‘Pippa – I don’t know what to say, except… that’s amazing!’
Leila grabbed my hands. Laughing, she span me around and around, until I felt queasy and Grandma ordered her to stop. Sophia showed me to a chair and Georgios passed me an orange granita.
A couple of hours after meeting Stavros, I was in Taxos Taverna and had just announced the mayor’s change of heart.
‘Tell us again,’ said Georgios, and sat down next to me. Everyone else stood up – even Grandma – clapping their hands.
‘Okay…’ I cleared my throat. ‘No quad bike park. No nightclubs. No tacky boat trips. No branded franchises… Instead we expand the new businesses we have started and ThinkBig will build a marine museum with an aquarium in it. The latter will attract business all year around. Stavros believes that with the investment in the area, namely the marine museum, banks will be more open to the idea of loans, so that we can easily pay for the equipment we’ve needed like new bicycles, improvements to premises or extra insurance.’
Tears trickling down her heart-shaped face, Sophia sat down on Georgios’ knee. ‘I can’t believe it’ she said, voice choked. ‘After all this worry. Now our future seems more secure.’ She wiped her eyes with a napkin. ‘Grandma was right.’
‘What do you mean, my lamb chop?’ said Georgios.
Sophia wiped her face again. ‘She read the coffee sediment – said the sea would save Taxos. It has. Sea on land – this aquarium, in the museum.’
We all sat in silence for a moment. ‘Ach,’ said Grandma, eventually. ‘It is Pippa who has saved us, really. My dear little peach who, along with this fight for our village, has helped me find my old spirit. I haven’t felt this well in months.’
‘Oh um… no… we’ve all done this together! It’s not just down to me,’ I said. However one by one, the family members descended on me with a kiss. Even grinning Niko, which resulted in a dart of electricity down that side of my cheek.
‘And Pippitsa – you have decided to stay here… to run our teashop and supply Creami-Kos with scones.’
I smiled sheepishly at Sophia. ‘Yes. It’s been my secret dream for years.’
Apollo ambled in and suddenly meowed as if to approve. Everyone laughed, even Niko, who… huh? Caught my eye and winked. Perhaps he’d managed to forgive my insulting comments – maybe even work out I didn’t really mean them.
Yet my stomach scrunched as I soon realised the real reason for his happiness. Niko and Leila moved to the doorway and stood hand in hand, as if they were about to make a very important announcement. My eyes felt all wet. So this was it: the announcement of a wedding date. But how… to me Leila and Niko’s relationship still didn’t make sense.
I guess that was love – irrational; a little crazy. There was no rule book.
Niko clapped his hands. ‘Mama, Papa, Grandma… good friend Pippa. We told Leila’s parents something very important this morning, and now we tell you.’
Full of tenderness, they looked at each other. Oh God. Niko was positively radiant – eyes shining and smiling straight from the heart. He stood straight and I’d detected a bubble of excitement in his voice.
I felt sick. My heart thumped out a rhythm to a voice in my head screaming no, no, no! Niko and I were meant to be! It was fate, all those years of friendship had been building to this point. We “got” each other totally. That magnetised sensation between us was natural chemistry, a rare and uncontrollable thing.
Fortunately, just at that moment, Pandora, Demetrios and Cosmo came in tell us that the firemen reckoned a barbecue had started the fire. They’d found kebab sticks, barbecue fuel and beer bottles. Hmm. Clever planting of evidence. Then cue half an hour of excited chat about the marine museum with hugs all around, ouzo and baklava out of Pandora’s basket.
‘So, um, what do you think Niko and Leila were going to announce?’ I said to Sophia, a tiny part of me still wondering whether to follow through my resolution of giving him a kiss.
‘A date for the wedding! There are no worries to hold them back now.’
I had to agree.
‘Are you sure?’ said Grandma, as my top lip trembled. ‘Recently they argue…’
‘Haven’t we all? It’s been a stressful time.’ Sophia got up. ‘I fetch the camera to catch the happy moment on film!’
‘You okay, my little peach?’ said Grandma.
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
It was over. I would not interfere if this was about to happen. Niko and lovely Leila looked happy. Sophia looked ecstatic. Bottom line, they were my friends – more than that, my Greek family. If I was wrong and Niko was happy with this destiny then I couldn’t be selfish and try to destroy that.
The door squeaked open and Henrik walked in. Silence fell.
‘Hello,’ I said and stood up. ‘Is everything all right?’
He gazed around the room. Georgios poured an ouzo and took it over to him.
‘Well done, son – for rescuing those guests from the Vesteros’ hotel last night. You are a hero.’ As everyone clapped, Georgios clapped him on the back.
