cooked for
the staff, friends and family of Cassie the following day and taken on the boat trip. The baker
was due with a large bread order and Mari had agreed to go with Cassie to the supermarket
and winery once the baker had departed.
An hour later she waited on the deck for Cassie and was enjoying both the view and the fruit
juice Giuseppe had given to her while she waited. She was just taking in the breathtaking
scenery of the cove once more when she felt a presence behind her. Turning quickly she saw
Nicos standing there smiling, the sun glinting on his sunglasses. He raised them and said,
you really are a very attractive woman when you are not behaving like a spitfire. Shall we
go? Mari was puzzled; she hadnt made any arrangement with Nicos that day and was about
to correct him but he placed his finger across her lips, Shh, he said, Dont argue with me.
Collect your things and do what youre told to for a change.
He turned on his heel and walked slowly through the restaurant, getting admiring glances
from more than one female. Mari had to acknowledge that this excited her knowing that
they had shared intimate moments and also that hed just told her how attractive she was. She
decided to throw caution to the wind and see what the day brought forth.
Nicos was outside in the sports car they had had the embarrassing altercation with on her first
day. Remember this vehicle? he grinned and Mari blushed. I have since seen your friend
Yannis and he does not seem to have forgiven me. Still, relations seem slightly better
between the two of us or I would not risk having you in the car. Who knows when you might
strike out as we are turning a dangerous corner? Mari tutted playfully and sat beside him.
What about the plan with Cassie; I thought she and I were doing the shopping this morning?
she asked. Nicos shook his head, Something else came up. Its a very busy day for her and
she has a thousand things to do so I kindly offered to take responsibility for the collections
this morning. I reassured her that I would show you exactly what was needed, he grinned
wickedly and pulled away at breakneck speed.
Nicos did not speak but put some traditional music on and sang quietly to the songs, tapping
out a rhythm on the steering wheel. It was strangely relaxing and Mari thought they had a
quiet intimacy that did not require them to speak constantly. She looked at the passing
scenery and once again marvelled at how significantly her life had changed in the past few
months. The island was stunningly beautiful, she felt healthy and relaxed and she certainly
seemed to be showing the benefit of all this good living. Nicos slowed the car down and they
turned through a large pair of gates leading to a long narrow road. There had been no sign on
the gates so Mari did not have any idea where they were headed and looked questioningly at
Nicos. We are here to sample wine and as I told you before, the god of wine is Greek and
you wont find finer anywhere. Of course I am viciously patriotic so would say that but you
can sample one or two of the finest, as long as you dont misbehave afterwards, he said.
Mari slapped him on the arm, thoroughly enjoying this new-found camaraderie and looked
forward to the next couple of hours in his company.
They slowed down and parked beside a magnificent house and some outbuildings. Mari could
see vineyards all around and breathed in the scent of the countryside, feeling better than she
had in a long time. It was magical and had every ingredient; even brightly coloured butterflies
passing by to add to the spectacle. Giuseppe had told her that Nicos owned a share in the
vineyard but as Nicos had not disclosed this to her himself, she remained quiet.
She was also standing beside the most attractive man she had ever seen and had not missed
his admiring glance at her slim tanned legs as she got out of the car. She was excited and
happy and intended to enjoy every second of this feeling. A smiling man came out of one of
the outbuildings and shook Nicoss hand vigorously. Ah Nicos, we will not disappoint as I
have some of the finest awaiting your approval. I think Cassie said for you to order as you
think fit and once you give the say-so the boys will load up and deliver later. Then everybody
will celebrate this vineyard and buy their wine from here all year around! Nicos introduced
the man, Mari, this is Viktor and his family has owned a share in these vineyards forever. He
is the supplier to my familys restaurants but knows that I have the finest palette in the area so
he exploits my skill in tasting his latest batch. Viktor looked Mari up and down and said
something in Greek to Nicos, who tutted and waved his finger.
What did he say? demanded Mari. Please, tell me. He smiled down at her and said,
Viktor, as well as admiring my discerning palette when it comes to wine also appears to
admire my discerning taste in women. Now, are you satisfied? Mari blushed violently and
moved ahead to cover her embarrassment. She was secretly thrilled with how things were
developing between them but was still confused about Nicos; was he playing cat and mouse
with her for his own amusement? So thoughtful, Nicos commented, you must not frown so
or you will be old before your time. Stop pondering and come and learn about the wine
process, you will enjoy it. To Maris surprise he slipped his hand in hers as they walked
leisurely towards the outbuildings. Mari was so ecstatic she thought she would burst and
wanted to capture this moment forever.
She hardly took in a word of Viktors seminar on how to examine, smell and taste wine
appropriately. Her mind was very much elsewhere. She knew she would regret her
flightiness, as Viktor seemed to take joy in sharing his knowledge, whereas Peter had just
behaved like a snob when discussing wine. She did say that she had some previous
knowledge of wine-tasting but with Nicos by her side did not say how. It seemed very
symbolic that she had run away to this island, away from Peter only to be once again
surrounded by the wine industry. Why did this feel so different, so alive?
She concentrated on the wine she tasted at that moment, a delicious red and smiled
approvingly at Viktor. Its wonderful, so light. I dont usually like reds as I find them too
heavy. Viktor looked alarmed, There as many different types of red wine as there are
beautiful women, just ask Nicos! He said laughingly. Nicos threw his head back with a bark
of laughter and waved his finger warningly at Viktor, Stop being mischievous and lets get
on with the order. I think we could do with some lunch, is there anything going?
Ten minutes later Mari and Nicos were sat in a shaded courtyard with a selection of cold food
laid out on a table in front of them. A basket was piled high with bread alongside bowls of
juicy olives. This is magnificent, said Mari spearing a stuffed olive and savouring its
flavour. Nicos smiled and popped an olive into his own mouth. A joy to the senses; fine
food, fine wine and I hope, fine company, he said looking at her intently. The moment
seemed to last an age and Mari could not help but be drawn to his gaze. Looking into his eyes
she felt the familiar tug of desire and something else she could not define. Her emotions were
reeling and she had butterflies in her stomach. Mari held her breath, not knowing what to do
as time seemed to stand still.
Nicos reached his hand out and gently stroked her cheek, causing electricity to race through
her veins. She placed her hand over his and wanted the world to stop, to keep them here like
this forever; she had never known such intense feelings towards a man and the thought
thrilled her yet slightly frightened her.
You are very beautiful and I would like to do more than stroke your lovely skin but I fear we
would be overlooked so instead he said huskily we will have to enjoy other pleasures.
With this he leaned over and popped an olive in her mouth sitting back and grinning
wickedly. Nice? He asked with raised eyebrows. Mari bit into the olive slowly and looked
back at him, Its fantastic, she replied and sat back in her chair sipping her wine. Really, she
was becoming extremely brazen in this mans company in a way she had certainly never been
with Peter. Nicos certainly seemed to be awakening some hitherto unknown passion within
her and brazen or not, she wasnt sure she wanted it to stop.
They finished their meal in silence, the electricity between them apparent to both and the
discipline of not being able to kiss or touch just served to intensify their mutual desire. Mari
now understood how people could view the sharing of food as erotic; this was a highly
intense and unusual experience. Nicos however, had to break the spell. Im sorry but we will
have to make a move; we still have to visit my village to collect the gift from my father.
Mari was desolate, why did this have to end?
She had to resign herself to the magical moment in time passing but hoped against hope that
there might be more such experiences with Nicos. They pulled their chairs back and Viktor
appeared, smiling and kissing them on both cheeks. He bade farewell and extended an open
invitation to Mari to visit the vineyard any time she chose, and then winked at Nicos who
punched him playfully on the arm before heading towards the car.
On the journey to the village Mari was highly agitated sitting beside Nicos and not knowing
how to behave. Would he once again act as if nothing had happened between them? How
could he if he had felt the same desire that she had back in the vineyard. She sat back in her
seat and stared straight ahead. Nicos placed his hand gently on her thigh and patted her in a
gesture of comfort then let his hand rest there. Mari nearly jumped out of her seat, causing
Nicos to roar with laughter. You are like a coiled spring! he cried, There is nothing to be
tense about so please just relax and enjoy the moment.
Mari thought that it was very easy for him to say; she had personally been through an assault
course of emotions whilst he appeared relaxed in his seat, contented after a good meal and as
though nothing had happened between them! She took a deep breath and sat back in her seat,
reasoning that she could not predict what would happen next so decided to just see where life
and the next few hours took her.
Within twenty minutes they had travelled up a winding mountain road and had entered a
village of such picture postcard beauty Mari could only stare in amazement. Nicos turned and
smiled at her. That is a reaction I approve of. Welcome to where I was born and will never
stray far from. Mari nodded, Why would you want to? Its absolutely breathtaking, Nicos.
She excitedly opened the door of the car once he had brought it to a stop and climbed out into
another shady courtyard, covered in greenery and the brightest of flowers. Mari felt as excited
as a child and breathed in the sweet scent of the place, walking slowly around to appreciate
the loveliness of her surroundings.
The courtyard had a seating area, open on all sides but with a wooden framed roof covered in
greenery and from the ceiling hung brightly coloured lanterns. The tables were covered with
the whitest of linen and Mari saw that two waiters were setting the tables in preparation for
the evening. The main building was whitewashed with an ornate blue door and shutters
surrounded the many windows. Mari smiled at the simplicity yet elegance of the place and
decided that she felt very comfortable here. Nicos waved a greeting to the waiters and then
indicated that Mari should follow him up steps that were covered in pots from which a variety
of plant life was displayed. He disappeared inside and Mari hurried to keep up with him.
Traditional music filtered through the restaurant and Mari could hear laughter and saw a
flurry of activity taking place at the far end near what was obviously the kitchen. She
adjusted her eyes to the sudden darkness of coming in from the sunshine and saw an elderly
gentleman sitting with a coffee and cigarette at a table next to the kitchen. He had a full head
of white hair and a tanned, wrinkled face that was set in a wide smile. Mari saw him stand
and hold his arms out to embrace Nicos and the two held each other tightly for a second
before breaking away and looking around at her.
Papa, this is an Englishwoman who appears to be taking the island by storm and Cassie has
put her into my care for the day to see if she will behave herself. Mari, this is my father,
Georgiou - brilliant restaurateur, smoker when he shouldn't be and stubborn old fool! Mari
smiled at Nicoss father and put her hand out to shake his. He surprised her by grabbing her
into an enthusiastic embrace, holding her tightly and patting her back before releasing her and
grabbing her face gently in both his hands. He nodded in what appeared to be approval and
said something in Greek to Nicos who waved his hand dismissively and said, Please, enough
of all that; we have time only for a coffee and then I must take everything back to Cassie who
will no doubt be hysterical because weve been away for hours.
The next half hour was spent in relaxed and pleasant conversation with Nicoss father who
spoke very good English, the result he said, of having to entertain fussy foreigners in the
restaurant for the last thirty years. He asked her how long she intended to stay on the island
and what her plans would be once the summer was over. She was surprised to note that she
wasnt really certain what she wanted to do and had previously thought of this as a working
holiday before returning to England and getting her life back on track. I honestly dont
know, she had told him, I came here because I was having a difficult time and needed to get
away but now Ive started living a different sort of life, Im not sure Im ready to go back.
The old man nodded and she was strangely relaxed in his company, surprised that she had
revealed so much to him in their first encounter. Let me ask you Mari, he said, looking at
her intently, Was this difficulty to do with a man?
Mari was taken aback at the abruptness of the question and found herself nodding silently,
suddenly feeling tearful so that she had to bite her lip to stop herself from crying. How awful
that would be in front of a complete stranger and what would Nicos think of her embarrassing
him in such a way? His father just sat nodding and patting her hand, reassuring her without
the need for words. She then inexplicably blurted out, I was due to be married, then before
she knew it she started pouring out the whole sorry tale from her first suspicions at Christmas
to the devastating phone call from the woman and the last, terrible scene with Peter.
It was only when he passed her a napkin that Mari realised she had tears streaming down her
face and looking up saw Nicos looking down at her with such compassion it made her cry
even more. She hadnt realised that he had been standing close by, listening to every word.
How would she ever face either of them again?
Standing up quickly she brushed past him and ran out of the restaurant trying to escape her
humiliation. She found a corner of the courtyard and stood with her back to the building,
wiping her face with the napkin and trying to compose herself. A few minutes later she felt a
hand on the back of her neck and turning, found herself in Nicoss arms and leaned into his
strong embrace. She sobbed into his chest, the tears and pain she had been storing up for
months now breaking free and with his arms around her, felt strangely protected and knowing
somehow that everything would be alright.
Nicos said nothing, stroking her head and holding her as if he never wanted to let go. He
cupped his hand under her chin and gently lifted her head so that she was facing him. There,
there no more tears,' he said 'Im so sorry, I had no idea you had been suffering in this way. I
thought and then he paused. What is it? Mari asked, her voice still trembling. Nicos
shook his head, a puzzled expression on his face. We will talk in the car. Handing her the
keys he said, You sit and recover for a few minutes and I will load the car. He walked back
into the restaurant and Mari took her seat in the car, emotions racing, still unsure what had
happened to her in the last hour.
Her breath came in bursts, as her sobbing subsided and she was torn between extreme
humiliation and something else that she couldnt define. Standing in Nicoss embrace had
made her feel safe and reminded her of being a child where her mother or father had mopped
up her tears and put a sticking plaster on her knee. Was it possible to feel as secure with
someone youd know only a short time? Why had she never felt this with Peter? It was all so
confusing. Nicos returned to the car after loading the boot and reversed out of the courtyard
in silence. They did not speak for a few minutes and Mari did not know how to break the ice.
She felt very uncomfortable.
As they drove down the small mountain road Nicos turned to her, My father sends his
greetings and told me to tell you that you will be fine. He has ordered me to be your Lord
Protector now you are a guest on our island and had some very unsavoury things to say about
that fianc of yours. Why didnt you tell me? Mari shook her head. You never gave me the
opportunity, she replied, you always seemed so angry with me and I couldnt understand
why. Ever since you stormed off in Athens Ive been upset and confused. I never did
anything to you Nicos yet you seemed to be judging me at every available opportunity.
Nicos did not respond but just shook his head slowly. He slowed the car down and pulled into
the side of the road. Turning to her he said, Do you remember that woman in Athens, the
fortune teller? Mari nodded. 'I had been translating,' he continued, 'and clearly made my own
interpretation of what she had been saying. Maybe if you had learned a little Greek before
coming to this country you could have joined the conversation and put me right. It would
have saved considerable confusion.' He again sounded angry and she was even more
confused. Why, apart from your being patriotic would you concern yourself at whether I
could speak Greek or not? Id only just met you. Nicos took a long breath Because, he
sighed, your ignorance of my language has started a comedy of errors, only its not very
amusing. When she suggested betrayal by a husband, I assumed she meant your betrayal, not
his!'
