by Sara Alexi
'Who? Spiros?' Stamatis asked.
'No, not Spiros. A man who left without paying.'
'Someone left without paying?' Argyro’s reaction was immediate and her face went red.
'Yes.' Vasso reached for the wall, making a barricade so they could not pass. 'But he wasn’t moving fast so I think we could catch him.’
Behind Argyro the path divided again.
'Which way did you come? He must have gone the other way.' Vasso took a step towards them, not letting go of the wall, herding them back.
'The other way is a dead end,' Stamatis said.
'Then he is cornered. Come on.' And at Vasso’s insistence they turned around and the three of them started back up the steps.
Vasso managed to keep up the search for some time, but her story sounded thin to her ears, and eventually they had exhausted all routes.
'Was he Greek or a tourist?' Argyro asked when they stopped.
'Dark-haired, maybe Greek, might have had an accent. I didn't really give him much notice.'
'Well, you should have. That’s your job, to give customers attention. In my position what would you do? Would you pay for the mistake of the member of staff or suggest it should come out of the wages of the person who was responsible?' Argyro asked.
'I’m not sure that is fair, my love,' Stamatis interrupted. But at a glance from Argyro he fell silent.
'How much did he owe?'
'Oh, it was only a coffee,' Vasso said.
'What?' Argyro screeched. Stamatis winced at the sound. 'You mean we’ve been running all over town in this heat for a few drachmas!'
'It’s the principle,' Vasso ventured.
'In this heat there are no principles,' the woman grumbled, calming down a little.
'But if one person does it then others may think they can try…'
But Argyro had finished talking and, with a heavy tread, she headed down towards the port. Vasso tried to estimate how long she had been able to delay them. If Dimitri and Spiros were quick, if people had not lingered over their meal, they could have done it. As they turned the corner into the port Vasso was ready for the taverna still to be a bustling hub of activity. But, with relief, she found everything calm. Dimitri was nowhere to be seen and inside all was cleared and Spiros was sitting at the table, his arms folded on its top, his head on his arms and his gentle breathing suggesting he was asleep.
'Well!' Argyro exclaimed. 'He does not seem too bothered about this person who could not pay,' she said.
'Well, no, he was asleep. He will know nothing about it,' Vasso said.
Argyro looked from Spiros to Vasso and back, as if deciding what to do. ‘I wonder,’ she said, ‘if there was another reason you took me on that merry dance, and there was no old man who left without paying…’ Vasso’s face coloured at this, and Argyro nodded slowly. ‘I’ve got your little game,’ she continued. ‘Your boyfriend here is asleep on the job again, and you didn’t want me to see. Well, it will take more to fool me!’
Chapter 15
The stars above the lemon tree seemed even brighter that night.
Spiros mixed a little ouzo into a glass of water – 'just to give it flavour' – and offered it to Vasso.
'You took a really big risk today.' She sipped and licked her lips before drinking again. The taste was not unpleasant. Spiro’s ouzo was neat, clear and clinging to the glass.
'Yes, probably – but you know, what’s the worst that could happen?' He checked his breast pocket, where the wad of drachmas was safely folded away.
'She could sack you! Which would not only leave you without an income, but it would break your baba’s heart.' Vasso took another sip. She could see why Spiros liked ouzo. Ice would make it even better.
'Where are you going?' Spiros asked.
'To get some ice.'
'I'll go.' He jumped up and was back within seconds.
'He is really torn, isn't he, your baba? I can see it on his face. He wants to take your side but it’s like he owes Argyro, or he pities her, or something. That, and – if you don't mind me saying, and I completely understand – he is afraid of her.'
'There is something,' Spiros agreed. 'I’ve tried to talk to him about it but he just closes up. He’s not one to discuss something he thinks he can do nothing about. That’s why he never talks about politics or religion or anything like that. He doubts his ability to speak clearly and he believes whatever he says will make no difference anyway.’
They sat side by side looking up at the stars. The slight evening breeze ruffled the leaves of the lemon tree, which rubbed one against another as if they were passing on secrets.
