Page 82 of The Little Greek Guesthouse

Heather sneezed.

‘Oh no, you’ve got the back-to-work cold.’

Heather rolled her eyes and nodded, blowing her nose loudly. It was the same every year – a few weeks in, she came down with a cold passed on from one of the little tots she worked with. Even this never dampened her enthusiasm for the job. ‘Yeah. Rosie’s quarantining me, she’s sick of catching them.’

‘Oh dear. Hope she’s looking after you too.’

Heather nodded. ‘Plenty of soups and Lemsips, I just have to sit on my own sofa.’

‘Hope you feel better soon.’

Heather nodded, and said something that sounded like ‘hang in there’ as she ended the call. It was hard to tell because she was overcome with a coughing fit.

Nina sighed. Missing Heather was the worst part about the move to Metalios. The only downside, truthfully. She braced herself and went to fetch the turtle handles and her screwdriver; the job needed doing, and she had time before they needed to leave for dinner.

Just as she was about to start, Theo burst in. ‘Antheia, you must come.’

‘What is it, Baba? You okay?’

He looked a little wild-eyed and she had a flashback to the night of his panic attack, the fear she’d felt for him.

‘Yes, yes, I’m fine. It’s Maria.’

Nina almost dropped the handle she was holding. Her stomach plummeted. ‘What’s happened?’

‘I don’t know, I think she’s had another accident, she’s hurt.’

‘Oh no.’ Nina was already reaching for her trainers, her hands shaking as she put them on. She was imagining Maria lying hurt and frightened, and regretted bitterly her anger with the old woman. Why had she been so stubborn? She’d missed out on time with her friend, and now she was hurt. ‘Where is she?’

‘The beach.’

They ran all the way, Theo puffing behind as Nina raced ahead, skidding on the steep path. As she reached the beach she saw Maria, not lying on the ground as she’d feared, but standing waiting.

Nina called her and ran to her, into the embrace of Maria’s open arms, sick with relief.

‘Are you okay? What happened?’

‘I’m fine, moro mou.’

‘Thank god. But Baba said you were hurt, he – he said you’d had an accident, are you sure you’re all right?’

Maria beamed. ‘Not a scratch on me.’

‘I’m sorry, Maria. I’m sorry I cut you off.’ She held tight as the older woman hugged her. ‘I missed you.’

‘I missed you too.’ She smiled mischievously. ‘And I hope you will forgive us.’ She glanced at Theo as he caught up, panting and pressing a hand to his side.

Nina glanced from one to the other. ‘What are you two up to?’

They both looked as pleased as punch, like two naughty children who’d got away with some naughty plan.

Maria stepped aside, and waved her hand towards the shore.

Nina saw the candles first, flickering in the sand. The picnic basket, the bottle of champagne.

George stepped out from behind a rock, holding his hands up as though in surrender.

Nina turned to Maria and Theo, but they were already walking away.