Page 44 of The Greek Café

On the journey back, Takis points out places of interest, including Anthony Quinn Bay, named after a famous actor who fell in love with the island after filming there.

‘So what brought you to Greece?’ he asks as we cross the sparkling blue water.

‘I love Rhodes, as I told you.’ I turn my face up to the sun. ‘I lost my job back home, and being single, I just thought I would widen my job search,’ I tell him. ‘When I saw the job advertised for the hotel, I thought, why not?’

‘How long have you been single?’ he asks.

‘About a year.’

I realise it doesn’t feel like that long, but I had been so busy at the leisure centre, I guess the time flew by. Throwing myself into my work definitely helped.

He is a good listener, taking in every word.

For some reason, I hold off asking him if he has a girlfriend, even though he has asked me about my relationship status. Maybe I am worried he will think I am interested in him.

‘I think it is always good to embrace an adventure,’ he agrees, moving away from subjects of a personal nature. ‘Isn’t that what life should be all about?’

His question hangs in the air, as he takes the wheel of the boat and we continue on our way.

As we approach the bay, Takis says, ‘We can stop for a while if you like?’

I glance across at the narrow horseshoe-shaped bay framed by the forest and cliffs. The beach looks small, with maybe a dozen or so sun loungers. I notice a café perched on the hillside above the beach, which might be a nice place to sip a cocktail and enjoy the stunning views.

‘Thanks, but I think I have had enough sun for today.’

I can feel my skin burning, and tiredness has taken over me, although his offer is hard to resist.

He shrugs. ‘Whenever you like.’

I think of the evening at the hotel bar when I refused a drink from him. I hope he doesn’t think I don’t like spending too much time with him. Especially as nothing could be further from the truth.

Back at the hotel, I thank Takis for the boat trip that I enjoyed immensely. I feel completely relaxed after my day snorkelling and swimming and enjoying the most delicious picnic. Even if I am already overthinking my decision not to stop at the bay with Takis.

‘It was my pleasure.’

‘I might book you for a boat ride over to Kato Petres one day. The long beach there looks amazing,’ I say. ‘Then again, I suppose it is close enough to the hotel to maybe walk there.’

‘I do not go to that beach,’ he says without elaborating, his whole body suddenly closing off to me.

‘Oh right, no worries. I may even hire a quad bike and explore that area.’

Maybe there is an undercurrent in the water so Takis does not like to take the boat there. But instinctively I don’t think I should ask him the reason, as something tells me it is personal.

‘Right, well, have a good evening. Thanks again,’ I tell him.

‘You too,’ he says, the easy smile seemingly having disappeared from his eyes.

It’s late afternoon, and I head to the café and let myself in. The plaster on the walls has dried nicely. It already looks bright with the sun streaming through the windows, so I imagine how it will look after the walls have been painted. I also think about the lovely day I enjoyed today with Takis. He couldn’t get away quick enough when we arrived back at the hotel though, and I wonder what caused his change in mood? I guess it isn’t my problem though, and I certainly don’t have the energy to psychoanalyse someone I barely know.

Heading back to the hotel, I spot a few of the teenagers once more. Hanging around on their bikes.

‘Lady,’ a boy with dark curly hair calls to me. ‘Me synchoreite.’ I think he is saying ‘excuse me’. ‘You open the café?’ he asks as his two friends look on.

‘Yes.’ I smile.

‘Po the?’

‘Sorry?