The ridiculousness of the situation suddenly amused Mari and she broke out in loud laughter
and the release felt amazing. She tried to speak through her laughter but was able to only get
out a few words, When you stormed off in Athens, the look on your face then peeled into
hysteria again. Nicos nodded enthusiastically, I was absolutely furious and thought you had
duped me, that you were a woman not to be trusted; I didnt calm down for about an hour, he
chuckled and placed a hand on her shoulder, the two of them laughing contentedly.
Eventually, they calmed down and Mari wiped her eyes of the tears so different to those of
earlier. She looked over at Nicos and smiled, To think, she said, we could have saved
ourselves all that nonsense.
Nicos looked at her and she could not place his expression nor guess at what he might be
thinking. She hoped he didnt retreat into silence and become distant again, as they had
shared so much throughout the day. He spoke after what seemed like an eternity and Mari
realised she had been holding her breath. Like most people, he began, I am not without my
complexities. As with you, I have been let down by people and felt unimaginable pain. I
hope, no, refuse to ever be in that position again and the sacrifice Im afraid, is to not let
anyone get that close to me again. He looked at her sadly and Mari felt an ache of
disappointment. She was not sure how to respond and felt it best to say nothing.
The atmosphere in the car had changed so abruptly and they both sat in silence, Mari not
daring to look at him. The spell had definitely been broken. Nicos put the car into gear and
edged slowly onto the road leaving Mari alone with her thoughts. Did this mean he would
deny himself the pleasure of falling in love again? Mari had felt this way before coming to
the island but having met Nicos she was sure that she could put the past behind her and take a
risk.
She had been frightened at the intensity of her feelings towards him but felt that one couldnt
help nor plan for feelings taking hold and despite her fear and caution she was delighted that
she had the capacity for such intensity. At least she felt alive again and had ridden herself of
the numbness she had been experiencing for so many months. She had to say something or
the moment would be lost and when would they be alone in this way again?
Life is painful sometimes Nicos, she said, you cannot legislate against that. We would all
prefer not to have to go through pain and heartache but without it, we wouldnt have joy and
pleasure. He sighed again, I see you are becoming a philosopher since spending time in my
country. Dont you think I havent thought about all of this before? What you are saying is
not original Mari but yes, I believe it is true. You cannot as you say, legislate against pain but
you can minimise the opportunity for it as much as possible. Does this mean that you will
never have another serious relationship, never marry or plan a future with a woman? she
asked. He did not respond immediately and looked ahead, appearing to concentrate on his
driving. Well? she asked.
Is that what you are looking for? he turned the question back to her. Im not sure, she
replied, I would like to think that eventually there would be someone out there for me,
someone I could trust to build a future with. I thought I had found him and it was devastating
when that didnt happen but I also refuse to bury myself and I refuse to stop living. Why
should I when I wasn't the one who betrayed the person I supposedly loved? She looked to
Nicos for a response.
He gave a tight smile and said, Then youre either more courageous or more foolish than me.
I prefer to participate on a part-time basis Mari, I am after all a businessman and it would be
foolish to gamble all of my resources on one opportunity. She was furious, is that how you
view women then as an opportunity? Nicos did not respond and Mari saw that there
would be no further discussion, as they had reached the resort. She had a sudden insight into
what life must be like for Carla, waiting and hoping for something that would never be her's.
What a waste of a life! Mari was determined that she would not make the same mistake and
opening the door of the car she turned to him, I think you are foolish Nicos and maybe
youre better off with a woman like Carla whos prepared to settle for what little you have to
offer. I intend to have a great deal more out of life! and with this she stepped out of the car,
slamming the door as hard as she could.

CHATER SEVEN
Without looking back Mari ran quickly up the steps to the restaurant, which was a hive of
activity. The first person she encountered was her roommate who greeted her with an
unpleasant smile, You had a good afternoon off I take it? she sneered and Mari, who had
had quite enough for one day turned on her. Why dont you just get on with your work and
mind your own business for a change? she snapped. The girl regarded her with a cool stare
and responded, It is my business when little tramps go chasing all over the island after my
friends fianc. I am merely protecting her interests.
Mari was beyond politeness by this time and would not be called a tramp by anyone, least of
all Carlas lapdog. For your information I dont need to go chasing anybody and you know
nothing about me so I suggest you brush up on your research before you go challenging me
on anything again. Where is your pride that you act as a lapdog to a woman like Carla who
wants nothing from you but to work for her as an unpaid spy? Does she ever trouble herself
to visit you here or invite you along with her smart friends? Think about how she will treat
you when you are no longer useful to her and as for her being Nicoss fianc well, I think
both you and she should check that out with him before you make even bigger fools of
yourselves. That man is not looking for a wife, I can assure you. Carla might need to keep
him on a tighter leash, as he has more opportunities in his sights from what he says. She is
welcome to him.
For the second time that day Mari made a grand exit without waiting for a response. She
would have had to sit out an embarrassingly long pause because the girl appeared
dumbfounded and stared after her open-mouthed. Giuseppe, who had witnessed everything,
shouted out to her, Close your mouth or youll catch seagulls, never mind flies! He
appeared impressed at Maris fiery response and looked pleased she had stood up to the girl.
Whistling, he followed Mari into the kitchen waving a white tea-towel in an impression of a
flag at surrender and peered around it. Is it safe to come in? He enquired with a grin.
Mari, who was furiously chopping parsley, looked around red-faced. Oh, its you she
replied. Giuseppe raised his eyebrows, May I ask what has put you in such a pleasant mood
on this delightful feast day? he asked. Did things not go to plan this afternoon with your
lover? Mari slammed down the knife she was using and turned to him. That man is not my
lover! she shouted. Giuseppe continued laughing and waved a finger at her, That, my
darling, is a well-used statement. I think you protest too much but hey, it is none of my
business so I will return when you are restored to your English aura of calm and tranquility.
Today you are behaving like a Mediterranean!
He breezed out of the swing-doors leaving Mari fuming with frustration. She turned and
hacked away once more at the parsley. How could such a magical day turn into such a
disaster? She wondered. The afternoon in the vineyard with Nicos had been nothing short of
magical and she had hoped would be held as a treasured memory in the future. They had
certainly shared more than lunch and she had thought they had connected on a deeper level
and moved their relationship on. When he had introduced her to his father, Mari had thought
that he had wished to indicate a level of respect and surely, a man introducing a woman to his
family was some indication that he harboured serious intentions towards her?
Maybe however, Carla was a regular visitor to his father and that she too was fooling herself
that Nicos was offering more than he actually intended. Mari almost felt sorry for her but
quickly dismissed this. Carla was a predator and had tried to see Mari off in a most
unpleasant and threatening way. Let them get on with it they deserved each other.
Cassie came into the kitchen and looked at her questioningly, I have been looking for you.
Nicos says the wine will be delivered in two hours and Giuseppe is bringing up the meat to
marinate, so I think we are on track and I wanted to thank you. Come and have a coffee
before we get the tables ready because believe me; you wont have a chance for another break
this afternoon. She beckoned Mari to follow her out onto the deck where she had set out a
fresh coffee pot.
Mari was not in the mood for chatter but obeyed, as Cassie was her boss after all. She pulled
out a chair and accepted the coffee Cassie handed to her. So, she said, lighting a cigarette,
you have had another argument with Nicos. What is it between you two? I thought you
hardly knew each other. Mari took a sip of coffee, reluctant to reveal anything to Cassie.
What had Nicos been saying to her? He is a very difficult man to get along with Cassie. I
dont know how you have such a close relationship, he makes me furious each time I meet
him, she said.
Cassie said nothing and continued inhaling deeply on her cigarette. I get along with him
because we have been very close since we were children. However, she continued, putting
out the cigarette, I pity anyone who falls in love with him because as you say, he is a very
difficult character. Mari opened her mouth to protest that she wasn't in love with Nicos but
Cassie held up her hand to dismiss the protest.
I see how you look at him Mari and it is obvious that you are taken with him. I might even
be as bold as to say that you are in love with him, she said. Mari did not know how to
respond and looked out towards the sea. She had not put her feelings into words but maybe
Cassie was speaking the truth. Maybe she had been foolish enough to fall in love with him - a
mistake by any measure.
How could she have been so stupid after everything that had happened with Peter? She once
again chided herself for running away from one awful situation only to find herself in
another. I dont know how I feel Cassie', she replied, 'but its OK, I can take care of myself. I
am sure you have seen this more than once and think me a foolish girl. Cassie nodded sadly.
Its true, she said. Nicos seems to break hearts everywhere he goes and I chastise him for
making every woman pay for the one who actually did do him wrong. With Carla I do not
bother. She has been told by everybody not to wait around like a fool for him but she
continues to do so.
'This has been going on for years and he has been very honest with her but like all women,
she thinks she will be the one to change him. You are different I think. I see you as
inexperienced and would not like to see your heart broken; you have come here and worked
hard for me and I feel protective towards you, somehow.
Take my advice and steer clear of Nicos. The only way a woman should love him is as a
friend or a sister so as you are neither, try to enjoy your remaining time here and leave the
island emotionally intact. In saying this however, he is not an unkind man and has even now
arranged for Markos to go to a clinic on the mainland. He protects those he loves. She stood
up indicating that the conversation was over and Mari returned to the kitchen.
For the next three hours Mari polished cutlery and counted crockery then wrapped the cutlery
in fresh white linen to be taken down to the beach where the tables for the feast had now been
set up. She had seen nothing further of her roommate since their altercation but found that she
no longer feared the woman since standing up to her. Maybe she should have been as bold
back in England and she made a pact with herself that she would no longer shy away from
those who wished to be unpleasant towards her. She had every right to stand up for herself
and even though she was a naturally shy person, coming away had changed her in a way she
was proud of. She no longer felt like a victim of circumstance and planned to nurture this new
approach and make something of her life wherever it took her.
The bustle around her drew Mari back to the present day and she packed the cutlery into
baskets and directed the waitresses to carry these down to the beach where she would join
them to arrange the tables. Cassie had asked her to stay behind and not attend the festivities in
the village, as she needed everything prepared for the crowds that would return to the resort,
eager to be fed and watered. Mari had agreed readily she was in no hurry to run into Nicos
and always felt better and more in control when she was busy.
It was now seven oclock and once the tables were arranged with crockery and glasses she
could have a break until the food and wine needed to be brought to the tables at the start of
the party. She would need to be at the beach by ten oclock, as guests would be arriving by
eleven and she made her way down to ensure that things were going as planned. The menu
had been her creation and Mari felt a sense of ownership over proceedings. The last thing she
wanted was for things to go wrong and for her to be humiliated in front of Nicos and Carla,
whom she was sure would attend and hold court here for the evening after celebrating at
Nicos's village.
The beach was a riot of activity, as a small stage was being built at one end and tables were
being set with linen tablecloths at the other. The serving tables and barbeque were arranged in
the middle, to give guests ample room to queue and help themselves to food and wine. She
had been told that she, Giuseppe and Cassie would be responsible for ensuring that neither
ran dry and Mari fully expected to be running from the kitchens to the beach on a frequent
basis. Once guests had eaten Mari would be free to join the party, as Cassie had other
workers ready to clear tables and remove everything except glasses to the kitchen. Cassie had
told Mari that she would like her to join in with the party once her duties were complete and
Mari had agreed, although she was secretly planning to slip off to her room and take a well-
earned rest. The last thing she was feeling was festive!
*
At 9.30 Mari stepped out of the shower having enjoyed a brief sleep during her break. She
had not realised how exhausted she had been feeling and was now refreshed and ready to do
her best for Cassie. She had appreciated the sentiment, if not the words of the older woman
and her warning to keep away from Nicos earlier. Cassie had been nothing but kind to her
and Mari was determined to put on a good show for her especially considering the disaster
that had happened regarding the original party arrangements.
Looking in the mirror Mari was surprised at the image reflected back at her. She had dried
her hair and had pulled it back into a tight ponytail, moisturised her skin and had put nothing
but a dash of lip-gloss on yet she appeared healthy and attractive, as if she had been attended
to by a make-up artist. Her skin was glowing and the natural highlights in her hair set her
complexion and eyes off well what a shame there was nobody to appreciate her improved
appearance! She slipped on a clean pair of Capri pants and a lightweight blouse, pushing her
feet into flat ballet pumps that would not slip on the kitchen floor. She would be wearing an
apron throughout the evening so was not overly concerned at attending to her outfit. Glancing
at her watch Mari saw that it was 9.45 and she made her way out to the beach to commence
her duties.
She gasped when she saw the transformation of the beach - it was magical. Starting at the
steps to the restaurant and all along the beach the staff had placed luminarias brown paper
bags with candles inside - and there were hundreds of them. The seating tables also had
candles placed in glass jars and the simplicity was breathtaking yet effective. Giuseppe was
already at the giant barbeque cooking the meat that Nicoss father had sent earlier and the
waitresses were moving up and down from the restaurant with the large bowls of salad for the
buffet table. The barmen were setting up the wine, beer and soft drinks, placing the white
wine in large vats of ice so it would be freshly chilled when the guests arrived.
Mari approached Giuseppe to find out what he needed her to do and he smiled and waved a
hand around to indicate that everything was under control, that he was pleased with how the
feast was progressing. Mari conferred with him and agreed to start bringing down the
potatoes to place on the warm shelf under the barbeque. She would also transfer the hot
fillings from the kitchen as soon as the guests started arriving and were being served drinks.
For the next hour she travelled between the kitchen and the beach, carrying heavy items and
was therefore quite tired when Cassie arrived ahead of the crowd, waving her arms to indicate
that they should commence proceedings.
She appeared quite anxious but Mari patted her arm and smiled, informing her that
everything was indeed under control. Cassie, in a fit of benevolence gave Mari a hug, which
was most unusual and Mari blushed and headed back to the kitchen to continue her work. As
she returned to the buffet table, she saw the first trickle of guests making their way down the
path to the beach, with Cassie awaiting them, all smiles.
The local band struck up traditional music and more and more people gathered to enjoy the
atmosphere and more importantly, the local wine. The ambience was relaxed and everywhere
Mari looked, people were smiling and chatting excitedly. She was well aware of how much
hard work had gone into making this look easy and was also aware of her own anxiety should
things not go well. After all, she had a big investment in things going to plan since
convincing Cassie to go along with her idea for the buffet.
Mari looked across to Giuseppe who nodded to indicate that she and the waitresses should
commence bringing the hot fillings down from the kitchen so she headed there, well aware
that the next couple of hours would be hard work.
