Under a Greek Spell

by Simone Hubbard

  I’ve also been back to the Hotel Giorgos with Mum and Steph to decorate a soap dish each. They didn’t look too bad in the end. Of course Steph took great delight in asking me to regale my pottery throwing disaster and my subsequent accidental engagement with Nikos. There was still a bit of clay stuck on the glass partition which amused Steph even more. We also had a go at some soap making here at the Hotel Niko which involved making our own perfumes to go in them. We got rather carried away so everyone is going to have soap for Christmas and birthdays for the next year.

  Costas and I had a romantic meal in town last night and then he took me to watch a film at the outdoor cinema at the Royal Blue Hotel. Selena arranged it. She seems to have had some sort of personality transplant. She was very helpful; she made sure two nice seats were saved for us and sent along a complimentary bottle of Prosecco. After the film, we found a quiet terrace and relaxed on a sofa looking at the stars and listening to the sea lapping on the shore.

  Beneath Costas’s serious, chiselled looks, there’s a caring, deep-thinking man whom I’m rapidly falling for. When we were trapped under the roof, his main concern was for me and Nikos. I keep replaying the moment when Costas and Nikos ran towards me and pushed me to the ground as the earthquake struck. Just the thought makes me shudder.

  We talked into the early hours about our past lives. We both share a fear of getting close to someone and losing them. My fear comes from losing my best friend to cancer and Costas’s comes from his wife having had an affair.

  ‘What if I come and live in Mykonos or Syros?’ Before I know it, the thoughts that had been whirring round in my head have come out as a question.

  ‘What about your job?’ Costas asks sounding understandably surprised.

  ‘Daniel owes me big time, and I’ve got an idea that he might just like anyway.’

  ‘Well, Helen, you will make me a very happy man. I was dreading the thought of you going home and trying to have a long-distance relationship.’

  ‘Me too. It’s time for me to do something different. I’ve been throwing myself into work and now it’s time to live a little. What better place to do that than on a Greek island with a gorgeous guy who cares about me?’

  ‘Even one who goes out of his way to argue about suitable job candidates?’

  ‘Oh yes, who was your favourite candidate after all that? I assume it was Nikos?’

  ‘No, actually. After I got over the disappointment that you were not a candidate, the best person for the job was Alexandra.’ My mouth drops open. Costas continues, ‘I am going to recommend her for the job.’

  I’m baffled. ‘But I thought you two were arch-enemies. How on earth are you going to work with each other?’

  ‘Helen, I was wrong about Alexandra. I know now that she was telling the truth. And anyway, I am going to resign from the Syros Boutique Blue.’

  ‘Resign?’ My eyes widen. ‘And what are you going to do?’

  ‘Do not worry. I have something in my sleeve.’

  ‘I think you mean you have something up your sleeve.’

  ‘Okay, you win! I will find out in the next few days about my idea.’

  ‘Wow, it all sounds very exciting.’

  ‘It is very exciting. Whatever I do, it will not be in Syros. It was foolish of me to go there and think that a new place would solve my problems. My problem was in my head and, in any case, I have now come to terms with my marriage break-up. So, I propose a toast.’ Costas empties the remainder of the Prosecco into our glasses. ‘To us!’

  ‘To us,’ I echo, as we chink our glasses together. I think my life might finally have turned round.

  * * *

  The party is in full swing and everyone is having a brilliant time. The weather is perfect. It’s been warmer the last couple of nights. Nikolaos and Eliana are in their element with all their family and friends around them. There’s no shortage of entertainment. Nikos, Costas and Stefanos have been playing some cute guitar-style instruments. Stephanie has informed me they’re called bouzouki. We’ve had some Greek dancing, which was accompanied by our bouzouki players. And I’ll be leaving Mykonos having not only seen an unofficial plate-smashing between Nikos and Selena, but also the official one that will happen later on.

  It all seems to have fallen into place this week. Mum and Dad get on really well with Xena and Stavros. Selena is really making an effort with Nikos; her engagement ring is back on her finger. The last thing I wanted was to come between her and Nikos. And the James thing all seems surreal now. I feel like someone’s clicked their fingers and snapped me out of some ridiculous spell. Maybe Nikos and Costas knocked some sense into me when I hit the ground.

