Game of Scones

by Samantha Tonge

  I took off my sunglasses. ‘Wouldn’t miss it for anything. Did you have lots of invitations to post yesterday?’

  ‘Oh, yes. I’m exhausted. Lots of parcels, too. It was Theo Dellis’ birthday. And the Kostas’ thirtieth wedding anniversary.’

  Postie always had let slip what was in everyone’s mail.

  ‘Plus an official envelope for Leila… I think it contained a passport. She and Niko must be planning a honeymoon.’

  Huh? I nodded politely, as he continued to explain why yesterday’s mailbag had been such hard work.

  Leila? Applying for a passport? The hairs stood up on the back of my neck. That would fit with her looking for international employment – there was no way the couple could afford a honeymoon. However, Niko had enough on his mind at the moment, without me mentioning my suspicions again. A flame of desire licked the inside of my chest. If Leila was leaving, then surely there was nothing wrong with me… with me and Niko…

  My thoughts were interrupted as Postie said goodbye. I stood up straighter, back in a rational place, and made myself think sensible thoughts, like… like how good it was to at least see the mail service was booming. Wiping my handkerchief across my perspiring brow, I gazed up into the sky as a squawking seagull swooped and dived. Eventually I moved on and before I knew it I was outside Taxos Taverna.

  ‘Pippitsa!’ Sophia straightened up in front of one of the outdoor tables, a dripping dishcloth in her hand. ‘Come in for coffee.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘We have an hour until the meeting, no?’

  I followed her inside. Georgios, Niko, his Uncle Christos and cousin Stefan, plus Leila and Grandma sat round one of the tables. They stopped talking. Niko jumped to his feet and came over, guiding me by the elbow to the window.

  ‘Don’t tell them about the police last night,’ he mumbled. ‘They’re upset enough at the idea of Taxos becoming the next Tyrionitsa.’ Warmth shot up my arm from where his fingers curled around my bare flesh. Those feelings I had, last night, when we hugged… I avoided his eye. God, why did I feel so shy?

  ‘Pippa, look at me,’ he murmured, as if understanding. Our eyes met and a genuine, caring smile lit up his eyes. ‘Last night… you are special – magical, glittery, like your scones. And this isn’t bullshit like the waiter in Shirley Valentine.’ His breath teased my face and I longed to feel the soft warmth of his mouth. His pupils dilated and my pulse quickened, but we said nothing, nor moved a centimetre, as if we were both scared of what might happen. Was I imagining this chemistry or did Niko, too, find it a struggle not to brush his lips against mine?

  I glanced away and caught Grandma’s eye. Could she see us clearly without her glasses on? Immediately I backed away from Niko, not wanting her to suspect any shenanigans between me and her grandson. Not that there were any. I mean, we’d done nothing wrong.

  ‘It is good to see you downstairs, Grandma,’ I said in a bright voice and went over to kiss her cheek. ‘Love that floral shawl.’

  ‘I make it myself.’ She smiled, her face becoming a mass of wrinkles, thanks to a lifetime enjoying sun and cigarettes. ‘Sit down next to me, my little peach.’

  ‘Grandma is feeling better, all right,’ said Georgios, ‘bossing us all around.’ His lips pushed upwards, into a smile, but his eyes looked dull and he stared at a letter on the table – no doubt his invitation to the meeting.

  Sophia placed a coffee in front of me.

  ‘I just want you all to know…’ My throat felt dry. ‘I knew nothing about ThinkBig’s plans until yesterday.’

  Georgios nodded. ‘Niko explained.’

  ‘To think, we offered Henrik our hospitality back in January,’ spat Uncle Christos. His face flushed purple. ‘Sorry, Pippa, but am angry.’

  Georgios held up his hand before running it over his perspiring bald head. ‘Henrik is a good man. We don’t agree with his plans but no doubt he thinks he’s doing the best.’

  I gave a big sigh. ‘That’s just it, Georgios – he does honestly believe this is the only option for Taxos. And whilst I can’t agree with my boyfriend, I won’t insult him. Part of me understands why he wants to press ahead with the quad bike track and nightclubs.’

  ‘You’re a loyal girl,’ said Grandma and patted my hand.

  An uneasy sensation twisted my insides.

  ‘So that’s it? We just give in?’ said Sophia and picked up a square of moist baklava from a plate.