*
By 11.30 the guests were queuing for the slightly unusual buffet and Mari was pleased to
overhear positive comments about the food with people congratulating Cassie on going
against tradition and providing something original for a change. Cassie looked over at Mari
and winked conspiratorially as only they knew the disaster that had befallen the original
plans. Mari smiled warmly back and Cassie came across to speak with her. I cannot thank
you enough Mari, she said and Mari was surprised to see her eyes glistening with tears. Im
so pleased for you Cassie,' she replied, 'you work so hard to make sure everybody else has a
good time. Enjoy yourself tonight.'
Cassie looked at her and raised an eyebrow, so where are you planning to be? You must go
and make yourself glamorous and return to celebrate with us. I want to introduce you to one
or two people who know the secret of my original feast this year and Im sure they would like
to thank you for your clever idea. Mari was torn. Loyalty indicated that she should return
and mingle with Cassies guests but her strong wish to avoid Nicos was ruling her head. Ill
go back and take a shower Cassie. Hopefully I wont fall asleep! she responded. Cassie
waved her finger in disapproval. Make sure you dont, she warned, you are my unofficial
guest of honour and Id like to have a drink with you. With this she turned on her heel and
headed back towards her guests, the small speech not so much a request as a command. Mari
hoped that she would soon become involved with the party and forget all about Nicoss
whereabouts.
She made her way quickly back to her room, hoping that she would not encounter her
roommate, as she was too tired for another confrontation. The other girl had however, kept a
low profile since Maris earlier outburst and Mari was torn between feeling pleased that she
had stuck up for herself and sad that the girl appeared to despise her so much.
She was not a spiteful person and was not used to having enemies so vowed that she would
be courteous and avoid any further unpleasantness when she next crossed paths with the girl.
Mari didnt feel like dressing up, as she didnt really feel like returning to the festivities but
she had promised Cassie that she would return and mingle with the guests. Not being a girl to
go back on her word she stood in front of the mirror wondering what she should wear. Mari
eyed the garments in her wardrobe and thought that whilst the skirts, trousers and shirts
would make fine day wear, she hadnt really anything for evening wear. J ust as she was
deciding how to dress up a plainer outfit with some accessories her eyes wandered to the
dress hanging in a plastic bag at the back of the wardrobe. Her going away dress, which had
so much history that she thought she would need a very special occasion to bring it out for.
Would this evening count as a special occasion? Mari's thoughts were immediately drawn to
Nicos and what he would think of her in this special outfit. She resolved to put him out of her
thoughts and merely wear the dress because she was attending a party. It was only an item of
clothing for goodness sake!
When she had finished applying her make up Mari stood back and was pleased with how she
had drawn attention to her blue eyes but had not overdone things. Her hair was casually
drawn up in clips at the back of her head with small tendrils left free and the whole effect was
a casual prettiness that would be offset by the smartness of her dress. Taking it off the hanger
Mari marvelled once again at how much her life had changed since she had purchased the
outfit. She drew it on, zipped it up and stood back to check her reflection in the mirror. The
difference was unmistakable. The last time she had tried on the dress it had hung sadly
against her thin frame and pallid skin but now her curves and tanned skin set off the colour
and tailoring beautifully. She put in the jewelled earrings that hung with clear and blue stones
and felt that the entire look was complete. Pushing her feet into sequinned evening slippers
Mari felt she was ready for anything and closing the door, resolved to stay at the party until it
had finished, to really enjoy herself for once.
The party was in full swing as she reached the beach, the band playing loudly with people
dancing and clapping in appreciation. Mari saw that everything had been cleared away except
for the table serving drinks and made her way across to request a glass of wine. Her first taste
brought her back to earlier in the day, as it was one of the wines she and Nicos had tasted at
the vineyard but she put this thought to the back of her head and decided to circulate.
The first person she recognised was Giuseppe, whose eyes widened in appreciation of her
appearance. Well Cinderella, you certainly look ready for the ball, he said and immediately
took her hand and led her to the dancing area. Within minutes Mari had completely relaxed in
his company and enjoyed his teaching her some of the dance steps, laughing when she got
them wrong. She was thoroughly enjoying herself and wished once again, that she felt more
for Giuseppe than just friendship. The band finished playing and an announcement was made
in Greek, which Giuseppe translated for her. It seemed that Cassie was being called to the
stage to receive thanks and to give a small speech. Giuseppe maneuvered them towards the
front of the crowd so that they would get a good view and be able to hear what Cassie was
saying.
There were murmurs from the audience whilst Cassie was being sought out but after a brief
interlude she finally arrived and nearly tripped up the steps of the stage due to being so
flustered. She hates this sort of thing whispered Giuseppe and Mari looked up to see that
actually, Cassie did seem nervous. She gave a cough and went to pick up the microphone,
causing feedback through the loudspeakers. People cupped their ears at the screeching sound
and one of the musicians stepped forward to remedy things. The second time she tried to
speak, Cassie was audible through the microphone but was speaking so quickly in Greek that
Mari could not follow what she was saying. The next thing she knew she was being pushed
gently forward by Giuseppe at the same time as Cassie announced her name from the stage.
In horror Mari realised that she was being called up to the stage in front of the hundreds of
guests and went to take a step back, standing on Giuseppes foot in the process. Oh please
dont make me do this! she cried as he gently but firmly took her by the elbow and guided
her towards the steps of the stage.
You have helped us greatly in this fiesta Mari, Cassie only wants to acknowledge this and
thank you publicly' he said, 'please dont disappoint her.' Mari took a deep breath and
mounted the steps, finding herself blushing before a cheering crowd. She found the
microphone roughly placed in her hand by Cassie and realised, to her horror, that she was
expected to make a speech to the crowd.
Um, she stammered into the microphone, Id just like to say that Im very happy you are
all having a lovely time and appreciated our ad-hoc menu. Cassie is the real hero for always
working so hard to make sure everybody has a good time, so for her Id like you to raise your
glasses and toast her, Yammas! She handed the microphone back to Cassie, who nodded at
one of the musicians who stepped forward with a guitar and handed it to Mari. Looking in
puzzlement at Cassie it finally dawned on Mari that she was expected to play for the crowd.
Her mouth went dry and she looked around in panic. Cassie clapped in encouragement and
was soon joined by the crowd on the beach.
Not knowing any Greek songs Mari struggled to find a song she knew well on the guitar and
remembered her father's favourite, Thats Amore. Leaning across to Cassie she asked if the
woman could bring a microphone and stand and when this had been done, Mari nervously
strummed the first chords, closed her eyes and began to sing the song with feeling,
remembering her parents dancing as she had sung at their anniversary party some years ago.
As she reached the final chorus, Mari looked up to find that couples were dancing on the
beach and she smiled with delight as she finished the song to rapturous applause. She gave a
shy bow and handed the guitar back to an applauding bandsman before climbing from the
stage. Giuseppe met her at the bottom of the steps and swept her into a big hug, kissing her
on both cheeks. You looked beautiful up there, he said, You are a beautiful girl Mari, come
and dance with me and make every man here rage with jealousy. She laughed and placing
her hand in his, let Giuseppe lead her to the dance area where the band had struck up a faster
number.
Mari swayed along with Giuseppe, feeling comfortable in his arms and smiled as she realised
that she truly felt she belonged at this celebration and had a feeling of belonging in general. I
love it here, she shouted in his ear so that he could hear her above the music, You have all
been so good to me, Ill really miss it when I have to go back. Giuseppe waved a finger in
protest, dont talk of such things cara, lets dance and forget all of the troubles of the world.
J ust enjoy the moment, he said and brought her towards him in the warm embrace of
friendship.
They danced for a while longer, and then Mari felt herself being pulled away from Giuseppe
and turned to find herself face-to-face with Nicos. You do not mind? he asked Giuseppe
without appearing to require a response then guided Mari to the side of the stage where he
pulled her towards him. We can dance here away from the main crowd, he said and Mari
raised an eyebrow. I notice, she replied, that you directed your request to Giuseppe and not
to me. Did it not occur to you that I might have minded the interruption? Nicos did not
respond immediately but pulled her closer towards him until her head was lying against his
chest where she could hear him humming the tune of the song the band was playing. Shh,
he instructed, you talk too much.
Mari was lost for words so leaned against him, swaying in time to the music. She could feel
her heart beating and was embarrassed in case he could feel it too. Nicos showed no sign of
feeling her discomfort and continued leading her in the dance, humming away with no sign of
wanting the dance to end. Once she relaxed Mari began to enjoy the closeness and found
herself not wanting the dance to end either. She wanted to stay this way forever and looked
up to find Nicos smiling down at her and responded by beaming back at him.
His hand stroked the back of her head softly and Mari felt so happy and in tune with this man
that she thought she might cry, her emotions running as wildly as they were. She moved
closer to him and could feel his hot breath against her ear causing her to catch her own breath
as desire coursed through her. She was glad that they were in such a public place, as she was
not entirely sure she could act responsibly should they decide to take things further at that
moment.
Mari was astonished that he had the power to make her feel this way and was saddened that
their encounters appeared to so complex. Why couldnt they just dance the night away
without her reading into things, worrying and wondering what would next develop? She was
so lost in her thoughts that she hadnt realised that Nicos had begun speaking quietly to her.
You look so beautiful tonight I have never seen you so radiant. I was very proud to see you
on the stage, showing so much beauty and talent.
Mari was very touched and flattered by his comments. If he was proud of her, surely she
meant more to him than a holiday fling? She was so confused but now, being in his arms felt
so right. What if she was the one to change his mind about women? Should she even try?
Nicos appeared to be aware of her inner turmoil, Do not worry your head about anything
darling, lets just enjoy tonight,' he whispered, Im very privileged to be dancing with the
most beautiful woman at the party, allow me to savour the moment.' With this, he drew her
back into the main dance area and they joined in a traditional group dance, Mari changing
partners in a circle until she was once again in front of Nicos who gave a theatrical bow and
drew her into his arms.
The music ended and everybody turned to applaud the band. Nicos then led her to a table
where she saw his father stand up to greet them, taking Maris face gently in his hands and
kissing lightly on both cheeks. He indicated that she should take a seat beside him and called
out to one of the workers to bring her a drink. Mari felt suddenly shy, remembering her
embarrassment of earlier when she had cried and told him far too much about her life. She
saw that Nicos and his father were speaking and they both turned and smiled at her. Mari
thought her heart would melt, she felt so included and yes, approved of by Nicoss father.
Had Carla felt the same way, she wondered? On thinking about the woman Mari realised that
she hadnt seen her all evening. Was Carla at the party and had she seen Mari and Nicos
dancing so intimately?
She sat back and took a sip of the chilled white wine that had been placed in front of her.
Thinking about Carla had suddenly changed her mood and Mari shivered unexpectedly. She
looked across at Nicos and saw his gaze focused upon the dance floor, his mouth set in an
angry line.
Mari followed his gaze and saw in shock that Carla was indeed at the party and appeared to
be having an enthusiastic and spectacular time. She was wearing a tightly fitting white dress
that had ridden up her thighs, revealing tanned legs and possibly a glimpse of underwear
during a frantic dance with a much younger man. Carlas hair was over her face, as she
swirled around her partner waving her arms wildly in the air and clapping in time with the
music. Her eyes were sparkling dangerously and it appeared to Mari as if Carla was drunk.
Mari was instantly on edge, worried about Nicoss response to such a public display. As she
watched with mounting discomfort Mari saw Carla pull the young man towards her then run
her hands up and down his body, as she shook her hips seductively to the music.
The young man was beaming and responded enthusiastically to Carlas attentions, running
his hands through her hair before pulling her roughly towards him, placing a hand on her
behind. Nicos appeared to be taking no notice but Mari saw a vein in his cheek pulsing as his
hand gripped tightly around his glass. She looked across to the dance floor and saw Cassie
approach the couple, pulling the young man away from Carla and shouting something in his
ear. The young man stalked angrily away from the dance area leaving Carla alone shouting at
Cassie before turning her gaze angrily towards where Nicos was seated with Mari.
Oh no, said Mari as she saw Carla approaching their table. She looks furious Nicos; maybe
I should leave you two alone? Nicos sat very still and quietly responded, You will do no
such thing. Remain where you are, I will deal with this. Mari was rooted to the spot
wondering what sort of scene would unfold. Cassie had overtaken Carla and was leading
Nicoss father away. She had no time to speak with Mari before Carla arrived at the table.
Much to Maris horror, Carla swept all the glasses and bottles from the table, screaming
furiously at Nicos in Italian. She could not understand the exchange but saw Nicos speaking
in a very quiet voice, which chilled her more than if he had joined Carla and had shouted at
the top of his voice. People had turned to observe the proceedings and Mari was hugely
embarrassed at being part of a scene of which she had no understanding.
Carla continued to shout at Nicos who finally responded in Greek, which Mari now
understood. You are drunk and are making a fool of yourself, I suggest you let someone take
you home, he said quietly. Carla erupted in fury and turned her attention to Mari. You
would like that wouldnt you? she screamed in English. If I went home and left him here for
you. I will do nothing of the sort and I warned you before not to involve yourself in my
business. Her eyes were blazing but Mari took her lead from Nicos and remained calm. I am
nothing to do with this Carla,' she replied, if you are angry with Nicos then you need to
speak with him.
Maris calm tones seemed to infuriate the other woman further and without warning Carla
lifted her hand and struck Mari across the cheek, leaving an angry red mark. The pain was
intense and Mari jumped up from the table in shock, not knowing what to do next. Nicos also
quickly rose to his feet and grabbed Carlas arm before she could aim another strike at Mari.
You need to leave, now! he said through gritted teeth and nodded towards Giuseppe who
was watching the scene with a shocked expression. Take her home and make sure she stays
home, he instructed, dropping Carlas arm in disgust. Carla looked at Mari and then back at
Nicos before shouting, Thats right; send me away so you can carry on with your English
whore! She then turned and stumbled away from them.
Mari felt tears of humiliation prick her eyes and she pushed the table quickly away from her
and ran in the direction of her accommodation, away from the crowd. She heard raised voices
behind her but didnt look back and soon found her room where she opened the door and
threw herself onto her bed, sobbing. She had never felt so shocked and embarrassed in her
life, not even during the fateful phone call with the woman that had ended her relationship
with Peter. To be called names like that in front of everybody! What would people think of
her now? She had worked so hard to earn the respect and friendship of the people at the resort
and now they would view her as another one of Nicoss disposable women. All the
pampering and preparation to try and make herself attractive had been for nothing and she
now had to face everyone tomorrow following such extreme humiliation.
Mari cried again as she replayed the events of the evening in her head. It had seemed so
perfect when she had been dancing in Nicoss arms and then that wretched, drunken woman
had ruined everything. She lay on the bed until her sobbing subsided and then got up to wash
her face. Looking in the mirror Mari saw a very different reflection from the happy girl that
had smiled back at her only hours before. She still had a red mark across her cheek and
wondered if the mark would bruise and remain for days, reminding her of the shocking events
of the evening.
