Page 83 of The Greek Café

‘Coming up. Can I ask, how do you say the word “water” in Greek?’

‘Nero,’ he tells me.

As I grab a bottle of water, I write the word down into a little notebook I will keep under the counter. I figure the best way to learn how to speak the language is to ask the locals. Or Google Translate.

Kostas takes a sip of his water before he clears his throat.

I was expecting nothing more than a young, amateur voice so I am shocked by his rich tone and beautiful-sounding voice. He strums his guitar and sings a well-known Ed Sheeran song, and by the time he has finished I have tears in my eyes.

‘Wow,’ is all I manage to say. ‘I really did not expect that.’

‘Thank you. I have practised a lot of songs in English.’

‘Which explains why your English is so good.’ I smile.

I ask him if he would like to perform in the early evening the following Thursday.

‘You think people would like me?’ he asks a little doubtfully, despite his obvious talent.

‘I am certain they would. And hopefully if word gets around, we can give other budding artists a place to perform and build up their confidence.’

Kostas surprises me by placing his guitar down and giving me a hug.

‘Efcharisto. This may be the thing the young people need,’ he tells me.

‘I had better make sure my soft drinks are always topped up then,’ I tell him. ‘What do you and your friends like to eat?’

‘Paninis, waffles, oh and chicken gyros,’ he tells me. ‘A good gyros is hard to beat.’

‘That is good to know, thank you.’

I head to bed that evening feeling positive about the future of the little café. Tomorrow, I will open the café for paying customers. And pray that they will come.

FORTY-TWO

It’s just after ten in the morning and not a single person has walked through the door of the café.

I am checking the drinks and food contents for the umpteenth time, when I hear the tinkle of the bell on the door. It’s Phoebe.

‘How is it going?’ she asks cheerfully.

‘Not great. In fact, you are the first person to walk through the door this morning.’ I sigh.

‘Oh, but the day is still young. Try not to worry.’

‘I am worried that people just showed up yesterday for the free food and drink. And out of curiosity.’

‘I’m sure that is not true. Perhaps some people are a little hungover.’ She raises an eyebrow.

‘I suppose so.’ Her comment makes me feel a little better. ‘So how are you after seeing Nicos yesterday?’ I ask.

‘A little sad. I threw away the chance to marry a good man,’ she says. ‘Seeing him with another woman made me realise that, but what can I do? It has been almost a year now since we split.’

‘I have told you what to do. Talk to him,’ I urge her once more. ‘You weren’t ready at the time; you can’t beat yourself up about that. And the fact that you haven’t met anyone else is very telling.’

‘It is true. But work has kept me busy.’

‘Anyway, thank you for calling over, Phoebe, but I can’t imagine I will be able to give you any paid hours today. Not without any customers.’