Tags:
Fiction,
Romance,
Contemporary,
Adult,
Romantic Comedy,
Bachelor,
millionaire,
sensual,
Brother,
fantasies,
Mediterranean,
Forever Love,
Single Woman,
Hearts Desire,
restaurant,
Corfu Greek Island,
Family Taverna
word expelling from her mouth like a blast from a category five hurricane. ‘A week!’
Harry waved a hand in the air like he was trying to quieten her. It only served to irritate her more and she grabbed hold of his arm. ‘Harry… A week!’
‘I think that’s wonderful news,’ Elpida said, smiling.
‘Where is it?’ The question came from Panos. ‘In Acharavi?’
Harry nodded and pointed to the restaurant, the weeds gently moving in the breeze. ‘Yes, just next door actually. The property right there on the corner.’
Imogen heard the sharp intake of breath from the tall, dark-haired man but his expression gave away nothing.
A loud squeal from Elpida broke the air. ‘I do not believe it!’ the woman exclaimed. ‘You are the new owners of my old restaurant! This is amazing!’
‘What?’ Harry said, confused.
‘I sell this to you,’ Elpida said in simple terms. ‘This used to belong to my family.’
‘I… well… what a lovely coincidence,’ Harry said, all grins. ‘Isn’t it, Immy?’
Imogen was still looking at Panos, who was now scrutinising Harry like he was a noisy cicada he wanted to crush. Despite his rushing to her aid over the wine glass, this was not demeanour akin to the fine Greek hospitality she’d read about.
‘Well, it was a pleasure, but we should…’ Panos held out his arm, indicating the interior of the restaurant.
‘It was lovely to meet you both,’ Elpida said, taking a step closer to Imogen. ‘What is your name, my darling?’ She took Imogen’s uninjured hand.
‘Imogen.’
‘Well, Imogen, you need anything, anything at all, then you come and see me.’
She nodded. ‘I will.’
‘I am not far,’ Elpida added. ‘Just a few kilometres up there.’ She pointed to the sky. ‘Agios Martinos.’
‘OK,’ Imogen said. ‘Thank you.’
‘ Yiayia ,’ Panos said a little sharply.
‘Pfft! Anyone would think we are in a rush for something, Pano! Where are your manners?’
Imogen looked to Panos Dimitriou and his dark eyes met her gaze, holding it in what seemed like a challenge. Perhaps her stupid remarks about the economy hadn’t been repaired by her apology.
‘See you again, I hope,’ Harry said, waving a hand as the two natives departed. ‘You should come for dinner when we open!’
‘Harry,’ Imogen hissed. ‘Stop it.’
Panos and Elpida made their way into the restaurant and Imogen watched as the waiters hugged and kissed them both like great friends.
‘Why should I stop? Wouldn’t it be nice? To have our first customers be the people who used to own the restaurant?’ Harry picked up his beer glass and swilled down the contents.
‘I’m not sure it would,’ Imogen snapped. ‘And I’m definitely sure that that place is going to be nowhere near ready to open in a week! Mum and Janie think it’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made and I think… Well, I know why you’re doing it but… I think maybe you’re taking on too much.’
‘Immy—’
‘No, Harry, don’t, please. I’m… I’m going for a walk.’ She picked up her handbag. ‘I’m going to try and find somewhere that sells milk and tea bags and then I guess I’ll meet you back at… Baghdad. There, how’s that for a name for the restaurant?’ She stopped talking, tears pricking her eyes.
13
Tomas’ Taverna, Acharavi Beachfront
T he view from the taverna hadn’t changed at all. Even the old beach shelters were still there, their rattan a little weathered and faded from the winter rain but standing stoic. Panos watched Corfu life go by – mopeds, holidaymakers laden with beach bags, children in swimwear cleaning their sandy feet underneath the shower.
Tomas and his mother had embraced Panos like he was a long-lost relative. When he was small he had come here with his parents on Saturday nights to share meze . There had been friends, local families all sitting together enjoying traditional music, swapping stories, laughter, dancing. It all seemed like a century
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