Pulling the clips from her hair Mari brushed it roughly, wondering where Nicos, the cause of
all this trouble was. She was furious that he hadnt even attempted to follow her after his
crazy girlfriend or whatever she was, had physically assaulted Mari. The situation was really
too much. There hadnt been one encounter with the man that had ended remotely pleasantly
and Mari had had enough of a churning stomach and red eyes. She resolved to have nothing
more to do with him and dared herself to go back on this, roughly unzipping her dress and
climbing into bed.
That dress! Had she ever purchased an unluckier item of clothing in her life? It had brought
her nothing but sorrow and heartache, however pleasing to the eye it was - a bit like Nicos,
she thought grimly. With this, she crunched the dress into a tight ball and threw it across the
room where it landed on target in the waste bin. Mari punched her pillow into shape and
turned to face the wall, hoping that sleep would come quickly and take her away from the
waking nightmare she had lived this evening. As she drifted into sleep, all she could see was
Nicos's face as he had looked down admiringly at her during their dance and with a sigh she
pulled the bed cover over her head and sank into the darkness.

CHAPTER EIGHT
After a fitful sleep Mari was awake and restless as the sun came up. Her roommate had not
returned to the room overnight and she wondered whether she had been involved in taking
Carla home. Thinking about the woman brought a groan of dismay and Mari placed her head
under the covers. At six oclock she gave up trying to sleep and headed with her wash bag for
the shower. Closing her eyes she relaxed under the warm spray and scrubbed herself from
head to toe, as if to wash away the awfulness of the previous evening.
After ten minutes she wrapped herself in the comfort of her towelling robe and returned to
her room thinking that she would go for an early morning walk and allow her hair to dry
naturally. At this time there would be few, if any people about and Mari could enjoy the calm
of the seashore before she had to face anybody and discuss the terrible events of the previous
evening. Despite some tenderness to the touch, her face had not bruised from Carlas assault.
This was just as well, she thought, seeing as nobody had come to check whether she had been
harmed by the attack. Mari was full of righteous indignation as she made her way along the
shore to sit on her favourite rock and contemplate the horizon.
Not even Cassie had come to check on her, which after giving glowing speeches to the crowd
about Mari, had surprised her. It seemed as if the people here were full of false promises,
claiming friendship when they really viewed you as an acquaintance when all was said and
done. Some of the glow had certainly vanished from her adventure, just as she was starting to
feel at home here. It was a great shame but nothing that overly surprised her, given the
developments of the past few months. Would she ever trust in happiness again, she
wondered?
Looking out over the shore Mari could see how a visitor might view this as an oasis of beauty
and tranquillity but she would now probably tell them to sail on and not involve themselves
with the life of the place! She had had her fingers burned again through trusting people and
becoming involved with their complicated lives.
Would this mean that she would now become cynical and treat everybody she met with
caution? She hoped not but thought it might be prudent to keep herself to herself for the rest
of the trip, maybe just spending some time off with Giuseppe, the only person she trusted
now. She would definitely plan to keep in touch with him when the season came to and end
but what then? With a sigh Mari climbed down from the rock and headed back to the resort,
thinking that she would open the kitchen and put a pot of coffee on in time for breakfast.
She had just placed the filter into the coffee machine when she heard footsteps coming
towards the restaurant. Giuseppe appeared and came over to her with a cautious smile. She
presumed he was feeling sorry for her regarding her public humiliation the previous evening,
It wasnt my fault Giuseppe,' she said, thinking that she needed to break the ice, 'the woman
was clearly drunk and out of control. He gave a brief nod in response and pulled out a bar
stool out to sit at. Nobody will remember this and you must not trouble yourself,' he replied,
but now we have more important things to think about.
Mari presumed he was referring to the planned boat trip for that day and turned to pour coffee
for them both. She came around and sat on a stool beside him, sipping her coffee in silence.
What time is everybody due to board the boat? she asked. Giuseppe gave her a quizzical
look, took a sip of coffee and said, You do not know what happened last night then? Mari
was shocked that anything more could have happened after Carlas disgraceful performance
and shook her head. We still do not have news from the hospital,' Giuseppe continued, 'but
Mr. Androulou, Nicoss father was taken very ill last night. We think it might be his heart but
as I say, nothing has been made clear.
Mari was horrified. She had been feeling so sorry for herself that nobody had come to see her
when they must have been busy calling an ambulance and shipping Nicos's father off to
hospital. The man had been so kind to her throughout the day and so pleased to see her in the
evening. It was unthinkable that anything should happen to him.
Where is the hospital Giuseppe? she asked. Giuseppe frowned, you cannot go there Mari,
he replied, 'Nicos will be very concerned and needs to be with his family. She was however,
determined that she was through with misunderstandings and game-playing; Nicos needed
support and she would be there for him, whatever the outcome between them. Please, just
give me the name and directions Giuseppe, I need to see him, she said. Giuseppe shrugged
and went to open up the office. He returned with a map of the island. It is here, just where
my finger is, he said pointing to the map. You can take the road through the village and then
the main island road on the turning before the Secret Beach road. 'This early you should have
no problem with traffic but be careful, as youve only been on minor roads before. He folded
the map up and gave it to her, accompanying her down the steps to where the motorcycles
were parked. Give our love to Nicos and tell him our prayers are with his father, he said,
waving her out of the entrance.
Mari estimated that she would have to travel twelve miles to reach the hospital but
Giuseppes instructions were easy to follow. She rode carefully, never going too fast or
placing herself at risk despite preoccupying thoughts of Nicos, his family and how they must
be suffering at the moment. Without realising how far she had travelled she soon saw the
modern buildings of the small hospital and pulled into the car park. She placed the vehicle in
position, removed the crash helmet and straightened her hair before entering the hospital.
Mari realised that she would not understand the writing on the signs and hoped that she could
make herself understood to the staff. She was also worried that they would not be able to give
her any information, as she was not a family member and thought that her journey might be a
waste of time, after all.
As she walked through reception she saw a small seating area with vending machines, very
much like the hospitals at home. Looking across, she breathed a sigh of relief as she saw the
familiar broad shoulders of Nicos bending towards one of the machines to retrieve a drink.
Mari was uncertain of what to do. She could not rush straight into his arms, so approached
him cautiously, wondering if a tap on the shoulder would result in him spilling his drink. He
turned before she reached him and looked confused, as if he could not quite place her.
Mari gave a tenuous smile then said, Ive only just heard Nicos, Im so, so sorry. I just came
here to see you but Im not sure what help I can offer. She shrugged and looked to him for a
response. His face broke into a smile and he opened his arms to her. Mari walked slowly
towards him and breathed a sigh of relief as he closed his arms around her and they stood
silently for a few minutes. She remained still, not knowing what else to say or do. Have you
had any sleep? she finally asked. Nicos shook his head and took a sip of coffee before
grimacing at the taste. No, I cant sleep even for a few minutes, Im too worried. He said.
Have you had any news at all? she asked. Nicos shrugged, only that he has had a quiet
night and the heart monitor is steady.'
He turned to walk down a long corridor and she fell into step beside him, turning left into
another area that she presumed was an intensive care unit. Is anybody else from your family
here with you? she asked. He shook his head and indicated for her to take a seat. I sent
everybody home. The last thing we need is more drama. Mari blushed, remembering the last
time she had seen him and the ugly scene with Carla. He looked puzzled at her response.
The scene at the party, she explained. Im so ashamed to have been involved but Carla
came towards me so quickly, there was nothing I could do. Mari hung her head for a
moment. There is no need for you to apologise Mari, he said quietly. You were the victim.
Carla had too much to drink and was completely out of control. She made an exhibition of
herself and not for the first time. I am finished with all that. 'She can play out these histrionics
with the young tourists; Ive no time for it. Mari was unsure how to respond, as this was not
the time or place to be thinking about her relationship with Nicos. She just needed to offer
him comfort and support.
Are you staying here for the night Nicos? she asked. Would you like me to collect some
clean clothing for you? I could ask Cassie to sort this out and bring things here to you. Nicos
nodded. Yes, please ask Cassie to get some things for me, it would take too long for me to
explain the location of my house. It will be quicker if she does this but I do appreciate the
offer. Maybe she could also bring me something to eat? I will go back to sit with my father
now but thank you for taking the time to come and see me, I appreciate it.' He stood up, gave
her a hug and Mari took this as her cue to leave.
*
She returned to the resort and found Cassie holding court on the decked area outside the
restaurant. The staff had been expecting their annual boat trip so the shop and restaurant were
being run by temporary staff but a large number of the regular staff was sitting around
enjoying coffee, croissants and the inevitable cigarettes. Come, Mari, ordered Cassie, Tell
us the news and then let me see your face. I hope there is no bruising.' She pulled out a chair
and indicated for Mari to sit down. Mari was uncomfortable at being the object of so much
scrutiny. She saw that her roommate was also present and was unsure at how the girl would
react to her. Mari looked up and saw the girl looking at her. She surprised Mari by saying,
Im sure Carla will be horrified when she wakes up. There was no call for violence and I saw
everything, you did nothing to warrant that attack.
'Im pleased you havent sustained any injury. Mari smiled back briefly, glad that their
previous hostilities appeared forgotten now. Cassie pushed a cup of coffee towards her.
Now, how is the patient? I left the hospital after he had been admitted. Nicos was nearly
driven insane by everybody rushing to the bedside and ordered us all away. Mari took a sip
of coffee, he is stable apparently but that is all they will say, according to Nicos, she
replied. He wants you to go to his house and bring him some clean clothes and food, is that
ok? Cassie nodded. And you? she asked, how are you following last night's performance?
I am ashamed that such a thing should happen to you here. I will be speaking to Carla when
she surfaces. I do not imagine that I will be the only one.
At that moment Mari actually felt sorry for Carla. The woman had clearly been the talk of the
evening and had burned her bridges with Nicos. She would no doubt be suffering terribly
when she woke up that day. I think that she will punish herself enough Cassie. You dont
have to speak to her on my behalf, Im not angry any more, honestly, she said. Cassie put out
her cigarette angrily. Mari, the only entertainment I wanted at my fiesta was the music I had
paid for. Carla has lived on this island long enough to know that such behaviour will not be
tolerated,' she said. 'I will not seek her out intentionally but I will tell her how I feel when I
next see her.
Turning to the rest of the staff she said, Im sorry that we will not be sailing today, as you all
deserve a treat. Please go and spend the day away from here and return at 8.00p.m. Where the
temporary chefs will have prepared supper for you. 'I have also hired a band for tonight so
you can enjoy yourselves, the drinks are on me. She waved them away and then went to
make phone calls. Mari was at a loss as to how to spend the day; she was worried about Nicos
but knew that she needed to allow him time and space with his family. She walked slowly
through the restaurant as Cassie was putting down the telephone. Now Mari, Cassie said. I
want to reward you for your hard work so Ive just arranged for you to spend the day at a
Spa. Please go and be pampered, the staff are very good and you will soon forget about last
night. She showed Mari the location of the Spa on the map and waved her off for the day.
*
Maris day of pampering could not have come at a better time. She had a massage and a
facial with herbal products. As each treatment was administered Mari relaxed more, enjoying
having nothing to do and nobody making demands of her. Nicos was at the back of her mind
but she knew that she would have to wait for him to contact her. His only concern must be the
welfare of his father, which she totally understood. If anything happened to her own father
she would be inconsolable and hated the very thought of this, trying to expel it from her
mind. She leaned back listening to the relaxing music and closed her eyes for a brief moment.
Mari was shocked when someone gently shook her shoulder and told her she had been asleep
for two hours. The assistant handed her a cup of green tea and left quietly. She drew the white
robe around her and enjoyed sipping the tea at leisure, thinking that she would return to the
resort and try to enjoy the dinner Cassie had provided for the staff.
Mari was too concerned about Nicos's father to consider the dancing that would take place
later but realised that she had eaten nothing all day and needed to replenish her energy at
dinner.
She dressed and thanked the staff, leaving a generous tip for the pampering then started the
journey back to the resort, feeling better than she had for days. She had clearly been very
tense without realising this and Carlas attack had been the pinnacle of a few not so enjoyable
days.
As she travelled along a side road Mari saw in her mirror that a red car was following closely
behind her. Too closely. She turned the bike towards the side of the road to allow the car to
pass but it continued to tail her. She waited until there was a space and then pulled into the
side of the road, bringing the bike to a halt. The red car followed and Mari saw that the driver
was Carla. She was slightly alarmed that the two of them were alone and that nobody knew
where she was. Carla might have sobered up but Mari was hardly her favourite person and
things appeared to have ended with Nicos following Carlas behaviour at the fiesta. Mari felt
very uncomfortable at the situation she now found herself in. She climbed from the bike,
removed her helmet and shook out her hair, waiting for the other woman to approach her. She
did not have to wait long. As with the first time she had glimpsed Carla she saw elegantly
clad legs exit the vehicle and then saw Carla walking towards her.
Something of the previous arrogance appeared to be absent but the woman held herself well,
appraising Mari through dark lenses. She continued this for a few minutes without speaking
and Mari was determined not to be intimidated by the silence. She gazed back at Carla then
raised her eyebrow in question. The other woman spoke first. I saw you visit the hospital this
morning, I believed that you had sustained an injury of some sort, she began. Mari remained
silent. 'How disappointed I am that you did not.' Mari had a sharp intake of breath as she
realised the woman was not only unremorseful but appeared to be launching a fresh attack
upon her.
Carla removed her sunglasses and placed them in her back pocket, standing with arms folded
and appraising Mari with a hostile smile. 'You were lucky that was only a slap. The last
woman who angered me left the island with her eyes blackened. I had too much to drink last
night but now I am perfectly sober. I will ask you for the last time to stay away from my
man.'
Mari began to feel her face flush as anger consumed her. 'How dare you speak to me like
that!' she replied. 'You made a fool of yourself last night and have nobody to blame but
yourself. Did you think Nicos would be impressed with your performance? You looked like a
drunken tart, so don't stand in front of me issuing orders.'
The other woman suddenly sprang at Mari, grabbing large handfuls of her hair and dragging
her head downwards. Still gripping Mari she held her face close and spat, 'I will hurt you
badly if you do not collect your things and leave, do you understand?' As Mari cried out in
pain, trying to release herself from the woman's grasp, she heard a car screech to a halt
nearby and a female voice shout loudly, 'Stop this at once Carla!' Footsteps hurried towards
them and Mari felt the other woman's grip loosen. Standing up Mari saw that the woman who
had shouted was Cassie. 'Carla!' she roared again, 'have you taken leave of your senses? Stop
this now or I will summon the police!' As Cassie marched towards the pair of them Mari saw
Carla step back and replace her sunglasses. She turned quickly to Cassie and said, 'There is
no need for the police' but turning to Mari she pointed her finger and said in a low tone, 'you
have been warned' then turned on her heel and returned to her car.
