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Miranda took another gulp of her brandy, grimacing as it scorched down her throat.
‘I really don’t know. The place was like this when I arrived this morning; all our wonderful books just tossed around the place like discarded litter. I thought the roof might have fallen in! I was so shocked, I didn’t look where I was going and managed to trip over a mound of fantasy novels and fall flat on my face, grazing my hands and my knees. And when I went into the bathroom to find the First Aid kit, well… you’ve seen what’s in there. Oh, this is all my fault.’
‘How can it be your fault?’ said Heidi, completely bewildered.
To Suzie’s astonishment, a flush of heat seeped into Miranda’s pale cheeks, and she averted her eyes to focus on twisting her crumpled handkerchief through her fingers. When she finally spoke, her voice was hoarse with emotion.
‘Because… I forgot to lock the door when I went home last night.’
‘Then, if anyone is to blame,’ Heidi whispered. ‘It’s me.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘If I hadn’t made you all those chocolate martinis you would never have forgotten to lock up.’ Heidi gulped down hard, her soft Welsh accent more pronounced as her emotions rose and tears threatened to spill. ‘I’m so sorry, Miranda.’
‘Heidi, you’re not responsible for what happened here, and neither is Miranda,’ said Suzie, firmly, dismayed by the anguish written across her friends’ faces as well as the necklace of tears along their lower lashes. ‘Look, why don’t we head over to the taverna for one of Giorgos’ Greek coffees to settle our nerves while we decide what to do?’
Miranda nodded her agreement and ten minutes later they were sitting on the veranda atTaverna Giorgos, making their way through one of Stefanos’ breakfast platters. When they told Giorgos what had happened, he was horrified, and insisted on pouring them each aglikoscoffee – with extra sugar – to help with the shock they had all experienced. He then joined them at the table with asketos– rich, dark, and bitter – for himself.
‘You need to report this to the police,’ said Giorgos, his expression serious.
‘Oh, no, I don’t think that’s necessary,’ Miranda replied, clearly flustered by the suggestion.
‘Was anything taken?’
‘No, and it was probably just a silly prank.’
‘Well, if that’s the case, it’s in very poor taste,’ Giorgos said, a look of anger on his face.
Miranda flashed a quick look of panic in Suzie’s direction, and she realised that the reason her new friend was reluctant to involve the authorities was that she would have to admit to leaving the door unlocked all night, and possibly even wide open, thus inviting any passing party-goer who’d have a few too many ouzos – and there were a lot of those in Oia on any given evening – to pop inside and have a little fun in the quirky bookshop.
Fortunately, Giorgos accepted Miranda’s decision not to call the police, and left them to enjoy their coffees while he welcomed a group of walkers who’d arrived for a hearty breakfast before setting off to hike the Caldera Trail. After handing them the menu, he strode off to the kitchen where Stefanos had just finishing whipping up an omelette, which Giorgos then delivered to the sandy-haired bartender-cum-writer who was scrolling through his phone at the other side of the veranda.
‘Hey, I’ve just had an idea!’ announced Heidi, jumping up from her seat and causing Suzie to jolt in surprise. ‘I know what will cheer you up, Miranda. Just give me a minute.’
‘Heidi, I’m actually not—’
But Heidi had already disappeared into the kitchen.
‘Are you okay?’ Suzie asked gently, knowing that Miranda had purposely avoided mentioning the scene in the bathroom to Giorgos so as to not freak Heidi out, but that she must have been as shocked as Suzie was when she’d first seen it. ‘Are you sure about not wanting to inform the police? I’ll come with you if you like.’
Suzie ignored the tickle of anxiety the mention of the police caused, and while she would have done whatever was necessary to support Miranda, she was relieved when her friend shook her head.
‘Thanks, Suzie, that’s kind of you, but I really don’t think—’
‘Okay,’ said Heidi, who was now wearing herTaverna Giorgosapron and a broad smile, as well as her usual sparkly eye makeup, today’s a vibrant purple edged with silver stars. ‘It’s all sorted.’
‘What is?’
‘I remembered what you said last night, Miranda, about wanting to go on a Big Fat Worldwide Dance Adventure, and, well, it just so just happens that Giorgos isthebest Greek dancer in the whole of Santorini! He used to teach classes to tourists before… well, before he stopped doing that… and, after a little persuasion, he’s agreed to give you a one-to-one lesson to cheer you up after what happened this morning. So, your very first dance will be a Greek dance, taught to you by a local expert, just like you wanted! Oh, and I’m hoping to source a costume for you to wear, too.’
Tears returned to Miranda’s eyes, but this time they were tears of joy, and of gratitude for Heidi’s thoughtfulness and support.
‘I… I don’t know what to say.’
‘You don’t have to say anything.’
‘Efharistó, Heidi.’
