Page 69 of Never Too Late to Date

‘So, you knew all along, Baba?’

‘I didn’t know who, but yes, I knew your mama was pregnant when she came to the island.’

‘Okaaay. This is too much to take in at once.’

Kostas picked up his keys from the table and gave her a quick kiss on the top of the head.

‘I can’t say I’m not shocked, Mama. This is a big thing for our family. But now I must go to my brother. He needs me. I hope you understand.’

‘Of course, we will talk later. Take the night off from the bar. I’ll cover.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes. And don’t forget how much I love you both. Please tell Gianni that too.’

Kostas hit his heart with his fist before getting on his motorbike and racing off into the distance.

Suzie turned back to the couple now sitting holding hands at the table.

‘I know this is a lot to process, but I can’t tell you how much your support means.’

Panos smiled into the sun.

‘Of course, you are family, and the mother of my sons.’

At least that would never change.

‘They will both get over it in time.’

But how much time? That was the question, and what was she going to do about the man waiting for his answers a few miles away? The thought made her shudder in the warm sun.

‘And as you’re here…’

Suzie caught Lydia’s small nod.

‘We also have something to announce.’ Panos kissed his girlfriend on the nose. ‘I wanted to do it in person…We’re getting married.’

Suzie clapped her hands together.

‘Ah, congratulations, syncharitíria! That’s great news.’

‘Thank you, and you mustn’t worry so much. These things will sort themselves out.’

Easy for him to say, but impossible to do.

‘We will deal with whatever this man…?’

‘Christian.’

Just saying his name made her want to blush.

‘This man Christian has to say, all of us together. And support our sons together too. At least they have each other to turn to.’

Suzie got up and hugged them both in turn. Panos and Lydia also had each other to lean on. Who did she have? Or was that a selfish way to think? You’ve made your bed, and now you’ve got to lie in it, as her mother would say.

Vicky put the last of the food buckets and bowls back in the allotted cupboards and glanced at her phone. Suzie had messaged a few minutes earlier to say she’d be there in half an hour. There was plenty of time to check on Dolly and have a play with her.

Just her hand on the door of the clinic had the little dog barking. The sight of her in a cage pierced Vicky’s heart, but it was only for a couple of weeks. Dolly’s broken front leg was in a plaster cast, and they couldn’t risk any further damage, which would delay the healing process. Keeping her still and stopping her from putting any weight on the leg was vital. Not that anyone had told Dolly that. The little dog was desperate to get up and out and was already waving her broken leg about like a crutch.