Carla screeched away at breakneck speed as Cassie came towards Mari, a look of deep
concern on her face. 'Are you ok Mari?' the elder woman asked. Mari nodded, unable to
speak. Cassie lit a cigarette and looked at Carla's car speeding away in the distance. 'The
woman is mad,' she said. 'I would not like to be in her shoes when Nicos discovers that she
has attacked you again. Come now and I will take you back. I will send Giuseppe to collect
the bike'. Placing her arms around Mari she led her to the car and secured her into the
passenger seat. Mari stared fixedly ahead, unable to comprehend what had just happened. She
had never been assaulted in her life and it had happened twice in as many days since coming
to this island.
Cassie drove carefully back to the resort, as Mari remained silent throughout the journey.
'You will come to my apartment and go immediately to bed,' she said. 'I will call my
physician to come and give you something to help you sleep. You are in shock, I think.' Mari
found her voice and said, 'I think I just need a strong drink, Cassie. I've been asleep for hours
at the spa.' Cassie nodded and pulled into the reception area.
She instructed Mari to take the private stairs to her apartment and find her way to the terrace.
When Cassie returned with a glass of Metaxa for them, she found Mari staring out over the
bay looking lost and puzzled. 'Why would someone behave like that Cassie?' Mari asked. 'I've
never known anything like it in my life.' Cassie pulled up a chair and replied, 'She was
fighting with you because she could not fight with Nicos. There will be no more fights with
Nicos he has finished with her for good. Carla visited the hospital today, hoping to see
Nicos and enquire about his father. She was turned away and informed that she was not
welcome to visit. This made her furious and she returned again this afternoon, only to be told
the same thing. I had the pleasure of meeting her as I was delivering food to Nicos and she
looked murderous. Unfortunately, she encountered you on the road and the rest we know
about. I am very glad that I did not remain long at the hospital and was passing you on the
road when I did.
'I think Carla will not tolerate losing face in such a public fashion and will make plans to
leave. I hope she does, we have a scene with her every so often and Nicos has become bored
and embarrassed, as have the rest of us. It is time for her to go. Now, drink your Metaxa and
relax here on your own. I have the staff party to organise. I hardly think you are in the mood
but please come and join us later if you have recovered enough.' With this, she placed a
reassuring hand on Mari's shoulder and left her alone on the terrace.
Much later, Mari had felt able to return to her own room and had taken a long shower, her
head stinging where Carla had grabbed her hair. As she applied soothing conditioner, Mari
resolved not to allow the woman any more influence on her day and decided to visit the staff
party after all.
She took time drying and styling her hair and chose a crisp shirt and dark Capri pants,
completing the outfit with small tiger-eye drop earrings. The look was simple yet elegant and
Mari felt more comfortable than she had on the previous evening, when she had gazed at her
reflection not knowing what the evening would bring and what an evening that had turned out
to be! She looked to the floor, where her crumpled blue dress remained and picking it up, she
placed it firmly in the wastepaper bin, hoping to banish all the bad luck it had wrought since
she had purchased it.
Feeling slightly better, Mari took one last look at her reflection and left the room to join her
friends for a hopefully less dramatic evening than she had experienced the night before.
*
The atmosphere was one of warmth and exuberance as the staff was gathered around a large
table in the centre of the restaurant. Mari walked over and took a seat next to Giuseppe who
hugged her warmly and filled her glass with white wine. She smiled with thanks, once again
feeling a sense of friendship and belonging. Someone passed her the basket of bread and
before long Mari was engaged in animated conversation with the people around her, feeling
the drama of the day receding and settling into a night of pleasant enjoyment.
Much later, when the band started to play a popular tune people encouraged her to join them
in the dancing. Mari declined with a smile and made her way onto the decked area outside the
restaurant, so that she could have a few moments of quite contemplation.
She sat for quite some time breathing in the scent of jasmine, content in her own company but
was shocked when she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder and jumped in response. Dont
be frightened, a voice said, It is only me. Mari turned expectantly, realising it was Nicos
and she was silent as she waited for news of the hospital and his father. You looked so
lovely I didnt disturb you for a while, I just stood and watched you, he said.
Mari flushed at the compliment and replied, Youll get a reputation as a Peeping Tom if you
carry on staring at women without their knowledge. He smiled and walked towards her,
pulling a chair out so that he could sit beside her and look out over the sea.
How is your father? she asked, placing her hand over his in a gesture of support. Nicos gave
a tired smile and responded, He is over the worst. They were unsure if he had suffered a
heart attack but it seems this is not the case. He suffers from Angina and had a small episode
that frightened all of us but he is now awake and being fussed over by the nurses. I came
away once I was sure he was going to be ok. More to the point how are you?
Mari saw that his expression had quickly changed to one of controlled anger. Cassie had
clearly informed him of the earlier events with Carla but Mari just wanted to forget about it.
She waved her hand dismissively, 'I still have some hair left, as you can see,' she replied.
Nicos took her hand, his expression serious. 'I paid a visit to Carla before I came here and
assured her that I would be encouraging you to inform the authorities,' he said.
'There is a thin line between passion and insanity,' he continued. 'I think Carla is suffering
from the latter. Her antics used to amuse me but now I think she needs to grow up and seek
help. It has been made clear that should she remain on the island, she will find life
considerably more difficult than she has to date'. Mari raised her eyebrows, 'and what was her
response to that?' she asked. Nicos chuckled and said, 'I couldn't hear over the noise of
ornaments being thrown and Carla screaming. I decided it would be prudent to exit.' Mari
looked at him and started to giggle, then laughed heartily, the tension of the past few days
releasing it.
They moved towards each other chuckling and engaged in a hug, one that was not romantic,
more a gesture of friendship. Nicos held her but made no attempt to take things any further
and they remained there for some time until a voice interrupted them. Put that man down,
Cassie said and approached them with a bottle of Metaxa and an ashtray. She pulled a chair
out then called for one of the waiters to bring some glasses. Mari laughed and pulled away
from Nicos, pleased to see the other woman. I was just letting Nicos know how relieved I
was about his father, she protested. Hmm, was Cassies only response as she poured them
each a generous measure of the drink and handed Mari a glass. The old goat gave us a
shock, she said with a laugh, but as always, hes back to fight another day so tonight we can
relax and get over the ordeal. She handed a glass to Nicos, who drained it in one gulp then
handed it back to her for a refill.
Yes, it has been a horrible day but now things are looking up,' he said. 'Im just sorry that I
did not get to take out the yacht today but maybe we can have a look at doing it next
weekend. I would be happy to fund temporary staff for the day and the evening. What do you
think Cassie? He asked. The woman nodded and left to enquire whether the staff that had
come to work for the day would be available to return the following weekend, leaving Mari
and Nicos alone once more.
Thank you for today, he said. I appreciated your support. It was brave of you to make the
decision to come to the hospital without knowing what sort of a reception you would receive.'
Mari smiled in response. I hear there was a visitor who had a significantly frostier reception
than I did, she said. Nicos nodded grimly, She had no place there after her performance last
night,' he replied, 'Carla is only interested in Carla so was not there to enquire about my
fathers health, which is why I turned her away. You are a very different personality, I knew
your concern was genuine, he said and took a sip of his drink.
You will like the yacht, he said, changing the subject completely. We will visit some of the
other nearby islands, go swimming and have a picnic on the beach. The workers enjoy the
trip each year so Im glad youll be joining us, as Cassie tells me you have made a great
contribution to everything this season. It is good that you have thrown yourself into things so
readily, I admire that about you. Mari was unsure of how to respond to so many unexpected
compliments. And Carla? she asked mischievously. He stood up suddenly, took her face in
his hands and kissed her gently on the lips. Apologies for being, as you might say, 'corny'
but that ship has sailed, he said, then turned quickly and left.

CHAPTER 9
A week later Mari stood excitedly on a jetty in the marina with the resort staff chatting
amiably around her, waiting to board Nicos's yacht. The docked vessel was beautiful, a
motor-sailor with a wide comfortable deck, seating areas and polished wood features on the
upper deck. She had been told that the yacht had 8 cabins, a large lounge and could hold forty
people in the non-sleeping areas. Mari was impressed yet remembered the last time she had
been in this marina and blushed, picturing the confused yet passionate clinch on the jetty with
Nicos. It seemed like an age ago and so much had happened since but Mari was no nearer to
knowing exactly what her relationship with Nicos was all about. She hadn't seen him since
that last night at the resort, where he'd told her that his relationship with Carla was over.
They'd shared so much, friendship as well as intimacy but Mari could still not work the
handsome man out. True, he was unlike anybody she'd ever met before and his
unpredictability made her uncertain of him as a long-term love prospect. Still, she had
thought of Peter as safe and uncomplicated and look at what had happened there!
The chatter of her colleagues had risen sharply and Mari saw that they were now ready to
board, most of them carrying cool-boxes containing picnic items for when they docked for
lunch. Mari had dressed casually, throwing a white T-Shirt over blue Capri pants and finished
this off with ballet pumps that she could wear comfortably on deck. Giuseppe had told her
she was very nautical and certainly looked the part; all she needed was a captain's hat. She
had slapped him playfully, glad once more that they had sorted things out and had retained a
strong friendship.
In fact, since the debacle with Carla her roommate was also being distinctly friendlier and
whilst Mari didn't altogether trust the girl, she was pleased with the absence of hostility. Mari
then saw Cassie walking along the jetty, chatting into a mobile phone and smoking the ever-
present cigarette. Cassie smiled and waved when she saw Mari and Mari was pleased that this
hard-working woman was at last, having a day of leisure.
She looked across to where people were boarding and saw Nicos helping them to navigate the
gangplank and hop aboard the yacht. She had never seen him looking so handsome, dressed
casually in a long-sleeved sweatshirt that fitted his frame exquisitely, the blue matching that
of her trousers.
He also wore expensive-looking jeans that fit snugly around his hips but showed the faintest
glimpse of his tanned, toned stomach whenever he stretched his arms up. At that moment
Mari thought she had never seen such an attractive man and smiled appreciatively to herself,
remembering the shared moments that were theirs alone. It was as though Nicos could read
her mind for he suddenly looked across at her and grinned wickedly, causing Mari to blush
furiously and Nicos to laugh in response, beckoning her forward onto the vessel. She walked
quickly along the gangplank, thankful that she had opted for such sensible footwear and
Nicos grabbed her hand to guide her aboard, his touch again caused her shivers of
excitement. To overcome this she smiled politely and thanked him to which he responded,
'It's my pleasure,' the last word laden with significance, causing Mari to blush once again.
Luckily nobody was watching their exchange so she walked away in a business-like fashion
and took a stroll around the deck marvelling at the tasteful finishing touches.
Nicos operated the vessel with a small crew and before long they were pulling out of the
marina into open water, the sun glistening spectacularly on the surface. She then heard
Nicos's voice on the PA system welcoming everybody on board and giving information
regarding the day's activities, where they would stop for lunch and the opportunities they
would have for swimming later that morning.
Mari saw that people were settling into comfortable positions around the deck so she too
settled herself and removed her T-shirt so that she could top up her suntan. With the heat of
the sun on her face, made comfortable by a cool breeze Mari relaxed and felt as though she
hadn't a care in the world, as she settled back and closed her eyes. She wasn't sure how long
she had been lying back, half-asleep but she awoke with a start as a shadow fell upon her and
opening her eyes, she found Nicos looking down on her.
His gaze made her feel very self-conscious and she reached for her t-shirt to cover herself up.
'Oh please don't,' he said with a smile, 'you'll spoil the view' then crouched in front of her and
handed her a slice of watermelon. 'There is no ladylike way of eating this,' he instructed, 'so
just devour it and enjoy every moment.'
Mari took him at his word and bit into the delicious fruit, causing the juice to run down her
chin and bikini top. 'Wow!' said Nicos, grinning, 'there should be a law against that behaviour
in a public place,' and Mari felt both unnerved by his obvious admiration and excited by her
own, as she quickly wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, looking around for a tissue.
'Now you look about five years of age needing your mother to wipe the ice-cream from your
face,' he continued, handing her a white cotton handkerchief that she gratefully accepted
replying, 'I didn't think men carried proper handkerchiefs any more, He looked intently at
her for a second then said, 'Oh, some things I do properly and some things I do very
improperly'. He stood and held his hand out to her, 'come and explore my pride and joy,' he
said, 'then I really must catch up with the crew who by now must feel abandoned by their
captain.' Mari jumped up and followed him as he slowly walked the deck, pointing out
features of the yacht with pride. 'Why is it named The Maria?' she asked wondering if Maria
was the named of his love in Athens, the one who had allegedly broken his heart. 'Maria was
my mother,' he replied quietly 'my father and I loved her very much.' He looked away
suddenly and Mari could see sadness and loss in his expression and at that moment she
wanted to take him in her arms and tell him that he need never be sad again.
She didn't however, as she new from her own experience that sadness and loss were as much
a part of life as love and laughter. 'When did you lose her?' she asked him. 'When I was
sixteen she went into town and never came back. She was crossing the road and was hit by a
car; they say it was immediate and that she wouldn't have known a thing about it.' I imagine
that's what they tell everybody especially a shocked adolescent.' Mari felt overwhelmed
with sadness as she thought about suffering such a loss at an early age. Sixteen was too young
to have to become a man and she thought that despite the wealth and success Nicos had
suffered some horrible experiences in his life.
She reached out her hand and took his, squeezing it in a gesture of comfort. They remained in
a comfortable silence, leaning on the balustrade enjoying the breeze on their faces.
Mari saw that they appeared to be approaching another island and looked at Nicos
questioningly, 'Ah,' he said, 'we will not be stopping here, this is a private island owned by a
rich shipping family. We are merely passing by as their security is rather, stringent and I
wouldn't want any of my guests shot - it would totally spoil the picnic.' Mari gazed over at the
island, its landscape hidden by a forest of trees. She wondered what it would be like to
actually own your own island and thought again that being in her current surroundings was so
far removed from anything she had previously known. She was glad that she had done this
and thought not for the first time that fate had a peculiar way of shaping your life.
Would she have remained happy with Peter, attending corporate events and being a dutiful
wife? It had seemed so safe, ordered and she now admitted, rather boring. Peter must have
thought so too if he had taken such a risk in having an affair so close to their wedding date.
She wondered what he was doing now and with a jolt of surprise, realised that she genuinely
didn't care.