'At one time, when I was cross, I accused him of marrying her for her dowry. I wasn't serious, but I said her dowry must have been very significant to make it worthwhile. He just told me it was none of my business. But some time later he said she had no dowry. He said she had nothing, and he said it like it was his fault.'
His hand crossed the small gap between them, searching for hers, and her breath came in rapid gulps.
'Ah!' she exclaimed. 'I’ve got it!'
'What?' Spiros turned from stargazing to look into her eyes, delighting in her sudden animation.
'That's it. I have the solution. You could have the down payment and the rent for a taverna of your own if you use my dowry.' She stared at him, and his eyes were all liquid in the half-light. She would have loved to have fallen in, like swimming in chocolate in the moonlight, warm and silky.
'Er, what are you saying!' Spiros smiled but he also frowned. 'Are you suggesting that we…?'
Vasso realised what she had just said and her hands darted to her face to cover her burning cheeks. Dropping her head, she could not meet his eye. What was she thinking, to say such a thing?
'Hey, don't be embarrassed. You just beat me to it.' He was laughing now, but the frown was still there.
'Sorry – it just popped out as the only solution I could think of.'
'And it’s the perfect solution.' His arms were around her neck, his mouth so close. He looked into her eyes as if he could see the bottom of her soul. In turn, she could not control her response, her spine twisting, her whole body wriggling. He leaned towards her, so close, but there was no kiss.
'Shall we seal the deal?' he whispered, and every nerve in Vasso’s body thrilled with the knowledge that they must be engaged now. She did not answer him, but his mouth met hers and she was lost.
In the small hours of the morning he woke her.
'Vasso, my baby, I must go.'
She reached for him, to draw him near again.
'Why must you go?' she murmured.
'Because it’s not official yet. We must consider how it is seen. Tomorrow we will buy a ring, then the tongues will not wag.'
She was awake now, longing for him to stay.
'Besides, this is a delicious time, we must not rush it.' He kissed her and he still tasted of ouzo. It was indeed a most delicious time. One more kiss and he was gone, out of the side gate and into the night, leaving her running her hands over her body, remembering all the sensations he had created in her. She fell asleep smiling.
The next day he was in early. Argyro came in after him and, once she arrived, he said that he had something to do and that, seeing as he had been in early, he would take five minute’s leave. She hardly looked up from her magazine.
He was longer than five minutes but when he returned he sidled up to Vasso, took hold of her left hand and slid on a ring that glinted in the sun.
'Do you like it?' he whispered.
'I love it,' she whispered back. It was very small but to Vasso it was perfect.
'Vasso! Spiro! I think I have mentioned that it does not look right, you two behaving in that way in such a public display.' Argyro’s voice boomed out loud and strong.
'Ah, leave them, Argyro – they are young,' Stamatis said quietly.
'What are you saying, Stamatis? That it is alright for someone in this business to show the public that he can
behave as he likes with a hired waitress? How does that look for our taverna?'
'I’m not so sure it matters like it once did,' Stamatis said, but there was little power in his voice.
'Well, I will not put up with it! It’s shameful,' she snapped. 'Have you no shame, Spiro?'
'And why should I be ashamed?' Spiro’s tone was light, goading.
'It’s just not done, unmarried couples behaving in public in such a way!' Argyro’s voice was growing steadily louder, but Spiros was calm, almost as if he was enjoying himself.
'Ah, well, there is the thing.' Spiros smiled.
'Thing? What thing?' She had discarded her cigarette and was standing legs apart, hands on hips, as if ready for a fight.
'The thing is, we are engaged.'
The silence that followed was intense.
Stamatis was the first to speak. 'Ah, my boy, congratulations.' He stumbled from behind the counter in his haste, and shook Spiro’s hand enthusiastically then pulled him into a bear hug. Soon he released him, only to hug Vasso. 'My son has good taste,' he said, just loudly enough for her alone to hear.
'Engaged! You have known her a day!'
'Two,' Spiros taunted. 'But some things in life you just know.'