  ‘Not at all. We… we just need to come up with an alternative plan.’ I gazed around the table. ‘I mean, let’s be honest… things can’t continue as they have been.’ I glanced at Niko. ‘The accident in the sea, with the Dellis’ boys… that should be the wake-up call you all need.’

  ‘What you mean?’ said Christos, who fiddled with amber rosary beads.

  ‘Old Mrs Dellis was worn out looking after her grandchildren, which is why she fell asleep. But what choice did she have, with both parents working just to put food in their mouths? What will happen next? A fatal farm accident due to exhaustion? Divorce rates climbing because of stress? Whilst ThinkBig’s plans will impact this community, so will doing nothing.’

  Georgios smiled. ‘And now we see why you have a successful job in London.’

  I blushed. ‘Not saying I have all the answers, just… Let’s try to take control – come up with our own solution. Try to fight this big corporation.’

  ‘Can we, really?’ said Christos, shoulders slumped and calm now.

  ‘Pippa’s right,’ said Leila. ‘Between us we can surely offer Taxos a different future?’

  I studied her face – perhaps Leila’s real answer was to ditch Niko, move abroad and build a stronger future there. At that thought, rightly or wrongly, my heart gave a little leap.

  Grandma put down her cup. ‘Taxos still standing after the earthquake of 1933, after the Battle of Kos and numerous forest fires…. We survive this as well.’

  ‘Yes, don’t you worry Grandma,’ said Niko.

  ‘Worry? That’s a grandma’s job,’ she said and smiled. ‘But I’m not made of puff pastry. Fighting for something makes me feel strong – makes me feel alive again. I’m okay.’

  Niko and Leila exchanged happy looks.

  ‘In any case,’ said Grandma and lifted her cup. ‘I’ve read the coffee sediment… it says the sea will save Taxos.’

  ‘The sea?’ chorused everyone. But Grandma had picked up her sewing again, cheeks pink, eyes sparkling, giving me a flash of the feisty woman she used to be.

  We were still trying to work out exactly how a vast amount of saltwater could save the village, when seated in the town hall, waiting for Stavros and Henrik to take the stage. Grandma had stayed at home, although just before we’d left the taverna, I took her into the garden and we reminisced over old times. We left her sitting in the sun, a healthy caramel colour already darkening on her cheeks.

  Most of the villagers seemed to have turned up before us and I shifted uncomfortably in my seat as Kos’ mayor worked his way around the room, muttering to villagers under his breath. I’d gone up the front to greet Henrik but his reply was icy when I turned down a chance to sit on the stage.

  ‘Go join your Greek friends, then,’ he’d said. ‘Just remember, you are doing them no favours by rejecting this proposal.’

  I still had to disagree, when Henrik began his PowerPoint presentation, Stavros chipping in to speak Greek. Like a Mexican wave spreading around a stadium, people’s faces turned from interest to horror within minutes.

  ‘Friends, this is the chance of a lifetime for Taxos,’ said Henrik. ‘Out of all the villages on this wonderful island, ThinkBig has chosen yours.’

  Expressions of dismay deepened as Henrik presented sketches of how the village would look, with the new, characterless concrete buildings and snorts of disbelief filled the room when he showed photos of Mermaid Cove in Tyrionitsa and how ThinkBig hoped to transform Caretta Cove into a cute turtle-themed area for children.

  ‘The Caretta turtle will be the emblem for Taxos
…’ said Henrik, glancing around the room, ‘… which is appropriate as without this development, your very existence is endangered as well.’

  A hush fell over the room.

  ‘No doubt Stavros can translate the expression “ghost town” for me…’ he said.

  The mayor nodded and uttered two words.

  Henrik lifted his hands. ‘Several ghost towns have sprung up across the Greek islands. Families can no longer afford to live in the villages they grew up in, due to people leaving for work elsewhere, due to lack of local investment… Picture Taxos abandoned, overgrown… doesn’t that make ThingBig’s images of its future more appealing?’

  People looked uncertain, whilst beady-eyed Stavros took over talking in Greek and managed to smooth out some of the deep lines on their foreheads. In fact they leant forward when he helped translate the finer details. How the villagers would be offered decent prices for their properties, in the area where the land needed to be flattened. How these prices would not be repeated though, if any of those residents initially obstructed ThinkBig’s plans. Plus he talked of the franchises to takeaways and bars that had proven successful elsewhere in Greece – Henrik promised, again, that ThinkBig would offer an interest-free loan scheme to inhabitants keen to start up one of these businesses. Plus he reiterated that all jobs would be offered first to locals, be that positions in the nightclubs or showing children around Caretta Cove.