Mari smiled at this revelation and knew that somehow she had come through it all. The
shock, heartbreak and humiliation had somehow passed in the hustle and bustle of everyday
life in this small island community. She felt no bitterness for what had gone before, she just
felt as though life had potential and that she could start living once again. Mari decided that
she would try to live life to the full, worry less about everything and see what happened along
the way. This new attitude must have shown on her face as Nicos spoke suddenly,
interrupting her thoughts, 'What is going on in that head of yours?' he asked and Mari smiled
in response then said, 'Nice things for a change.' Without speaking further they began to stroll
around the deck once more before Nicos informed her that he would need to check in with
the crew but would see her again at lunchtime.
*
Later, Mari could see the crew busy bringing the yacht to a halt as far in to shore as they
could safely manage. Before her she could see a stretch of white golden sand against bright
aquamarine blue sea, the beach sheltered behind by the beginnings of an inland forest
reminding her of the Secret Beach she had visited with Giuseppe.
Mobile walkways were balanced between the deck and the shore and her workmates had
started to collect their belongings and queue to leave the vessel. Nicos and two of his crew
members had jumped down from the walkways and were assisting the first of the guests.
Baskets and cool-boxes were being passed down and Mari went to see if she could assist
Cassie and Giuseppe with anything before leaving the yacht herself. Cassie asked Mari and
Giuseppe to carry some of the foldaway tables and as she balanced precariously, being held
near the elbow by one of Nicos's crew members Mari felt a rush of well-being at finding
herself in such agreeable circumstances. She could see Nicos directing his staff on where to
position everything and she jumped lightly onto the soft sand, taking the small table Giuseppe
had handed her and made her way towards them.
The tables were being set up in a shaded area open to the main beach, where the cool boxes
could be placed under trees. Once the tables were assembled in a long line, Mari assisted
Cassie in covering them with crisp white linen in preparation for lunch. Other people were
removing outer clothing and changing into swimwear and Mari saw a small group running
shrieking into the clear water, splashing each other and shouting.
She looked further down the small beach and saw that Nicos and some of his men were
erecting volleyball net with posts and weights and she sat contentedly watching proceedings
next to Cassie. The other woman looked over and grinned, 'They are comrades at the moment
but all these guys become horribly competitive once the game commences. You will see
accusations of cheating and shouting about who is keeping score it happens every year.'
Mari was curious as to how long this ritual had been taking place.
'We used to hold the staff day on our own beach but inevitably, we would be called upon to
deal with work matters, the other woman answered. 'As soon as Nicos purchased his new toy
the staff outing became his project and each year he organises it with military precision. We
even had a treasure hunt late in the afternoon once.' They sat back in comfortable silence and
Mari pondered on how the treasure hunt was organised and whether Nicos, in his enthusiasm
had insisted they all dress as pirates. Thinking about him she suddenly looked over to see
where he was and saw that he had changed into cut off denims and was throwing a ball over
the volleyball net.
Watching Nicos bare-chested jumping around in the sand, Mari saw him as the young student
he must have been when his heart had been broken. She felt a wave of empathy so strong it
caught her breath, causing Cassie to look at her with raised eyebrows. 'Well, he is certainly
having a powerful effect upon you Mari maybe Nicos should replace his shirt,' the woman
grinned. Mari blushed and shook her head. 'I was just thinking that he looks so much younger
Cassie,' she replied 'and how awful that he had his heart broken when he was so young.'
Cassie lit a cigarette and shrugged. 'Being young is all about having your heart broken don't
you think? All that passion and anguish, pah! It makes me glad that I am old and cynical. Do
you not think that I hear every story from people escaping some torment to come and work at
my resort? Your own story too, Mari. The difference here is that you appear to want to
immerse yourself in the whole tawdry process again have you not been made cynical on
matters of love?'
Mari sat back and thought about Cassie's question. She had definitely not come to Greece
looking for love and as Cassie had stated she, like many others had come to the island to
escape. Then she had met Nicos and her world had suddenly changed in a way she would not
have been able to imagine six months ago. 'I don't know Cassie, it's difficult to explain. My
life was mapped out and I felt safe then it was as though someone had pushed me from a cliff
and everything felt very unsafe. I'd never felt pain in that way before and I hadn't done
anything to deserve it. I only longed for recovery from the anguish, for it to be over,' she said.
Cassie nodded solemnly. 'You're absolutely right; I came to the island to escape the anguish
and to be away from everything familiar to me. I had already been forced out of my comfort
zone so going to live abroad was not as much of a leap as it might have been a year ago.
'Then I met Nicos in Athens and later here, on the island and something happened to me that I
can't quite explain. I would have laughed at anybody telling me they believed in love at first
sight and I'm not sure this is what happened but something very different from anything I've
known happened to me.' The other woman looked at her intently, 'and the future?' she asked.
Mari shrugged and turned again to look at Nicos. He was jumping in the air, laughing after
winning a point in the game then turned suddenly and smiled at her, their eyes locked for a
moment. Mari felt a powerful surge of emotion that she could not put words to and realised
that yes, she was deeply in love with the man. She turned again to Cassie and replied to the
earlier question, 'I don't know about the future. All I know is that I'm exhilarated and
frightened in equal measure. I've never met anybody like him'. With that, she lifted herself
from her chair and nodding to Cassie, walked alone down the beach, away from the others.
She soon found a large, flat rock near the sea that she could sit on and dangle her feet in the
cool water. The conversation with Cassie and sudden realisation of her deep love for Nicos
had unnerved her. How many other silly girls were all over the Mediterranean wrestling with
similar emotions following a holiday romance? She knew that many women must have fallen
for Nicos and that Cassie must have seen their heartbreak as they packed to return to their
homes at the end of the season.
Maybe she was an unofficial counsellor and the conversation she had just had with Mari was
one she had each year when she wanted the girl to be let down gently. Mari really must pull
herself together and not take herself off on flights of fancy. Cassie was absolutely right
Mari really must think about her future and what she wanted to do. She would enjoy the day
and then do some serious thinking about whether to return home or take herself on another
adventure and find a way of travelling the world and earning a living.
She must try to control her emotions where Nicos was concerned and understand that the
deep love she felt for him might not be reciprocated and that there was a strong need to
protect herself. Feeling more in control than she had when she had walked away from the
others, Mari jumped from the rock and made her way back to the party. As she arrived she
saw that more people were in the sea and that the ball game had relocated to the water, with
people throwing the ball around with no apparent rules. She stripped off her outer clothing to
reveal her bikini and ran towards the water, throwing herself headlong into the waves. The
water was cool and glorious on her body and Mari emerged to find herself next to Nicos who
immediately threw the ball towards her, smiling in the very youthful way that she had
observed earlier.
She joined in the game with enthusiasm, diving for the ball and throwing it to those nearest
her. As she had previously thought, the game did not have any discernable rules and was
rather like a game of Frisbee in the park. She enjoyed being in close physical proximity to
Nicos yet tried to remind herself that she must not indulge her emotions too greatly but
should enjoy living for the moment rather than worrying about the future.
As the game drew to a close Nicos swam towards her and stood in front of her grinning. 'So
Mari, we are having a much more pleasant interaction than we had last time we were in the
sea together,' he said. Mari laughed, remembering the time at the secret beach when Nicos
had frightened her and she had been so angry with him. How things had changed since then!
They waded towards the beach and Nicos took Mari's hand as though they walked hand-in-
hand every day. She did nothing to stop him and followed him as he took two nectarines from
a bowl on the table and led them towards a blanket under the shade of a tree slightly away
from the others. As he stretched out on the blanket and looked up at her Mari was again
gripped by a powerful longing. He was so perfect, how could he possibly be interested in her
when there were so many desirable women available to him?
She was conscious that she was standing above him wearing nothing but a bikini and looked
around for her clothing but realised she had left the shorts and vest a way up the beach. Nicos
looked as though he could read her thoughts and without speaking indicated that she should
stretch out beside him. She sat down tentatively at first but one look at Nicos devouring the
nectarine with juice running down his chin convinced her that she should just relax and not
analyse everything so thoroughly.
Nicos passed her a nectarine and she followed his lead, biting into the ripe fruit without
feeling self-conscious. As she finished eating she could feel the juice drying on her face and
hands and looked around for something to wipe herself with but could find nothing. Nicos
had no such concerns and lay back on the blanket, closing his eyes to the sun. Mari turned on
her stomach and placed her head on her folded arms, lying beside him in silence.
As she closed her eyes she felt herself drifting off and was in a half-sleep when she felt Nicos
stir slightly and felt his hot breath close to her ear. 'Are you asleep?' he whispered. Mari
stayed still and murmured, 'I was,' wondering where the conversation was going. She was
also conscious that there were other people nearby but that they appeared to be sharing a
moment of intimacy, which was unnerving. Nicos propped himself up on one elbow and
looked down on Mari, who turned her face towards him. 'I could kiss you now but fear that
you might slap my face, you are so unpredictable,' he said huskily.
Mari smiled lazily and was not sure if it was the heat of the sun or of the situation that made
her move her face towards him and place her lips gently upon his. He responded equally as
gently and the restraint of the contact was more sensual than anything they had shared before,
sending shivers up and down Mari's body. 'Oh Mari', Nicos groaned, 'You drive me crazy and
I am powerless to do anything about it here, as I am amongst every person I know'. Mari
responded by touching his face gently, enjoying their closeness and moving her lips towards
him to kiss him again. She was unsure of what had caused her to behave in such a forward
manner but was so lost in the moment that she couldn't careless who was watching or what
they might be thinking.
'The beach in daylight is not the place for this,' Nicos said wryly, after kissing her slowly
again. 'We shall be up on an indecency charge. I had better stoke the fires elsewhere or we
shall not be eating any lunch.' With this, he ruffled her hair and jumped up grabbing his
denim shorts to put over his swimwear. Mari watched as he ambled purposefully towards
Maria and Giuseppe, who were setting up the large barbeque away from the seating area.
She was filled with disappointment that their intimate moment had ended so abruptly but was
reassured when Nicos turned his gaze back towards her and winked mischievously. Mari
waited a short while, as she didn't want to appear as though she were following him down the
beach then stood up and arranged her swimwear as decently as she could. She approached a
table where salads were being prepared and was pleased that another advantage to her
summer abroad was that she had learned to cook well.
She joined in and assisted the others, working as diligently as she did in the kitchen at the
resort. Before long, a buffet of delicious cold food was awaiting the meat and vegetables to
be cooked on the barbeque and Mari stood back, looking at the feast with satisfaction.
Giuseppe approached her and handed her a glass of chilled white wine, which Mari sipped
appreciatively. 'I saw you back there with Nicos, you seem to be getting along very well,' he
said. 'I think he likes you Mari but I'm unsure whether he has what it takes to look after you
properly.' Mari flushed angrily. 'If I've proved anything to myself this summer, it's that I don't
need looking after, Giuseppe,' she replied. He shook his head slowly and said, 'I'm not trying
to insult you, you're misunderstanding me. I am your friend and whilst I would have liked to
have been more, I accept that your heart lies elsewhere. I just want you to be happy and not
let another man cause problems for you. I've told you before what a complicated character
Nicos is just be careful with your heart.'
With this, Giuseppe walked away, picking up a carafe and filling people's glasses as he went.
Mari looked after him and thought that he kept popping up like a harbinger of doom, spoiling
her good mood each time. She felt totally deflated following the earlier elation of her
encounter with Nicos. At least Giuseppe was now acknowledging that Nicos appeared to be
taken with her and why would Nicos make such a display of their closeness in front of his
local community if he didn't feel something for her? Mari was confused once again and swore
to keep her distance from Giuseppe before he totally depressed her for the rest of the day.
She saw Nicos calling to Cassie to indicate that the barbeque was ready and walked towards
people queuing. Mari was not very hungry following her conversation with Giuseppe but she
resolved not to let her low mood show. This celebration only happened once a year for these
people and she was determined not to spoil it for them, or for herself.
She took a plate and approached the barbeque where Nicos had been given a white chef's hat
and was dispensing food with a proud look on his face. He smiled at her and pointed towards
the selection and Mari chose succulent-looking lamb, handing him her plate and searching his
face for any indication of his feelings towards her. She could detect nothing of their earlier
playfulness and wondered if Giuseppe had been dispensing his negativity in Nicos's direction.
Taking her plate, she gave Nicos a tight smile and went towards the buffet table, helping her
to salads and another glass of wine. She really didn't drink in the day and chastised herself for
doing so now, deciding to drink it very slowly and have water for the rest of the day.
Savouring the wine reminded her of the day she and Nicos had spent at the vineyard and Mari
felt the bitter-sweet sensation of the many memories she was now building up about their
time together. Would it all end in a few weeks? She was interrupted in her day-dreams by
Cassie sitting down beside her. 'So,' the other woman began. 'Our master-chef thinks he can
stand at the hot coals in underwear and be immune to getting burnt.'
Mari looked up and saw Nicos hastily pulling on a T-shirt and dabbing ice on his stomach.
She wanted to rush to his side to see how badly he had been hurt and restrained herself from
doing so, thinking that she really must gain control of her impulses where the man was
concerned. 'At least,' Cassie continued, 'he has shown the staff that he is of human stock after
all. Not that they needed any further demonstration that he is a normal man, following your
frolics of earlier. I've not seen him behave with such abandon at one of these events maybe
he hit his head on a rock?' She pushed her plate away and lit her cigarette. 'Or maybe', she
continued, 'he is indeed ready to join the human race again. I never thought in a million years
it would take the reserved English to inspire such a response in the man.' With this, she pulled
her chair away and walked towards the buffet table, tidying the plates of food and clearing
away any mess.
Mari realised that she had not contributed one word to the conversation with Cassie but was
amused by what had passed. Cassie's curiosity had inspired her own and Giuseppes warnings
were now far from her mind as she made her way towards Nicos to see if he would like
something to drink. He accepted and came to join the others who were now sitting on the
beach listening to Giuseppe playing his guitar.
The atmosphere was companiable, as people enjoyed their post-lunch relaxation and lay on
the blankets in the shade enjoying the music. Nicos once again position himself on a blanket
next to Mari and whilst the atmosphere was nothing like the electricity that had passed
between them earlier, she leaned against him comfortably and they remained like this for the
next hour.
*
Later in the afternoon people began packing away the picnic and returning the beach to its
natural glory before heading back towards the yacht. Mari assisted with packing any left-over
food away and dismantling the tables, whilst Nicos and his crew dealt with putting out the
barbeque with water. Soon, they were all heading towards the yacht and Mari felt quite
sleepy as she handed items to the crew and allowed herself to be helped up the walkway.
She knew that she would not see Nicos for the next hour maybe, as he would be back in
captain-mode, planning the trip back so found herself a comfortable seat below deck and
settled in to read the novel she had brought with her. She soon felt a presence next to her and
turned to see Giuseppe looking at her sheepishly. 'I'm sorry,' he said. 'I always seem to bring
your mood down when you are enjoying yourself. I promise, no more lectures, you are a big
girl now. Friends?' Mari put down her book and smiled at him. 'I was furious with you
earlier,' she replied, 'but I see that you were only looking out for me. Can we leave that
conversation behind us now, it's getting a bit tedious?