'Ridiculous,' his stepmother sneered. 'I will not put up with this.'
'There is nothing you can do about it! Oh, a customer, excuse me.' And he went outside, leaving Argyro sneering into Vasso’s face.
'What kind of girl would get engaged after two days?' The corners of her mouth curled down and her upper lips wrinkled into her nose. Vasso struggled to see what kindly old Stamatis could ever have seen in her.
'I won't have it!' she snorted.
Vasso wanted to say that there was little that she could do about it, but she didn't. She held her tongue. Besides, her throat felt so tight she doubted she could utter a word.
'Stamatis, are you going to allow this?'
'Well, I don't really see that it is any of our business, Argyro my love. And Vasso here seems like a very nice girl to me. Her mama, I know, is a very good woman.'
'You have done enough for that woman already,' Argyro hissed.
Vasso, who had been looking at Stamatis, quickly turned to Argyro.
'What do you mean?' She could not be sure if she said these words or just thought them. The rushing of blood to her head made her ears sing; the floor moved slightly, undulated like the sea, and it occurred to her that she might faint, so she put her hand out to hold on to the counter’s edge. She did not find the painted wood. Instead her hand was in Stamati’s. He held her steady.
'She means nothing, Vasso. She is talking from anger.'
'I am not! How do you think your mama got by after your baba drank himself to death?' Argyro’s face was contorted in her rage and her eyes were wide, red veins visible in the whites.
Vasso lost focus and the room span. She was going to fall but someone had hold of her. A hand encircled her waist, keeping her upright.
'This kind-hearted old fool, that’s how!' Argyro spat. 'Why do you think you are here, eh? You don't think there aren’t a dozen girls who would welcome working for us here on Orino Island? Of course there are. It’s only because your mama owes us, that’s why. And do you know what price we negotiated with your mama for your services this summer? Zero. Did you hear that? Zero, that’s what you are worth.'
'No – Argyro you have gone too far…' Stamatis voice drifted.
Then the world really did start to spin and the edges went black and then red and then something hit her hip – or her legs gave way and she hit the floor. Either way she did not care. Instead, she willed the darkness to blot out everything as she let go.
Chapter 16
The world was underwater again. The sounds distorted, her vision blurred and she recognised that she had fainted – again. For a moment she remained still, trying to remember what had caused this second embarrassment, and with a rush the situation returned to her and she willed the blackness to come over her again. She wanted to be at home, to hear her mama deny that she had given her services for free to pay back an old debt to this horrible woman.
'Vasso, hey Vasso?' It was Spiro’s voice. Or was it Stamati’s?
'Take a sip.'
A glass was at her lips and she recognised the smell of ouzo. The smallest nip brought reality flooding back and her instinct was to run, to get away. Her legs scrambled backward, her feet slipping on the floor. Arms locked around her.
'It's ok. Shhh, Vasso my sweet.'
The arms remained and someone else took one of her hands, stroking across her knuckles: a tender, loving gesture. The mist across her eyes cleared and she found those tender touches were Stamati’s and the arms around her Spiro’s. There was no sign of Argyro. Looking into Stamati’s kind face, she could believe that he would have helped her mama out. If he had, she would be more than pleased to return the favour – but to be spoken to like Argyro had spoken to her!
'Vasso, are you hearing me clearly? Argyro was wrong. I have agreed a wage with your mama for you to help out here. Only I thought it best not to tell her, because, well…'
There was no need for Stamatis to say any more. She understood.
'She was also wrong to speak to you like that.' His touch on her hand was so gentle. Spiros was kissing her hair, holding her close.
'Where is she?' Vasso asked, her voice betraying the tremble she felt inside.
'She’s gone to buy her magazine,' Spiros said.
'Vasso, I would not be surprised if you wanted to go home now, after this,' Stamatis said, and Spiro’s arms around her became tense, more protective. 'But I will talk to her. So, for the sake of my son, if you can, please stay.'
'If Vasso goes, I go.' Spiros informed him.