  ‘Hey, sis, you okay? You look lost in thought,’ says Steph. She’s come to stand beside me.

  ‘I’m fine. I was just thinking how happy everyone looks. Who’d have thought we’d end our holiday like this? Actually, I’m glad that you’re on your own. I’m nearly fit to burst with some news.’

  ‘You’re pregnant!’

  ‘No, Stephanie, I don’t think so!’

  ‘What then?’

  ‘I wanted to tell Mum, Dad and you together, but my news might affect you so I think I should tell you first.’

  ‘Go on, then. It sounds intriguing.’

  ‘Daniel has given me the go-ahead to do villa rentals here in Mykonos.’

  ‘No way! That’s brilliant, Helen! I’m so pleased for you. I’m assuming you have an ulterior motive concerning a certain Greek fella… But how does this affect me? Apart from the fact that you won’t be in the UK any more.’

  ‘Well, Steph, I was wondering if you’d like to be my very capable personal assistant?’

  ‘Oh, Helen! I don’t know what to say.’

  ‘I was rather hoping that you’d say yes.’

  ‘Of course I’m going to say yes! You’ve just made my dream come to life. I love you, sis.’

  ‘And I love you. I’m sure Mum and Dad will give us their blessing.’

  ‘Yes, and I’m sure these two will be over the moon.’ Costas and Stefanos have finished their bouzouki-playing and have sauntered over.

  ‘If I did not know any better, Stefanos, I would say these two are up to something,’ says Costas.

  ‘Yes, I think you are right. They have a look of mischief. Come on, tell us. What have you done?’

  ‘We’ve not done anything, but Helen’s got some really exciting news that affects us all.’

  Costas and Stefanos look at me. In unison, they cry, ‘You are pregnant!’

  ‘No, for the love of God! Do I look pregnant or something? On second thoughts, don’t answer that. Actually, I’ve been given the go-ahead from Daniel to start villa rentals here in Mykonos.’

  ‘Congratulations, Helen, I am sure you will make it work, and I know you have just made my brother very happy,’ Stefanos says, shaking my hand.

  ‘You have indeed! Congratulations, Helen Collins, you are amazing. Come here.’ Costas puts his arms round me and kisses my lips gently. He whispers, ‘I am the happiest man alive.’

  ‘Helen, please control him!’ Stephanie protests, pretending to look embarrassed.

  ‘You’re only jealous,’ I reply, laughing.

  ‘I would have been a couple of weeks ago, but now I’ve hit the jackpot too. Anyway, I’ve got some news as well.’

  Costas and Stefanos look at Stephanie in the same way they looked at me. ‘You are pregnant!’ they exclaim simultaneously.

  ‘Er, no. Actually, I’ve also got a new job.’ She looks very pleased with herself. ‘I’m going to be Helen’s personal assistant here in Mykonos.’

  ‘That is great news, Stephanie! I guess this means Stefanos will not be playing out the Costas scene from Shirley Valentine after all.’

  ‘Ha ha, big brother, you are not funny. Congratulations, Stephanie Valentine!’

&n
bsp; Stefanos puts his arms round Stephanie and whispers something in her ear, which has her in fits of giggles. I love the way they are together, and it’s brilliant to hear her laughing again.

  Mum and Dad are making a beeline towards us. ‘There’s a lot of frivolity over here!’

  ‘Hi Mum, hi Dad. We were just about to come over and tell you our news.’

  Mum’s eyes light up and she glances over to Dad, who gives her a don’t-say-a-word-Pamela look.

  Steph and I put her out of her misery as fast as we can with our ‘No, Mum!’

  Costas and Stefanos are grinning from ear to ear. Costas says, ‘I think we had better help Papa in the bar, Stefanos, and leave our guests to chat. We will catch up with you all later.’

  ‘So, go on, what’s your news?’ Mum asks when they’ve gone.

  ‘I’ve been given the go-ahead from Daniel to set up Loving Luxury Travel villa rentals here on Mykonos.’