Giuseppe put out his hand to shake hers but she grabbed him in an embrace, glad that they
were on speaking terms again. She broke away from him and sighed. 'After such a magical
day it all feels like an anti-climax on the journey back,' she said. Giuseppe smiled, 'Ah, but
your hero has thought of everything,' he replied. The day is not over because Captain Nicos
has one more surprise up his sleeve.' Mari looked at him questioningly. 'We again pass the
private island and anchor for some early evening swimming. Nicos even has a waterslide
attached to the yacht, it's very good fun.' Mari squealed and clapped her hands like a small
child. 'I love it,' she cried. Giuseppe patted her hand and told her to calm down and enjoy her
book; they would be anchoring in about half an hour.
She could hardly wait but the time eventually and stepping up to the deck, Mari could see
people gathered in anticipation of the evening games. The waterslide was attached to the back
of the yacht so that revellers could land in the sea, safely away from the vessel. She watched
as Cassie, for once without a cigarette in her mouth, mounted the steps and roared, 'bombs
away!' before sliding quickly down and splashing into the sea. The crew kept a watchful eye
on her resurfacing before they allowed the next person to mount the steps of the slide. A rope
ladder had been placed at the side of the yacht for people to climb back aboard but Mari saw
that they were opting to splash about in the inviting green water.
She waited in line, and then climbed the steps excitedly. Mari hadn't been on a waterslide
since a family holiday many years previously. Sitting at the top of the slide she pushed
herself away and screamed with delight as she quickly passed down the slide and off of the
end, landing quickly in the water below. She swam back around to the side of the yacht and
climbed the ladder, wanting another go as quickly as possible. Nicos grinned and held out a
hand as she reached the top of the ladder, helping her aboard.
'You have the enjoyment of a child, so go and play - carefully' he said, as she slipped along
the deck towards the slide once again. The second time was not as exciting as the first but
Mari enjoyed the playfulness of the activity, resolving to introduce more fun into her life. As
she landed in the water she waved to show that she was ok and swam towards some
overhanging trees so that she would have something to hold onto whilst in the water. As she
came nearer to the rocks Mari treaded water and tested her footing to see if there were any
rocks she could stand on. Finding none, she swam on and tested her footing again.
When her foot found a rock Mari tested her weight and as she was about to place her other
foot on the rock she slipped and her head went under the water. In her surprise Mari gasped
and swallowed seawater, causing her to splutter and cough. She struggled to reach the surface
again but was disoriented and panicked, sinking further into the water.
Not being able to see due to the foliage in the water near the rocks Mari thrashed her arms
around in an attempt to bring her to the surface but she was fast running out of breath. Her
hands reached in front of her to try and grab onto anything but kept slipping on the greenery
and her hair became caught in something. Fighting with what she felt to be her last breath
Mari lashed out in an attempt to free her hair and encountered something soft then felt her
hair being pulled by the roots at the back. It was agony and she fought back.
Within a second sharp sunlight penetrated her eyes and she realised that she was now
thrashing about on the surface of the water. She went to sob but swallowed more seawater
and started to choke. In her confusion Mari heard shouting in the distance and felt a strong
hand under her chin dragging her backwards. She continued spluttering and then felt rocks
scratching the back of her arms and legs and she cried out in pain but felt herself choking
again.
She was aware of a force rolling her roughly onto her front; the rocks scratching her knees
now and then felt fists pummelling her back, causing her to cough out any remaining
seawater. Exhausted and crying Mari took a breath, coughed again and looked up to see
Nicos kneeling beside her, holding her hair and now rubbing her back with the flat of his
hand.
She could say nothing, as her breaths were uneven, heaving in an attempt to take in as much
Oxygen as possible. As her breathing evened out she looked up again at Nicos who stared at
her with panic in his eyes. Giving him a weak smile she lifted a hand towards him which he
grabbed quickly, placing her palm against his lips. Staying in that tableau for what seemed
like ages Nicos finally let go of her hand and drew her towards him.
'Mari, all I ever seem to do is fight with you or rescue you from trouble,' he said, his voice
deep with emotion. 'How am I going to make sure you are safe?' Mari, still too weak to
answer, looked at him and shook her head slowly. 'I don't know,' she whispered. Nicos took
her chin gently in his hand and lifted her head up to look at him. 'There's only one thing for
it,' he said huskily, 'Marry me.'

CHAPTER TEN
The sun was setting as Mari stood on the small balcony taking in the sweet scent of the
evening air and gloriousness of the sky against the horizon. It was an artist's pallet of pinks
and oranges, the orange an exact match of the flowers filling the many vases in the room
behind her. As she took in the view before her Mari also thought in wonder of the events that
had taken place over the past month, since Nicos had asked her to marry him.
*
Cassie had taken over as official wedding planner and Nicos had laughingly informed Mari
that it would be no use to argue with her. Cassie had, in fact listened to Mari's wishes and
Mari had breathed a sigh of relief that the usual stresses and in-fighting associated with many
weddings were absent within her own wedding arrangements.
She had also found Nicos to be a constant surprise, his enthusiasm so different from Peter's
lack-lustre response to any attempt to discuss their own wedding arrangements. That was all
in the past, so far removed in fact, that Mari wondered if it had all been quite real. Her life
now was so different to how it had been twelve months previously and she sometimes
wondered if she should actually write and thank Peter for forcing her to abandon her old life.
When she occasionally came down to earth she dismissed the idea as fanciful and forced any
thought of Peter to the back of her mind.
Her parents had been incredulous when she had telephoned to tell them that she was getting
married. Her mother had actually booked a flight to the island, accusing her of taking leave of
her senses as a reaction to Peter's betrayal but Mari had been so ecstatic in the days following
Nicos's proposal that she hadn't felt any apprehension at her mother's arrival. Instead, she had
taken Cassie's car and driven her mother around the island showing her the Secret Beach,
lunching at the small town where Giuseppe had hired her motorcycle and finally to the
vineyard where she had another announcement to make.
As the owner, Viktor arrived to greet them, kissing each woman on both cheeks and showing
them to a table in the courtyard Mari gave her mother a huge smile as she poured her a glass
of wine. 'Here is where I sat having the first, best day with Nicos and it's a very special place
to me. So, this is where we are having our wedding feast.
This courtyard will be strung with lanterns and candles are going to be placed everywhere,
with the main table across the centre. All the other tables are going to run along the path into
the groves and the band is going to play on a small stage on the other side of the courtyard.
It's going to be simple, traditional and gorgeous. Nothing like the wedding I imagined I
would have.'
She had sat back awaiting her mother's response, which was to pull out yet another
handkerchief and wipe her eyes. Mari appreciated that the suddenness and intensity of the
wedding arrangements were overwhelming to her parents especially the fact that she was
having a traditional, Greek Orthodox wedding and her father would not be walking her down
the aisle. They had instead compromised with Mari arriving at the church on an open cart
strewn with flowers, accompanied by her father. He would walk her to the door of the church,
where Nicos would be waiting to hand her the bouquet and walk side by side with her into
their wedding ceremony.
Nicos had generously loaned his house to her parents for the duration of their stay on the
island, moving back to stay with his father in the mountains. Mari had obstinately wanted to
stay in the resort and continue her work with Cassie and her colleagues. Cassie had allowed
her to undertake some of her old duties and had moved her into single lodgings to avoid an
argument. Nicos had merely raised his eyebrows and had left the two women to negotiate
between themselves. He said that as long as Mari turned up at the church, she could do
whatever she liked beforehand.
The only thing he had insisted in being involved with was the choosing of their wedding
rings, simple white gold bands with their names and the date of the wedding engraved inside
each one. He had earnestly informed Mari that the ceremony was about the two of them and
that he would like embellishments kept to a minimum, hence the simplicity of the rings. He
did realise however, that it was a bride's prerogative to have exactly what she wanted on the
day and that were she to turn up in her shorts and t-shirt, she could not be more beautiful to
him if she tried.
Once Nicos had committed to her, he had not stopped telling her how much he loved her and
making romantic gestures. When she had agreed to marry him, Nicos had been tearful and the
next day had driven them into the mountains to see his father, who had also taken her in his
arms and cried. Nicos's behaviour had been quite out of character, racing her around the
island introducing her to everyone he knew. When they had gone to plan their wedding feast
at the vineyard Nicos had organised dinner and they had danced by candlelight in the
courtyard.
Had she had not been overwhelmed by her love for him Mari might have found the grand
gestures unnerving but he constantly assured her that she had helped him to live again and to
love again, which he thought he would never be able to do. Nicos's father had wanted to hold
the feast at his restaurant but had conceded that the organisation would be too much for his
health. He had also privately said to Mari that having Cassie bossing him around would have
been far worse for his health. He was leaving it to her and the two fathers between them
would provide the many wines and champagne for the feast.
Mari's mother had insisted on paying for her wedding gown and had gone to Athens with
Mari to choose fabric and have the gown made. Nicos had insisted on providing them with
one of the finest hotels to stay in on each of their visits and Mari had felt like a princess even
before her wedding day. The only possible setback had been the receipt of a letter from
England that had arrived at the office of the resort, with Cassie handing it to her nervously,
having read the sender's details written on the back of the envelope. Mari had immediately
recognised Peter's handwriting and had taken herself to the far corner of the beach to sit on a
rock and read the letter in private.
Peter had heard of her forthcoming wedding through rumour in the town. He said that he had
been shocked and upset to hear the news but that it had made him think longingly about her
and regretfully about all he had destroyed through his actions. He had visited her parents and
had begged for the address of the resort from them, as he could not allow her to marry
without knowing how he felt. Peter had been full of regrets for his stupidity and above all, for
causing the person he loved the heartbreak and trauma that had made her leave the country.
He realised that he had set the events in motion that had resulted in her meeting a man who
truly loved her as she deserved and that whilst feeling broken by this, he had to let all
thoughts of reconciliation pass. Peter ended the letter by telling Mari that she would always
hold a place in his heart and that he had clearly lost out to a better man. He would be thinking
about her on the day and wished her only good things for the future. Mari had held the note to
her chest and thought deeply about the words Peter had written. Six months ago they might
have held significance for her even if it had been to have closure for her own healing
process. At that point however, she had been pleased that no bitterness would sully her joy
but this was all. She had taken the note, gently torn it into pieces and had let the breeze blow
them away, out of her life.
She had debated whether to tell Nicos of the letter and in the end had decided she would,
although she had not shown it to him; that chapter of her life retaining some privacy. Mari
had wanted to start her life with Nicos without secrets and had told him during an afternoon
stroll that she had known a little of his own heartbreak. His mouth had set in a grim line and
Mari thought she had gone too far but had been determined that they should be totally open
with each other; any other way would not work. Turning to her, Mari had seen a flicker of
pain in his eyes but he had taken her hand, kissed the back of it gently and said, 'Like your
letter, the past is away on the breeze. I did not want to love in that way again and I resisted
my feelings for you so strongly. Whatever life brings us, its ups and downs, I want you to
know that I will always be in your debt, Mari, for showing me love again.' They had held
hands and walked in comfortable silence after this, knowing that no more needed to be
spoken on the subject.
*
This morning, Mari had awoken early and alone. She and her parents had stayed in Nicos's
house, with Nicos having gone to spend his last night as a single man at his family home. She
had stretched luxuriously in the double bed, the one she would be sharing with her husband
that night and had watched the sun streaming through the shutters with a sigh of contentment.
She did not think she had ever felt as happy or lucky and had smiled as she imagined the day
ahead. She was going to marry the most handsome, charismatic, sexy man she had ever
encountered and he felt the same about her! She gave a squeal of delight and was rewarded
with an anxious tapping at the bedroom door. 'Mari,' her mother whispered, 'Is everything
alright?' Mari giggled to herself, 'Yes,' she replied, 'I'm just having an I-can't-believe-it
moment.'
She heard her mother's footsteps leading away from the door and predicted that she would be
heading to the kitchen to prepare a special breakfast for them to share quietly as a family,
before the mayhem of the day was upon them. Her predictions had been correct; fifteen
minutes later she heard her mother's voice calling her from the patio beneath the bedroom
window to say that coffee had been brewed and breakfast would be in five minutes. Throwing
open the shutters, Mari had leaned over the small balcony and smiled down at her mother.
'It's perfect, thank you so much.'
Stepping back inside, she had wrapped one of Nicos's silk dressing gowns around her and
made her way downstairs to where her parents were waiting. Her father stood up and opened
his arms and she allowed him to hug her tightly, as he had when she had been a small girl.
They stayed that way for a couple of minutes, whilst Mari's mother had busied herself
ensuring everything was just right for their breakfast.
'Come on you two,' she said, 'you pair of softies. It will be a long day and we'll need a good
breakfast inside us.' Mari sat down as her mother poured her a cup of the freshly brewed
coffee. She raised her cup and smiled at both her parents, 'Thank you for, well, everything
you're fantastic parents.' Her parents looked at her with tears in their eyes and her mother
dabbed a handkerchief to the corner of her eyes, as Mari took a sip of the fresh coffee. She
was surprised that she did not feel nervous and marvelled at herself, sat bare-footed wrapped
in Nicos's oversized dressing gown as if this were any other day not the most important day
of her life.
Music had drifted over from a neighbouring villa, a radio playing soft, traditional music and
Mari realised that this would now be her culture, her music and she wondered once again at
the massive changes that had occurred in only a few months.
She might not have been nervous but could not bring herself to eat very much, breaking a
croissant and only eating half whilst she finished her coffee. The lady Cassie had appointed to
do her hair would be arriving in an hour and Mari wished to take a leisurely bath and pamper
herself before putting on her outfit.
After her bath Mari had sat in a towel on the balcony awaiting the preparations. She had not
wanted any fuss and had only really wanted her mother present as she dressed but had
acquiesced in the face of Cassie's enthusiasm for arranging things. Thekla, the village
hairdresser did all the weddings, she had been told by Cassie and it was now something of a
tradition she would make a beautiful job of Mari's hair. Mari had spoken to Thekla in
private to say that she would be very happy to have her help on the day but that she had a
quite specific and simple hairstyle in mind. This agreed, the woman had said she would arrive
at Nicos's house for 11.00a.m.
At the appointed time Mari had come inside and dressed in new silk underwear and the
organza petticoat that she would wear under her wedding gown. The feeling of the new
material against her skin was amazing, not least because Mari had never spent as much
money on underwear before in her life. Cassie had once again had been instrumental in the
choice on one of their visits to Athens. She had taken Mari to an exclusive boutique and had
pointed out the rich cream set, which would look so good against Mari's lightly tanned skin.