Even Niko went over. He held out his hand. After a few seconds’ pause, Henrik reciprocated and then knocked back his drink.
‘Did you speak with your boss?’ I said. Everyone in the room waited for him to speak. Finally Henrik nodded and sat down at the nearest table, shoulders slumped, hair untidy.
‘Yes. He wasn’t happy at first. But, well, to quote Stavros, I “sold” it to him and he’s agreed we can accept the aquarium project and build it in Taxos.’
‘That’s fantastic!’ I said.
More handshaking. More hugs. Georgios put on music and he and Cosmo started clapping and stamping their feet. I took Henrik to one side.
‘Thanks Henrik… I know you are disappointed, the way things have turned out.’
He shrugged. I looked up as Sophia had turned off the music. She pushed Niko and Leila towards the door and lifted up her camera.
‘I can wait no longer!’ she said. ‘Please, make your announcement!’
My eyes filled. Tears streamed down my face. Goodness, what a sap. Since arriving in Greece I’d cried more than in the whole of my England-based life. It must have been the late nights and stress of recent days. A sob escaped my lips.
‘Pips, what’s the matter?’ whispered Henrik.
‘Pippa?’ How did Niko get to my side so quickly? Just like that night when a drunk Henrik had turned up on the beach.
I got to my feet. ‘Nothing. Sorry. Don’t feel very well. Need some fresh air. Please… just leave me alone for a while…’ I bolted for the door, yanked it open and ran out onto the street. Which way to go?
Vision blurred, I ran as fast as I could, up to the right, towards the woods. I needed to somehow get to the villa, pack my stuff and leave. Who had I been kidding, about starting a life here in Taxos? Thank goodness my parents never got to hear of this ludicrous plan, they’d never have stopped teasing me. And thank goodness it was Sunday and I hadn’t been able to email work and hand in my notice.
I sniffed loudly, crying enough tears to extinguish any forest fire. I’d got it wrong. Niko didn’t want to share his life with me. I’d never seen him looking any happier than he did today, standing up in front of his loved ones, with his future wife.
‘Pippa, stop!’ My heart sank. That was no Greeklish but Henrik’s voice. Easily his long legs caught up with me. He held my hands, for a moment seeming to forget his burnt, bandaged skin.
‘What is wrong? Come back… your friends…’ A muscle in his cheek flinched. ‘They have something to tell you.’
I shook my head. ‘No… um… I feel sick, and, and their future… it’s nothing to do with me now.’
‘But Sophia just told me you are moving to Taxos.’
I met his gaze and forced a laugh. ‘No… that was just a silly dream. She, um, must have misunderstood.’
His face lit up. ‘Really?’
‘In fact… let’s leave for England right now. We can book flights over the phone. Be packed within a couple of hours. Go back to our flat – to our London life.’
‘Are you mad?’
‘No…’ I said brightly. ‘Three weeks was way too long a holiday for me, anyway. I need to return to my desk.’
‘Well… I could do with getting back to collect the rest of my clothes and meet up with the boss. I’ve a feeling I’ll be spending a lot of time in Kos, over the next few months. But tonight?’
‘Let’s do it!’
‘The police might want to speak to us about the fire.’
I shrugged. ‘I doubt it – sounds like they’ve worked out the cause.’
Henrik’s brow furrowed. ‘Don’t you want to say goodbye to everyone?’
Oh God. Eyes refilling. ‘I hate goodbyes!’ I squeaked, still in that bright voice. ‘And the villagers… they don’t need my help any more. Perhaps I’ll come over anyway, later this year, and visit you – pop into Taxos at the same time. I’ll help fund a renovation of the teashop – look on it as an investment. Georgios and Sophia are already doing a great job of running it. I can email over my scone recipes and always be on call to give advice. I can deal with Orion Lakis from England – I won’t let the village down.’
‘Really? I mean… okay. Sure. That’d be great. Well yes. Let’s get back to London.’ He beamed. ‘And get back to our executive routine.’
Uh oh. As I packed and booked tickets, an uncomfortable feeling sat in my chest – that Henrik believed I was having second thoughts about him and would get back together. I’d put him straight once we were back in England. But first, I just needed to get on that flight and leave my hurt behind on the island. I hardly said anything in the taxi, wishing, like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, it could fly.
However, finally we arrived at the airport and before checking in, sat down, waiting for the massive queues to subside. Tears threatened again. All I could think about was missing gooey baklavas, Demetrios’ colourful cravats and Sophia’s warm hugs.
‘Pippa!’ said Henrik.
‘Sorry, did you say something?’
‘I just wondered… next weekend – how about a spa getaway. Just the two of us. The last couple of weeks has been full-on.’ He gave a wry smile. ‘We need a holiday after this holiday.’
