Page 32 of Old Girls Go Greek
‘I don’t think I have room,’ I said.
‘Metaxa then and coffee?’
‘Perfect,’ I said. ‘I’ll just go and…’
I made the sort of vague gestures that indicated I was going to go and find the loo, and turned in my chair to stand up.
Very unwise. The combination of the uneven gravel, one foot being buried and the best part of half a bottle of wine meant that my chair fell over and with a shriek, I sprawled full length next to my companion, narrowly missing hitting a passing waiter who was carrying a tray filled with massive pizzas on his shoulder for the family at the next table.
Will gave a cry of dismay and he and another very kind man who was sitting near us helped me to my feet, where I stood flushed with embarrassment, my knees together and my feet stuck out for balance. I brushed the dust off my clothes and fervently wished the ground could swallow me up. Indeed, it had actually buried one of my zebra-print kitten heels and we spent a few excruciating minutes looking for it, digging through the stones and the discarded pizza crusts and cigarette butts.
I had the awful feeling that everyone was looking at me and deciding I was either drunk or not safe to be out in the first place. I think a few sympathetic glances were thrown in Will’s direction too, which made me feel even worse. What on earth would he think of me?
There were even a few muttered comments.
What on earth…? Oh dear… Is she all right? Isn’t that him?
Back in one piece again, I tottered off to find the loo and spent a few minutes splashing my face with cold water and dabbing at my hot face with a damp paper towel.
I looked up to see my reflection, which was rather flushed and wild-eyed.
I patted at my hair, which was similarly looking a bit dishevelled, and wished I had brought a brush, peered closer. Yes, there were little turmeric stains around my mouth which made it look as though I had a nicotine habit. I washed them off.
Isn’t that him?
I looked at my reflection thoughtfully. What did that mean? Were they referring to Will? And if so, why?
Isn’t that him?
Had I heard that properly?
Calm down, for heaven’s sake. I had probably just heard the tail end of someone else’s conversation. It probably meant nothing.
I straightened up and took a deep breath. The waistband of my new trousers was feeling a bit snug because of the massive quantity ofpaelleraI had eaten. Perhaps I needed a walk for a bit so that I didn’t have a Dennis-type disturbed night. Or maybe the Metaxa would do the trick.
Back outside, I picked my way carefully across the gravel to our table and adjusted my chair so it was on more stable ground. There was a tray with two glasses of black coffee and some Metaxa in front of me, plus a dish of pastel sugared almonds. Pretty as they were, I wasn’t going to risk it, not with all my fillings just waiting to snap off. A woman has to know her limitations.
‘Okay?’ Will said kindly.
I could feel myself blushing.
‘Sorry about that, my chair tipped over. This gravel…’
‘As long as you’re not hurt,’ he said. ‘Have some Metaxa to settle yourself. It’s very good, one of my favourites.’
I took a sip. Yes, he was right. And the coffee was good too, very hot and sweet in the way Greeks seem to like it.
I would behave as though nothing had happened, that was the answer.
‘So tomorrow, the visit to the ancient ruins. What time do we have to leave?’
He gave me another twinkling grin across the table.
‘You mean you didn’t read Jillian’s notes? That’s just wilful disobedience.’
I laughed. ‘I know, I’ve always been the same. It got me into no end of trouble at school.’
‘I can’t imagine that,’ he said. ‘You seem more the type to behave and do as you were told.’
