watching for a moment, when I see him approach the stall carrying drinks for himself and the young woman. A few seconds later, I head along and begin to browse the jewellery on offer. There are beautiful stones of various styles and colours, set into necklaces and bracelets. Shimmering blues and mauves, sea greens and amber-coloured glass are displayed on a pale-blue velvet throw. They are all stunningly beautiful.
Petros smiles at me and it takes a few seconds before he recognises me.
‘Ah, hello. You are the lady from the beach.’ He smiles that wide, friendly smile.
‘Yes, hi, it’s Anna,’ I remind him. ‘I thought I’d come along and see what you do with all your finds from the beach. Everything looks so beautiful.’
The young woman raises her head from the book and smiles.
‘I have a big party coming up and I’m looking for a special gift for someone,’ I tell him.
‘Well, hopefully you have come to the right place. Please have a close look.’
The fact that I am about to buy a present for the mother of the man standing in front of me, who he knows nothing about it, is slightly surreal, to say the least.
Petros doesn’t pressure me as I look over all the beautiful jewellery, turning it over in my hand, feeling the smooth curve of the pieces. Eventually, my eyes fall on an oval-shaped sea-green glass with a slight marble pattern, set in a silver necklace. I think it will look perfect set against Demi’s smooth, olive skin, so I purchase it and Petros places it gently in a pretty blue box.
‘Efharisto,’ I say, as I hand over my money. ‘Oh by the way, I visited the Roman villa yesterday. It was really nice, thanks for the recommendation. I do like a bit of history.’
I recall the beautiful convent in the hills and think I may also check out the monastery he recommended.
I return to the hotel, where I place the necklace into the room’s safe and I think about Petros. He’s such a skilled craftsman it’s hard not to be impressed by his artistry. He seems like such a lovely man and he has a beautiful daughter. I wonder what Demi would say about being a grandmother? I suppose there’s only way to find out. I pull out my phone to call her; I think it’s about time we had a chat.
An hour later, I pull up and park in the crazy-paved square of Demi’s village. There’s a fountain at the centre flanked by several bars, two restaurants and a small supermarket. We have agreed to meet at a restaurant called The Olive Tree and Demi is already sitting at a table covered in a blue checked tablecloth sipping a drink when I arrive. Her face lights up when she sees me and she gets to her feet and embraces me.
‘Anna, how good to see you. How is Skala? I hope you are not missing me too much.’ She winks.
‘I’m loving it. And it’s such a treat sleeping in a hotel bed.
‘So how are things with your family?’ I ask, after ordering some water from a waiter who approaches our table and hands us a food menu. Demi orders a glass of white wine.
‘Wonderful,’ she says, ‘now that they have got over the shock of seeing me. I don’t think they have seen so much excitement in a long time. I’m so looking forward to seeing my nieces and nephews at the party. My cousins have been over. I have two nephews, one niece and even a great nephew,’ she tells me proudly. ‘I insist you stay over so you can celebrate with us properly.’
‘Well, of course I will! I have my own mobile home, remember.’ I gesture to the van in a car park opposite the square.
‘Of course you do!’ Demi bursts out laughing.
I don’t think I’ve seen Demi looking so alive in a long time. This is where she was born and although she led a full life in Manchester, she has never been completely fulfilled since Ted died. There is something in her eyes that radiates a contentment here, telling me that this is where she belongs. I wonder how she will feel when we have to head home again?
After perusing the menu, Demi orders a chicken souvlaki with rice and I deliberate between a fish dish or a pork stew. Demi whispers that I should save the fish dishes for the harbour side restaurants as the fish might not be as