Oh dear. My suspicions had been right.
‘No… I mean, no thanks – what a lovely idea, but… but when I said I wanted to return to the London life…’
He swallowed. ‘Oh. Now I feel stupid. You didn’t mean to us?’
I shook my head. ‘Sorry,’ I whispered. ‘The last thing I wanted to do was hurt you again.’
Those slate eyes glistened for a second. ‘I understand. Thank you for your honesty.’ He looked at the ground. ‘Sorry, if I was ever a disappointment – not being as honest as you hoped.’
‘No! Henrik! You’ve… you’ve been a… a brill boyfriend. Loyal, supportive, sensitive… And… I kind of get it. Why you kept the ThinkBig deal a secret. Your career – it means more to you than mine does to me.’
‘Yes. And this holiday has made me question why. I could have tried to change ThinkBig’s mind about the original development in Taxos, so that you and I were on the same side. But I couldn’t. It always comes back to my Mum – how she doted on Dad and when he left she had nothing. It’s made me feel I have to keep my professional life to myself and not let it be influenced by anyone I’m dating. At least I will always have my career as a reliable constant throughout my life, whatever happens with people I… I love.’
I placed my smaller hand over his and he glanced sideways at me.
‘You like him, really like him, don’t you… Niko?’ he mumbled.
I stared back. ‘Yes. Yes, I do, Henrik. It’s come out of nowhere.’
‘Damn.’ he muttered and tried to smile. ‘It’s okay, Pippa. I should have faced up to this earlier. Look, I’m just going to get a coffee… want one?’
I didn’t when he left but by the time he got back, I was absolutely parched.
‘What took you so long?’
Henrik stared into his coffee. ‘I, um, got lost.’
Lost? Good thing we weren’t in a big international airport, then. He looked at his watch as the queue for our check-in desk disappeared.
‘Come on,’ I said and stood up.
‘Just let me finish my drink.’
‘Henrik! We’ll miss our flight.’ My throat ached. The thought of leaving Kos filled me with relief and despair all at once.
Finally Henrik stood up and threw his paper cup in the bin. Slowly he walked towards the check-in desk, every now and again turning around. He checked his luggage in first, moving slower than a turtle out of water and I was just about to ask him if something was wrong when a familiar Greeklish voice called out my name.
I gazed up at Henrik and my eyes went blurry.
‘What have you done?’ I said before turning around. Niko was running through the airport, shirt hanging out of his jeans. I turned back to Henrik. He bent down, kissed me on the cheek and pushed my suitcase towards my feet.
‘Listen to what he has to say, Pips. And… good luck.’
Huh?
I turned around again. Niko stood half a metre away from me. He picked up my suitcase and headed over to the bench, where Henrik and I had been sitting.
‘Now, wait a minute,’ I said and followed him. ‘I’m going to miss my plane. How did you know I was here?
‘Henrik.’ he said and took my fingers. We both sat down. ‘And what were you doing, leaving without letting me know?’
‘I… didn’t think you’d mind,’ I said and pulled back my hand. ‘And congratulations – you and Leila have set a wedding date?’ My flight was called to the departure lounge and I stood up. Niko pulled me back down.
‘Wedding date? No… we announced that the engagement is off.’
I stopped fiddling with my ticket. ‘Off?’
‘Yes. Have I said it right? I mean–’
‘I know what you mean, but… why?’ My heart pounded.
‘Henrik still hasn’t explained to you?’
‘He knew?’ I turned to the check-in desk. My Dutch Titan had gone.
‘Yes. After you left the taverna, we told everyone. Henrik – I think he hoped to get back with you. So that probably why he said nothing before the airport – he wanted to return to London as quickly as possible. But in the end… guess he’s a good man. He accepts that you no longer love him and wanted the best for you.’
‘I don’t understand…’ In exasperation I shook my head. ‘So, you and Leila… was I right about her travelling?’
‘Yes.’
‘How long have you known?’
‘Months.’
I gasped. ‘But… Niko… this makes no sense.’
‘Does this?’ He leant forward and pressed his soft mouth against mine. Within seconds, my body responded, pressing close against his. Eyes tightly shut, kaleidoscopic magic fairy dust lit up my vision. I pulled away, trying to understand what was happening, before once again finding those tender lips. My skin prickled from head to toe as his fingers cupped my cheek and gently undid my ponytail.