  ‘We won’t keep you any longer,’ Henrik finally announced. ‘I realise it’s a lot to take in. Just to say that ThinkBig and I are excited about securing your future. Don’t hesitate to approach me or Stavros with any questions.’

  Niko stood up. ‘Perhaps I could ask a question right now, in front of everyone?’ He didn’t wait for an answer. ‘Why has this been rushed through, leaving us hardly time to think; to come up with an alternative solution?’ He fired out some Greek at the locals, no doubt translating what he’d asked.

  Henrik fixed a bright smile on his face. ‘Alternative solution? But why would anyone oppose such a win-win project? Unless you have a thought-through business plan you’d like to present, with financial backing, that will guarantee jobs in Taxos for generations to come?’

  Niko’s fists curled.

  ‘I thought not.’ Henrik shrugged. ‘There is no sinister motive here. Foreign investment is keeping this country afloat. And now, dear friends, if you head towards the back of the hall we’ve put on burgers and hotdogs to give you a taste of the fast food tourists to Taxos will enjoy. I have handouts of design plans and the proposed construction schedule, plus application forms for the various franchises.’ His face became serious. ‘I know that for many of you this concept will come as a shock. ThinkBig is here to help you through the transformation. And I’m available twenty-four seven, to listen to your concerns.’

  Wow. Henrik was good – although these days, that Dutch charisma irked. Was the empathy that etched his face genuine, as he toured the room? As he shook hands and nodded as pensioners chatted in Greeklish about the good old days? Henrik handed out drinks, ruffled the hair of children and oozed charm when approached by women. He patted shoulders, attempted to speak the local lingo and shook hands – whereas Stavros circulated the room, speaking quietly under his breath…. Niko, Georgios and I watched the mayor’s every move.

  ‘What game is he playing?’ I muttered under my breath. We found out when cycle shop owner Cosmo came over. He spoke quickly to Georgios and Niko in Greek. The two men’s eyes widened. Then Pandora, the baker, came over, having just spoken to Stavros and said something to Cosmo – he nodded. Tears in her eyes, she looked at me.

  ‘Say it is a joke, Pippa. All the memories I have of my husband, here – they’ll be gone if ThinkBig have their way.’ She glanced around the room. ‘Why more people no upset?’

  I gave her a hug. ‘So, what is Stavros saying?

  Georgios’ chest heaved. ‘We should have known better than to think he’d play fairly… He going around offering… how you say in English…’

  ‘Tax breaks,’ said Niko, with a grimace. ‘He says villagers and especially local businessmen who make no fuss… Stavros will work it so they pay less tax.’

  ‘That’s corruption of the highest order!’ I said. ‘All this talk of financial help – it makes people forget the bigger picture.’

  ‘Enough of this!’ muttered, Niko. He jerked his head towards Sophia, Leila, Uncle Christos and his cousin Stefan – they all came over. ‘Spread the word – there is a meeting today at Taxos Taverna, six o’clock.’

  ‘Say there will be free coffee and scones.’ I said.

  ‘Huh?’ Niko shrugged.

  ‘People like free food and will think better on a full stomach of solid home-cooked food as opposed to ThinkBig’s plastic, takeaway snacks – every little helps. Now let’s hurry back. We only have a few hours to come up with a plan to present to the rest of the village.’

  Someone tapped on my shoulder. I turned around and looked up. Henrik. I shook my head.

  ‘I can’t believe you’re so deeply involved with that jerk, Stavros. His game is hardly above board.’

  His shoulders moved up and down. ‘I don’t know what you mean.’

  ‘Illegal tax breaks?’

  ‘I’ve said nothing about that.’

  ‘Well you clearly bribed Stavros to rush through building plans… I’ve seen his new car…’ A loud sigh escaped my lips. ‘Henrik? What’s happening to you? Where’s the honourable man I’ve always admired?’

  His mouth tightened. ‘This deal needs to be closed for the good of everyone – there is honour in that.’

  I shook my head. ‘I’ll be late back tonight.’

