Page 37 of The Greek Café

I enjoy watching the children in the pool, although my thoughts wander to the little café project. A child’s scream pulls me back to the present, but thankfully it was an excited squeal as the young child, wearing a rubber ring, toppled off an inflatable boat into the water.

By early afternoon, it’s time to swap with another worker and head to the adult pool for aqua aerobics. I am more than ready to stretch my legs and kept the blood pumping.

‘Are we ready?’ I ask the assembled crowd in the pool, as I pump up the volume of the music and they respond with enthusiastic cries of, ‘Yes!’

The guests in the pool this morning include one or two men who have joined the majority of women.

Despite being outnumbered, the men are clearly enjoying themselves and going for it, to the sound of the pulsating music.

‘Clap your hands,’ I instruct as I clap my hands above my head. ‘Now squats. We will soon have those thighs as strong as a stallion’s.’

‘Fat chance,’ says a grey-haired lady. ‘It would take surgery to tone up these legs.’

‘Nonsense. Combine them with leg kicks at the side of the pool,’ I tell her. ‘Strength is key as we get a little older.’

As we continue to pool-side exercises, Grey-Haired Lady does as she’s told, kicking her legs furiously. A little too furiously, as a wave of water cascades over two of her friends nearby.

‘For heaven’s sake, Beryl,’ splutters her friend as she spits out water. ‘You’re not in training for the Olympics; calm it down a bit.’

‘Whoops, sorry,’ she giggles and I wonder whether I am pushing them a little too hard, so we finish with some gentle stretches. And the end of the session everyone gives me a round of applause, and I feel assured that everyone has had a good time.

Heading inside the hotel for a drink, I spot Takis walking across reception and I feel the familiar tingle.

Zeta greets him with a kiss on both cheeks, and they stand chatting. As I walk past I catch his eye.

‘Kalispera.’ He nods, as Zeta looks at something on the computer behind the reception desk.

‘Did you enjoy your food the other night?’ he asks.

‘I did. It was absolutely beautiful. And such a romantic setting.’

‘To go with a work friend?’

‘I’m just saying.’ I shrug, hoping the heat I can feel isn’t showing on my cheeks. Why is he having this effect on me?

‘Anyway, I keep meaning to ask, where do your boat trips go?’ I ask casually.

‘Various places. Across the island to Symi, sometimes a round trip of the area stopping at small coves. Wherever you like. As a private charter, I can satisfy all your needs.’

He makes eye contact and my stomach does a little flip.

‘Ah, a private charter. So, is your boat big?’

‘Size isn’t everything.’ He grins. ‘But it is big enough. And very comfortable.’

‘Right.’ I will myself not to blush. ‘So, if I wanted to go to alone, you could take me? Or do you need a minimum of guests?’

‘No. There is a set price. I can take you alone if you like,’ he offers.

‘Maybe I will look up a few places of interest for when I have my day off,’ I tell him. ‘I will let you know.’

‘Sounds good. And as you always seem to be working, maybe this is the best way to spend some time with you. I would like that,’ he says, with an easy smile.

‘I would too. And I am not always working.’

Did he think I would let him know when I was free? Maybe I am being a little old fashioned but if he thinks I am the type of woman to suggest a date, then he is mistaken.

‘Anyway, just let Zeta know, and she will take a booking,’ he says in a business-like manner, which is a little confusing as he has literally just told me he would like to spend time with me.