  ‘Well done, Helen,’ Dad says, putting his arms round me. ‘We’re really pleased for you, aren’t we, Pam?’

  Mum’s a bit hesitant. ‘Of course we are. It’s just a bit unexpected… And, well, it’s not exactly round the corner from us.’

  ‘And there’s something else,’ Stephanie prompts me.

  ‘Oh yes. My personal assistant is going to be Steph.’

  ‘Oh my God! Both of you here!’ That’s it for poor Mum. She starts crying.

  ‘Now, come on, Pamela, you’ve just been telling Xena and Stavros how lucky they are living here. This will give us the perfect excuse to come to this wonderful island as much as possible. We’ve been discussing having a holiday home somewhere in the sun for the past five years. This might just be the incentive we need to put our words into actions.’ Good old Dad, he can always turn a negative into a positive.

  ‘I suppose you’re right,’ Mum agrees, dabbing her eyes. ‘It was just the shock of you both moving here at the same time.’

  ‘Well, I’ll be back here in a couple of weeks to look for some premises and get the ball rolling with various things. I’ll also need to find somewhere to live, and learn some Greek. I’m sure Costas will help me with everything. I expect Steph will need to go home and work her notice.’

  ‘Yes, work will be shocked when I hand in my notice. And I’ll have to discuss selling the house and divorce proceedings with Richard.’

  ‘Or you could discuss it now,’ says Dad unexpectedly.

  ‘I don’t think we’d achieve much on the phone.’

  ‘I’m not talking about the phone, Steph. Richard’s just walked in. He’s stood at the bar talking to Stefanos.’

  Chapter 29

  Stephanie

  ‘Richard, what on earth are you doing here?’

  ‘That’s a nice way to welcome your husband who’s just island-hopped to see you.’

  ‘Let’s get this right. You are my estranged husband. So why are you here? I’m coming home tomorrow. What couldn’t wait until then?’

  ‘I just needed to see you. I’ll be away for work when you get back. And you never rang me back even after I’d sent you those flowers.’

  ‘What flowers?’ Stefanos chimes in.

  This clearly ruffles Richard’s feathers, which makes me giggle to myself. ‘Is there somewhere a bit more private where we can talk?’ Richard asks, raising his voice above the noise of the music.

  ‘There is the office,’ Stefanos suggests. He looks a bit worried.

  ‘Are you sure?’ I ask as I’m not particularly wanting to go anywhere with Richard.

  ‘Of course I am sure. Follow me.’ Stefanos unlocks the office door and gestures for Richard to go through. He whispers in my ear, ‘Will you be okay?’

  ‘I suppose so. I guess we need to talk.’

  ‘I will be just out here if you need anything.’

  ‘Thanks, Stefanos.’ He shuts the door on his way out. ‘So, what do you want to talk about? And why now, after all these months?’

  ‘Look, Steph, I miss you. I’ve been stupid. I don’t know why I’m so against having kids but if it’s what you want, then I’m willing to give it a try.’

  This immediately infuriates me. ‘What, give it try and if you don’t like it, you’ll leave me with the baby? Or we give it to someone else? It’s not like having a bloody dog, for Christ’s sake. Oops, sorry! We’ve bitten off more than we can chew. Oh, I know, let’s take it to the baby refuge! It’s got to be something you really want, Richard, or else it’s never going to work.’

  ‘At least I’m making an effort.’ He sounds agitated because I haven’t thrown myself into his arms. He probably wants me to thank him for sending the flowers. Well, it’s not happening.

  ‘Oh? And haven’t I made an effort over the last six months? I’m sorry, Richard, but even if you really wanted to start a family, I’m afraid my life’s moved on.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I’ve learned to see my life from a different prospective. I know things change after the first few months of a relationship, when all the excitement dies down, but I can see now that we were never quite in sync with one another.’

  ‘Oh, come on, Steph, it would be boring if we were too alike. Please, at least think about it. We had our good times, and every relationship has its ups and downs.’

  ‘If we’d had this conversation three weeks ago, Richard, I might have changed my mind. But I’ve got an opportunity to start a new life here and I’m going to take it.’

  ‘Oh, please don’t tell me you’re going to shack up with that waiter like in that film … er, what was it called?’