‘Oh Pippa… so long I’ve waited,’ he whispered and met my gaze. ‘Always it’s been you – so hard to pretend… so hard to try and do the best…’
‘But… what… when…?’ Oh, sod explanations! I leaned forward and our mouths met. God, his lips felt so sweet and warm. He kissed softly, yet an urgency drove him, a power that said he needed Pippa Pattinson. I pulled away briefly, for breath, then my need for him kicked in even more forcefully. My body trembled as I clasped his collar and pulled him closer still. A hot glow spread through my limbs and felt unfamiliar yet comfortable… dangerous yet safe…
Finally we parted, me ignoring a mixture of smiling and disapproving faces of passers-by. Niko grinned and my world felt complete.
‘Leila and I love each other as friends – and dating, it seemed like the next logical step. Our families are a good match… neither of us met another person… It seemed sensible to get engaged, even though our relationship missed that… that romantic glitter.’
Clasping his hands, I nodded.
‘And it cheered Grandma up so much, what with the recession. And then she got really ill. Business got worse. Everyone kept saying our wedding was the only positive thing to look forward to. We didn’t dare admit to everyone that we’d made a mistake, in case Grandma got worse… But the last few weeks, especially since you returned, she stronger and stronger…’
My heart beat furiously and for the first time in days my chest felt as light and carefree as one of Pandora’s sponge cakes.
‘That’s why you were upset when she collapsed and her health seemed to have taken a step backwards.’
‘Yes. Of course, I was upset with worry for her – but also because it made us think if Grandma had deteriorated again, we’d have to go through with the marriage. Then when it was just low blood pressure, Leila thought it was safe to break up, that Grandma was still strong enough. But I was still concerned… probably over-anxious… Leila and I disagreed.’
‘That’s why you two weren’t talking, on the picnic.’
He nodded. ‘It’s always been you, Pippa. Tomboy. My juicy little fig. My soulmate.’
I ran a hand over his caramel skin. That’s why he’d talked of “respecting” Leila and not mentioned the word “love”. Everything made sense. He was no playboy. No cheater. All this time he’d been just the opposite, doing the honourable thing, however difficult, for the sake of his family.
‘And remember those women I flirt with in the taverna, right at the beginning of your holiday, after you fainted?’
I thought for a moment and then nodded.
‘I know them well – they come back here three years now and are gay!’
He laughed but instead – yes you’ve guessed it – my eyes filled up once more. ‘Oh, Niko … how could I have doubted you – so easily tossed away my gorgeous view of you from our childhood?’
‘I’ve always loved you, Pippa, and that last summer, when we were fourteen, seeing you stung by those jellyfish – it made me realise the depth of my feelings. It ignited a spark of romance. But I never thought you’d return. The summers passed without seeing you again.’
My eyes tingled. ‘Couldn’t you have confided in me about your and Leila’s dilemma?’
‘No – because you and Grandma have always been so close, I worried you might confide in her. My behaviour must have seemed strange – especially as someone who not a brain person, who would bore you…’ He bit his lip and looked straight at me.
‘Oh God – please say you didn’t really believe I meant that. I know you’ve been angry and quite rightly, but… but in every way, you are more than a match for me. You see Sophia – your whole family – was counting so much on the wedding. She heard about us on the beach, with the policeman…. I think she thought I was leading you astray. I had to knock you back. Do the decent thing. Insulting your intelligence like that was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I can’t think of anyone who would bore me less.’
Gently, Niko ran his thumb across my cheek. ‘Mama told me tonight, after our announcement, that she’d heard about the policeman. I guessed that was why you backed off. Like me, you want to do the right thing. And of course…’ He grinned and poked me gently in the ribs. ‘There are lots of interesting things to learn about fishing.’ He leant close. ‘Like choosing the right bait… like reeling in a special catch…’
I leant closer. ‘And I have lots of fascinating facts to tell you about the finance business – like how some people like to massage figures.’ We grinned and kissed again.
‘So this announcement?’ I said eventually, and smoothed down my hair.
‘Leila is going travelling – she has a job as an au pair, something she’s always dreamed of.’
‘And how did your family take it?’
‘Shocked. But, well, Grandma…’ He chuckled. ‘Remember when you little, she read your cup – said you would marry a foreign man? Grandma says that secretly she always knew you and me would get together.’
‘I assumed it was Henrik, what with him being half-Dutch.’ Talking of which… I looked at the departure board. The flight had left. Niko squeezed my hand.
‘Henrik is a generous man. We must invite him over, when he back in Kos. Let him see how Pippa’s Pantry is doing.’ Niko cleared his throat. ‘There is one more lie I have to admit to,’ he whispered as we finally drew apart. ‘I really do want to make fuck with you.’
Through tears of joy, I giggled. ‘As long as you don’t call me Shirley Valentine.’
‘No…’ he said in a husky voice. ‘But one day I hope to call you Pippa Sotiropoulos.’
If you enjoyed Game of Scones then you’ll love Samantha Tonge’s Doubting Abbey – available now.
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