‘Will do. Thanks again.’
‘Don’t get too excited. I’m OK with the basics, but that’s about it.’
It was more than Phil had ever managed, but maybe she could take the rest of the day off from thinking about her husband.
* * *
The swim had cleared most of her headache and she rinsed the salt off in the open-air cold-water shower before changing in one of the cute metal-doored huts that also seemed to be provided on most Greek beaches, usually painted green or white. Back in her white denim shorts and pink spotted linen shirt, she was prepared, more prepared than she’d felt in a swimming costume. She had no idea what she’d find at Will’s.
It was unlikely he was married, given he’d been wandering the streets of the town on his own at dawn mere hours ago, but after her experience with Thanassis, you never knew.
Will was stood on his terrace, alone and, she was relieved to see, covered up again in navy shorts and a white short-sleeved shirt. He waved as she walked up the path.
‘Welcome to my humble abode.’
‘Thank you for inviting me.’
The terrace was big enough for a table and chairs, plus a couple of sun loungers in a smart blue and white stripe and an enormous barbecue with a domed lid.
‘Make yourself comfortable.’ Will indicated the table. ‘Sit back and enjoy the spectacular view. We’re all set to go. The fish is done to perfection. I’ll just fetch the salad.’
Will certainly seemed to have picked up the Greek habit of bigging up the food and the views. The Greeks were justifiably proud of both, but it took a bit of getting used to. Grace much preferred it to British diffidence.
The table was set for two, and she took a seat that faced the cove and the sea beyond. It was indeed stunning. You could see for miles but were protected from both the sun and, she assumed, very rare rain by a white bamboo pergola.
Will set the traditional Greek salad, which she now knew was called horiatiki, on the table, along with a jug of some sort of sauce, and a large bottle of water.
‘I’m presuming you don’t want alcohol?’ There was the smirk. ‘I think I’ve got a bottle of ouzo inside somewhere.’
He had to spoil it, didn’t he?
‘Water’s fine for me, thanks.’
Will lifted the lid of the barbecue, and the most divine smell coated the air, which caused her stomach to growl for the third time. At this stage, although she wasn’t a big meat eater, the proverbial horse would be in trouble if it was anywhere nearby.
‘Let’s eat.’
The freshness of the fish teamed with the lemon and butter sauce was a revelation and they ate in a companionable silence as they watched people going about their business below on the beach. For the second time in twenty-four hours, Grace didn’t feel the need to fill the space with words. Usually, she hated silence.
Will offered coffee and suggested they move to the sun loungers, which Grace happily agreed to.
‘Thank you for a truly gorgeous meal.’
‘My pleasure.’
He’d brought out a small plate of baklava for each of them, another Greek staple which Grace had become a big fan of.
‘Thanks. Can I ask, do you own this place, or are you just renting?’
‘I bought it ten years ago when prices were low. I came here on holiday and fell in love with the island. I needed a base of my own after years of living in rental properties or getting free accommodation with the job.’ Will took a sip of his coffee. ‘My wife kept the house in Britain after our divorce.’
‘I see. I’m sorry your marriage didn’t work out.’
‘No, it’s fine, honestly. It was years ago. We’ve been apart longer than we were together. And my marriage had been over for a long time before that. Having to leave at a moment’s notice, sometimes for months on end, and not be able to say where you’re going is hard on any relationship.’
She knew he’d served, and she wasn’t an expert, but it all sounded a lot more full-on than the regular army.
‘But don’t they have married quarters?’