  ‘Shirley Valentine,’ I answer.

  ‘Yes, that one where she goes to some Greek island.’

  ‘Ironically, Richard, it was Mykonos, and her husband even turned up to take her home. Actually, if you must know, I’m going to “shack up”, as you so nicely put it, with my sister.’

  ‘What, and wait on in some restaurant, with no prospects? What about your career with Debenhams?’ Richard’s never thought much of my career prospects at Debenhams, either.

  ‘One thing I’ve learnt in the past two weeks, Richard, is that life is a privilege. We only get one chance. The things that are important are having enough money to put food on the table and pay the bills and, above all, to be happy. All the rest is stuff that we think we need. And for your information, I’m going to be working for Helen’s new villa rental business.’

  ‘I’ve heard it all now!’ He laughs and shakes his head. ‘You don’t know the first thing about the travel industry, or about villas, and you don’t even speak bloody Greek. How the hell are you two going to pull that off?’

  ‘We’ll manage, Richard. We’ve got contacts here and, yes, of course, we’ll have to learn some Greek. Helen’s boss has obviously got enough faith in her to get this venture off the ground, and so have I. She’s brilliant at what she does. I can learn as I go along.’

  ‘And what’s with the Greek fella?’

  ‘What Greek fella?’

  ‘That guy who just let us in here. He looked worried when he realised who I was.’

  ‘That was Stefanos.’ I’m not going to play any games with Richard. He can make his own deductions. I’m not bothered any more about what he thinks.

  ‘Oh yes, Stefanos. Someone mentioned a Facebook post showing you and Stefanos looking all cosy. It all makes sense now. I knew you wouldn’t be staying here just for a lousy job with your sister.’

  ‘Right, Richard, enough! I’ve made my decision and that’s the end of it. I’ll be back in the UK tomorrow and I’ll be getting the ball rolling for a divorce straight away.’

  ‘Right, well, whatever. And while you’re at it, you’ll need to clear the wardrobe in the spare room because I’m moving back in,’ he replies smugly.

  ‘You’re what?’

  ‘You heard me. W
hen I get back from my work trip, I’m moving back in.’

  ‘You can’t do that. What about your mate’s flat?’

  ‘He’s renting a different flat on the other side of town with his new girlfriend.’

  ‘Oh, so now we’re getting to the real reason you’re here! You’ll have to buy me out or the house will be on the market by the time you get back.’

  ‘You know I can’t buy you out. Do whatever you need to do. I’ll see you in a week.’

  ‘Fan-bloody-tastic! I can hardly wait.’

  ‘Look on the bright side, Steph. Once you’ve worked your notice, you can come running back here to lover boy.’

  ‘Bye, Richard! It’s been such a pleasure … not.’

  ‘The feeling’s mutual, Steph. Don’t forget to clear that wardrobe.’

  ‘Oh, sod off.’

  ‘Don’t worry, I’m going.’

  He saunters out of the office without a care in the world and I break down sobbing. What an idiot! And to think I wanted to start a family with him!

  A faint tap sounds on the door, and then Stefanos comes in. He immediately puts his arms round me. ‘Are you all right?’

  ‘Not really. Richard’s ulterior motive was to try and patch it up between us because he’s moving back into our house next week.’

  ‘But you are still going ahead with your plan to come here?’ Stefanos asks, wiping away my tears.

  ‘Of course I am, but I’m going to struggle until the house is sold. Richard isn’t going to be in a rush if I’m over here.’

  ‘Listen, Stephanie, I am sure we can sort something out. One of the perks of having parents who own a hotel are rooms – and lots of them. Or there’s even my room,’ he says, winking. ‘So, do not let this spoil your last night here as a tourist. Come and join the party. Martin and Alexis have arrived, which will really get the party started, and Nikolaos and Eliana are getting ready to cut their cake.’

  ‘Okay. Has my make-up smudged?’

  ‘Not enough for anyone else to notice. You look beautiful.’

  Stefanos leads me out of the office and over to where Mum, Dad, Helen, Costas, Nikos and Selena are chatting to Martin and Alexis.