  ‘Why? Planning a mutiny?’ Henrik straightened his tie. ‘No worries. I’m staying over in Kos Town. Stavros and I are going out to celebrate. Today’s gone well.’

  My eyes tingled. How had it come to this? I stood watching him leave the town hall.

  ‘Pippitsa?’ said Sophia gently. ‘You okay?’

  I nodded.

  ‘Come,’ she said. ‘Let us report back to Grandma. We talk. You make scones.’ She raised one eyebrow. ‘And on the way you can tell me how one of our friends spotted you and Niko being stopped by police on the beach last night.’

  Chapter Twelve

  Because they must have popped some party pills from the Kos nightclub scene and were hallucinating.

  That was the answer I wanted to give. But Sophia deserved more than a witticism. I wondered if she suspected my true feelings for her son. When we were younger, she was almost as astute as Grandma when it came to children’s mischief. Like the time Niko and I returned home from an afternoon playing, covered in grease and made up some story about trying to mend his bike. She saw through our cover story straightaway, as a few days earlier she’d banned us from going on part of the beach near a fuel spill. We’d set our hearts on giving the oil-covered dead birds a proper burial.

  Sophia took my arm and directed me to a palm tree outside Pandora’s bakery. We sat down underneath, on a shady bench, me breathing in yummy, honey pastry smells.

  ‘We can catch the others up,’ she said. ‘First you, me, talk… Last night… you and Niko…’ She let out a sigh. ‘Pippitsa, what going on? The police – do I need to be worried? I haven’t asked Niko as he has been so fired up today about ThinkBig’s plans.’

  ‘No!’ I forced a laugh, cheeks hot as I watched a green caterpillar crawl, in undulating waves, across my foot, instead of looking at her. ‘Henrik and I – we had an argument. I went off on my own and he overreacted by reporting me missing to the police. That’s all the officers wanted to talk about.’

  Sophia exhaled.

  ‘We didn’t think it necessary to tell you all,’ I continued and met her gaze. ‘Not with everything else going on.’

  She nodded. ‘Thank goodness that’s all it was… Because if Niko was in trouble… with all this ThinkBig trouble as well…’ Her eyes looked shiny as she sniffed. ‘All I want is for h
im and Leila to get married, settle down, have a family. The idea of a wedding between them has been the one positive thing that has got us all through the recent difficult months. Soon winter is coming. We all need this cheerful celebration as much as the young couple. Especially Grandma…’ Her voice cracked. ‘For her it has almost meant the difference between life and death.’

  I had the feeling now my eyes were shiny.

  ‘You won’t let him take things too far with this plan against ThinkBig, will you Pippa? Niko can be fiery… I don’t want him to risk his future by doing something against the law. You care for him, very much, that is obvious.’

  I swallowed. If only she knew.

  ‘From the first moment you arrived, last weekend, Niko… his smile is brighter, I’ve noticed. Times have been hard and you’ve been like a lighthouse beacon – to us all. Grandma too… Your visit has been a tonic in many ways, and I’m grateful. And sure you understand how important it is that he and Leila stay together.’

  Oh God. Unintended guilt-tripping or what? No emotion flicked across her face but I wondered… Did she suspect something between me and her son? Our eyes locked and I smiled at the familiar, warm, caring heart-shaped face. In that moment I realised that indulgent daydreams of me and Niko getting together were nothing but that. His marriage to Leila meant everything to his family and so much for the health of Grandma. Perhaps I’d overestimated his feelings for me; maybe he didn’t sense that magnetic attraction. But just to be sure there was no misunderstanding, I’d have to make it clear to him that my life was back in London, living my executive lifestyle.

  I forced a smile. ‘And this trip has done me good too.’

  ‘And Henrik?’ She patted my hand. ‘You see a future with him? Living the busy life in London? You imagine having his children? Growing old together?’

  ‘I don’t know.’ There. I’d said it out loud.

  She gasped. ‘But–’

  ‘Today’s made me realise that the doubts I’ve been having…’ My voice wavered. ‘Perhaps I should have acted on them weeks ago. Henrik’s honesty was the thing I most admired about him – but now that’s gone. There’s no sparkle to fall back on.’ I shook myself. ‘Listen to me, Sophia. I sound like a romance writer.’ We smiled and ever-polite, she said nothing. Unlike Grandma, Sophia would never pry!