She had started to feel extremely excited, special and yes, like the 'princess' the woman who
sold her the underwear had guaranteed.
An hour later, Mari had stood in front of the mirror for the first time since Thekla had arrived
at the property. She had a sharp intake of breath as she saw that the woman had done exactly
as she had asked and had given her a very natural style, half up at the back in a loose chignon,
with tendrils escaping to soften the look at her face and neck. Her hair had been woven with
small flowers in a shade of pink that would match the pale lipstick she had chosen.
Turning, she had hugged the woman who nodded appreciatively. 'We all knew that Nicos
would choose a beauty if he ever got off his high-horse and married!' she had said. 'You
though, are a natural and this simple look suits you. You will have gorgeous children, I think.'
Mari had smiled broadly at the compliment. She had never been one for flounces, frills or lots
of make-up, her style had always been simple, elegant and understated. She would never have
been able to compete with Carla and her crowd for sophistication and expense but in the end,
did this matter? Nicos had chosen her above any other woman and Mari had hugged herself
with excitement at the thought of being in her husband's arms later that evening.
*
Nearing the time she was leaving for the church Mari had taken a step back for a final look in
the mirror, her mother standing behind her dabbing her eyes again. Mari had been surprised;
she looked amazing and the simple cut of the frock did wonders for her slim figure. In the
same rich cream as her underwear, the soft satin gown had a bodice with no straps that was
picked out with tiny silk flowers, again very understated. The skirting of the gown fell from
an empire line below the bust in a straight line to the ankle with a flare at the end.
With a nod to her English traditions Mari had had a pale blue ribbon sewn inside the hem,
having forgone the more 'traditional' blue garter chosen by many of her friends. The material
clung to her in a very flattering way and as she walked around the room the sheen of the cloth
picked up the light beautifully. The whole look was modest yet undeniably sensuous, her
figure being displayed to its full potential.
Mari had opted for medium heeled 'Mary J ane' shoes in a matching cream not wishing to go
for the expected pearl slippers. The shoes had a delightful 1920s quality that set off the entire
outfit in a classic, timeless style and Mari thought the whole thing had come together
marvellously.
Cassie had argued with her in the boutique in Athens but Mari had been resolute, stating that
she would know the shoes as soon as she saw them, which happened after visiting several
department stores. Once Cassie had seen the whole look she had said she agreed
enthusiastically with Mari's choices.
At her ears and throat Mari had opted for her grandmother's pearl earrings and necklace,
which were both borrowed from her mother and were very old. She had all her bases covered
as she looked around at her mother, admiring the woman's same understated, elegant style.
Mari's mother had opted for a pale blue shift dress with a darker blue and white floral
shoulder wrap. Her hat was of the same darker blue, also matching her clutch bag and slightly
heeled court shoes. Now that her own skin was slightly sun-kissed and her hair a lighter
blonde, it was easy to see from whom Mari had inherited her good looks. For a second the
two women had looked at themselves in the mirror, full of unspoken emotion and had then
hugged briefly before Mari lifted her dress to walk downstairs. Her father was waiting at the
bottom of the stairs and he beamed proudly as he saw her, gathering her into a tight hug as
she reached him. Her mother gave a squeal, 'Martin, don't you'll crease her dress!' and they
both laughed in response.
Her father led the way outside and Mari gasped as she saw the simple wooden cart, with
Yannis at the helm, all former enmity with Nicos clearly forgotten. The vehicle had been
decorated with a variety of flowers and was beautiful in its simplicity. The horse also had the
same flowers woven into its bridle and Yannis had steadied the animal as Mari's father helped
her into her seat. This had been strewn with cream cushions and Mari had spread her dress
carefully as she had sat beside her father, ready for the most important journey of her life.
Mari's mother would be collected by Cassie and would follow the bridal party to the church
and with all arrangements in place, Mari had faced ahead, enjoying the slow movement of the
vehicle, determined to enjoy every moment of her journey. The village had never seemed
more beautiful, the afternoon sun setting-off white-washed buildings and well-kept gardens
full of flowers to perfection.
The church was on a hill at the edge of the village, overlooking the sea and Mari thought that
she could not have invented a more idyllic setting for her special day.
As the party had turned into the path leading to the church, Mari's father had taken her hand
and squeezed it tightly, smiling at her without speaking. She had taken a deep breath and felt
could have pinched herself to make sure it was all real. She had then seen the church at the
end of the pathway, startling white with its round dome painted in a light blue that matched
the sky. Many people had gathered outside, dressed in their finery and she had looked
earnestly for Nicos, not seeing him in the crowd.
As the cart had drawn to a halt in front of the church he had stepped forward and she had
been speechless at his beauty. She had thought Nicos would dress in a very formal way for
his big day and had anticipated a well-cut suit in charcoal or maybe even cream. What Nicos
had chosen was unusual yet entirely perfect for a man of his confidence. Rather than a formal
suit and tie Nicos was dressed entirely in white and on another man this might have looked a
little informal for the occasion. He was wearing an exquisite crisp, white shirt with no tie and
matching cotton trousers that Mari guessed must have cost the earth, despite their casual
appearance. His olive skin, thick dark hair and wide smile had complimented the outfit to
perfection and Mari had known that had she tried, she could never have chosen an outfit that
was so perfectly Nicos. She was pleased that she had opted for a simple outfit herself and
without a trace of arrogance, had known that they were going to look perfect together.
As Nicos had stepped forward her father had assisted Mari to stand on the step of the cart,
where Nicos would receive her into his arms. He had looked up at her father and silently
mouthed the words 'thank you' then had guided Mari down, handing her a simple bouquet of
flowers that matched those in her hair. He had winked at her, taken her hand and whispered,
'Are you ready?' creating a flood of joy within her as she had replied, 'Absolutely, let's go.'
As they had strolled hand-in-hand towards the entrance of the church the crowd had parted
and began clapping, Mari had caught a glimpse of her smiling school friends and had beamed
with joy. She had not been able to stop herself smiling as Nicos had led her confidently into
the church, a cool setting displaying beautiful Orthodox paintings, the altar area decorated
with gold. It had been magnificent.
The ceremony itself had been explained to her by Nicos, who had wondered if Mari would
find it too long and enduring. She had laughed in response, telling him that the longer their
magical moment lasted, the better it would be. She had therefore concentrated intently on the
initial ceremony of The Betrothal, the service announced in Greek with a translator
explaining to the non-Greek guests the symbolism of this part of the service and the focus
upon the wedding rings.
Mari had continued to feel as though she were in the most wonderful dream possible, as her
wedding ceremony continued and she had smiled broadly during the placing of the flowered
crowns on each of their heads, grinning at Nicos's steady concentration, thinking how utterly
adorable he had looked with the circle of white flowers nestling on his head. As they had
taken wine together and completed the ceremonial walk three times around the altar Mari had
laughed out loud at the barrage of rice-throwing that ensued from the congregation, as though
the ceremony had erupted into anarchy. She had looked across at Nicos who was also
laughing, wiping grains of rice from his mouth and they were then again standing in front of
the altar, having the crowns removed and placing their hands upon the bible. Turning to the
crowd hand-in-hand Mari had never felt a sense of belonging so intensely and she had smiled,
filled with joy as the congregation had erupted into a frenzy of clapping and cheering. Mari
had not been entirely sure that this was a formal requirement of an Orthodox wedding
ceremony!
As they had left the church still holding hands, Nicos had drawn her close and had whispered,
'I am so proud of you, I love you so much'. They had then turned to face the crowd, with
Nicos raising their joined hands in a symbol of triumph and shouting, 'Meet my wife isn't
she beautiful?'
They had then climbed into Nicos's open-topped sports car to take them to their celebrations -
Nicos having informed her that the meal would be over if they arrived by cart. He had
sounded the car horn to their cheering guests and had driven quickly away from the church.
Nicos had not taken the route towards the vineyard but instead had driven in the opposite
direction, Mari staring at him with puzzlement.
'I wanted you to myself for a short time,' he had said by way of explanation. Before long they
had stopped at the small pathway that heralded the route to the Secret Beach. 'Take off your
shoes, they'll get ruined,' he had instructed. As Mari had removed her wedding shoes and
attempted to climb from the car Nicos had gathered her up in his arms and marched them
down the path towards the beach. She had held her arms tightly around his neck, enjoying the
feeling of safety and security she was feeling in her new husband's embrace and she had
moved her face towards him, kissing him lightly on the lips.
They had continued kissing as he approached the water and telling her to lift the hem of her
dress, he had lowered her into the cool sea where she had stood, puzzled until he had kicked
off his shoes, joined her in the shallow water and had pointed to a man dressed in a waiter's
shirt and trousers approaching them with a silver tray. As the waiter had approached, Mari
had seen that it was Giuseppe, bearing a bottle of Champagne and two glasses, his trousers
rolled up and his feet shoeless. Giuseppe had approached them in the water and handed them
each a glass, poured the champagne and then winked at Mari before turning and heading back
to the beach bar to join his friend.
Turning to Nicos she had raised her glass and said, 'Very different to the first time we were
here Mr. Androulou ' to which Nicos had roared with laughter and clinked his glass against
hers. 'If that dress hadn't cost so much money', he had responded, 'I'd be half-tempted to lift
you up and throw you to the waves, I'm in such a reckless mood.' They had then stood with
the sea lapping over their feet and had looked at each other in comfortable silence, sipping
the cool Champagne and breathing in the sea air. 'I'm a lucky man but a very stupid one,' he
had said. Mari had raised her eyebrows in question.
'I nearly didn't have the sense to know a good thing when I saw it,' he'd continued, 'I'm sorry
at the hurtful things I said to you when I first met you, I would do anything to protect you
now,' he had said solemnly. Mari had placed her hand on his cheek and said, 'But it wouldn't
have been half as exciting, now would it?' She had finished the Champagne and allowed him
to guide her towards the sand, Giuseppe appearing once again to collect their glasses.
Picking her up in his arms once again, Nicos moved steadily along the beach path to the car
and deposited her gently into her seat. 'Should you be driving?' she teased and Nicos turned to
her and replied, 'I only took half a glass,' then realised she was not being serious. He ruffled
her hair, placed the car in gear and drove confidently towards the vineyard and their wedding
feast.
*
Despite having planned the event herself, Mari found the entrance to the vineyard
breathtaking in its beauty, ribbons and paper lanterns decorating the trees on the drive
towards the main buildings. Once dusk came they would light up the area in a magical way
that she could hardly wait to see. Their guests were already waiting in the courtyard, sipping
Champagne and eating canaps that were being handed around by staff from her father-in-
law's restaurant. They clapped and cheered at the arrival of the bride and groom and the
photographer from the church was already positioned to take the best shots of their arrival.
Nicos led Mari to the head table, where she was greeted by his father who embraced her
warmly, tears glistening in his eyes. Next to him and to Mari's surprise and pleasure was
Markos looking very well turned-out in a suit and tie, his past problems seeming very far
away from today's event. Mari stepped forward and hugged him warmly, delighted that any
hostilities appeared firmly in the past. He received her embrace warmly, holding her close to
him until Nicos shouted good-naturedly, 'Hands off Markos, you will have to find your own
lady, god help her!' As Nicos took his place beside her at the main table, he held her hand
tightly, as if not wanting to let go.
Throughout the many speeches and words of congratulations Mari turned to smile at him, not
wanting the day to end. Her parents sat to her other side and her school friends positioned on
a table nearby, some of whom were eyeing Nicos's male relations appreciatively. Mari
chatted and laughed throughout the afternoon, taking sips of wine sparingly but enjoying the
delicious food that was placed before them. 'I thought you would provide baked potatoes,' she
joked with Nicos, remembering the fiesta that had first brought them truly together. He shook
his head and replied, 'Only the best for only the best,' then planted a kiss on her cheek to yet
more cheering from the crowd.
As dusk settled the lights from the lanterns and many candles around the courtyard and
dancing area were lit, creating the magical ambience Mari had been hoping for. Tables were
cleared quickly away in preparation for the band and just as Mari thought she could not feel
more excited or happy Nicos held out his hand to lead his bride for their first dance, the
crowd stopping their chatter in a reverend hush whilst they watched the happy couple. Nicos
and Mari had discussed their first dance and had agreed that the reception would involve both
traditional Greek music and well-known dance songs, their first dance would therefore be a
song that was familiar to all the guests, something timeless and classic.
As the small band struck up the first chords of Louis Armstrong's 'What A Wonderful World'
and Nicos took Mari in his arms, the guests stood and clapped but the two of them were lost
in their own world with Mari once again wishing the moment could last forever as she looked
up at her husband's smiling face. They moved around the courtyard with ease, as though they
had been dancing together for years and people in the crowd once again commented on what
a very handsome couple they made.
Mari then took to the floor for the next song with her father, with Nicos leading her mother in
a waltz. Mari then danced with Nicos's father whilst Nicos took Cassie around the floor in an
energetic spin and before long all the guests were dancing in the courtyard, lit by the 'magic'
lanterns and the moon above. Before Mari knew it the clock had chimed for midnight and for
she and Nicos, the last dance would be traditional, one in which they joined with all their
friends and family prior to their leaving for their first night of marriage back at Nico's villa.
The dance had been a celebration of love, friendship and laughter and for the last time that
day Mari had been suffused with a positive love for her new husband and the life she had
now chosen.
*
Standing here on the balcony still in her wedding gown, whilst Nicos was downstairs
preparing them a special cocktail, she could not believe the day had passed so quickly. She
would do it all again tomorrow if she could but tomorrow promised its own surprises, as she
and Nicos were taking off on their honeymoon aboard his yacht. Three weeks of cruising
amongst beautiful islands, with the crew attending to their every need and more importantly,
Nicos had assured her, making themselves scarce when they needed to so that the couple
could enjoy some privacy. Mari had blushed at this and could not believe her reaction. After
all, hadn't she shared some of her most intense, sensuous moments with Nicos it was hardly
the time to be bashful! And here she was, on the balcony of her new married home, awaiting
the return of her husband with a shiver of anticipation.
She had not heard him enter the bedroom instead feeling his presence behind her on the
balcony, his hot breath on the back of her neck as he started to kiss her gently. 'I think we'll
leave the drinks on hold,' he murmured as she turned to face him, returning his kisses with an
ardour she had not known before. 'J ust think,' he said in between kisses, 'If the crime rate in
Athens hadn't been at its peak we wouldn't have met, the thought is intolerable.'
Mari laughed huskily and replied, 'Maybe we need to consult a fortune-teller to find out what
the future holds?' Nicos shook his head and moving his hand behind her head, drew her
towards him once more. 'We both know what a disaster that would be. In any case, I'm much
more interested in the immediate future, now how do we undo this dress Mrs. Androulou ...'

THE END