'Yes, I know, I realised that. Let me talk to her.' Spiros patted Vasso's hand and stood, looked down on them both for a moment, and then walked out of the taverna in the direction of the magazine shop.
'Are you alright?' Spiros asked.
'I’ve never come across such a woman. She is so cold, so hard, so cruel.' Vasso would have liked to go home, back to the village, to be with her mama. But if she went, what would happen to her and Spiros? He said he would follow her, but to take him away from Stamatis? Also, there were no jobs in her village – maybe he could find a job nearby, in Saros…
'Baba said he would talk to her. She knows I’m not afraid of leaving. I’ve left before. If we both leave it would be impossible for them to run this place alone.'
'She said there were lots of girls on the island who would be eager to waitress here.'
'She said that! Ha!' He helped her to her feet, his arm around her waist, until she was sitting by the table against the counter, in Argyro’s seat. 'While I was away, Dimitri told me, she went through every person who was available for work on the island. One after another they came and then left. First she employed her relatives, her cousins, but Dimitri said they did not hold back – after a day or so they each told her straight out that her attitude was unacceptable, they were not about to be talked to in the way she talked to them, and they left. Then she offered the position to youngsters who had just left school. Apparently she went through three of them, but each one never returned after the first day. I don't know what she expected on an island this small but, when she finally offered the work to anyone who wanted it, the word had got around. Baba said that, just before I came back, for a week they had no help and night after night they were trying to work out what to do until they thought of having you come over. Apparently they had had a notice up in the window for weeks offering the job but there was no one left on the island who would work with them. You cannot hide on an island. Everyone knows what she’s like.'
'But now that you are back they really don’t need me!' Vasso exclaimed. ‘I mean, when they arranged for me to come, you were still away…’
'They need you, Vasso, because if you go, I go, and then they are stuck.'
'You make it sound like we’re in
a strong position.' Vasso managed a smile. Spiros stroked her hair.
'Yes, I suppose it does.' He managed to look a little brighter, but not much.
Stamatis came back after a while, and behind him Argyro, all anger wiped from her face. She walked like she was ready to fight, her arms out to the sides, each leg rolling around the other, but her face said something else. Vasso got up quickly from her seat and the dizziness returned. Spiros pulled her back down.
'I may have overstepped the mark,' Argyro muttered through clenched teeth.
'And?' Stamatis prompted.
'And congratulations.'
And she picked up her cigarettes, turned around and walked out.
When the day was at its hottest, Stamatis readied himself to leave for his afternoon sleep as usual.
'We’ll see you at five,' he called, and looked first at Vasso, then Spiros, and winked. 'And not a moment before.'
The next two weeks passed without incident. Argyro spent less time in the taverna and Spiro’s lunchtime service continued to be popular. Each night, under the lemon tree, they counted their drachmas and calculated how close they were to renting their own taverna. If they managed to keep going in the same way for the rest of the summer they wouldn’t need Vasso’s dowry, which could be used on a house instead. But they agreed that they should, very quietly, start asking around to see what was available and how much the rent would be. It wouldn't have to be by the port, which would be expensive. Anywhere would do. They both felt sure that people would come. Spiros said he had his eye on a place a few streets back from the port that had closed some years before. It had never been cleared out and still had its fridges and cookers.
'Shall I ask the owner if we can go and look around one night after we're closed here?' he said, and Vasso squeezed his hand and kissed him.
A letter arrived from Vasso's mama thanking her daughter for writing and congratulating her on her news. In the letter she chatted about which villagers she had told the good news to and how they had responded. Everyone was so delighted, she said. She fussed over the size of the trunk she had been preparing for years for this happy event. Her worry was that she had not managed to gather enough sheets yet, and there was a pillowcase that she had started to embroider years ago, ready for this day, but somehow it had been put back in the trunk unfinished. Would Vasso like her to come over sooner so they could arrange everything together, and where did she plan to honeymoon? The enthusiasm in her words reduced Vasso to tears and made her yearn to be back home. But Spiros dried her eyes, kissed her lips, engulfed her body and took her to places where she could think of nothing but him.