‘Shame.’ Thanassis nodded his head in the direction of his vessel. ‘I also do boat trips, complete with gorgeousspitikó,home-made food, and local wine. You will get to see the best beaches on the island, beaches you cannot get to by car or on foot. Plus, we can watch the sun go down together on our return journey.’
‘Oooh that does sound lovely.’ Charlotte spoke before she’d okayed it with the others.
Seeing the excitement on her friend’s face decided Maddie and she nodded at Sofia who put her thumbs up and grinned at Thanassis.
‘Yes, we’re in. As long as the price is right.’
Thanassis named a price, which was actually far less than Sofia would have been prepared to pay.
‘Agreed. We can give it to you now in cash if you like, if you knock off ten per cent.’
She’d cottoned on to the fact that many Greeks were happier with cash, so they didn’t have to bother with all that tax stuff, and would give you a better deal if you asked.
Thanassis ground his cigarette underfoot and smiled his lazy smile.
‘That sounds good.’
Sofia handed him a wad of notes.
‘Efcharistó. OK, I will just clear up, prepare the food and meet you back here in half an hour?’
‘Great.’
Charlotte stepped forward.
‘Can I please take a quick picture of you for my blog?’
Now she’d experienced the elusive desire to paint, however briefly, she wanted to at least capture him on camera in case the muse visited her in the future. She’d been taking fewer and fewer shots for the blog as the days passed, and she’d told the others she’d put the best shots together and publish it as one piece after they got home, so they didn’t need to worry about anyone tracking their journey, Doug included.
‘Sure. No problem.’
Thanassis struck what he obviously thought was an engaging pose, but Charlotte knew she’d prefer the unguarded shots she took when he’d stopped posing and sat down again.
Sofia noticed that his eyes hadn’t left Maddie’s face after the comment about her hair. He was still staring at her friend as they walked away, although Maddie was oblivious. Sofia quickened her pace and linked arms with the others. Her plan for the next half hour involved shopping, and she wasn’t taking no for an answer.
‘Right, I noticed a shop up that way that looked like it had some good stuff, and we’ve got time to pop in before meeting Thanassis again.’
Ignoring the groans, Sofia pulling the others along, bumping shoulders with Maddie.
‘The handsome fisherman’s taken a liking to you, I’m telling you.’
‘Don’t talk nonsense.’
‘I’m being serious.’
‘And I’m seriously not interested. You seem to forget Tony’s only been gone just over a year.’
‘Exactly. Isn’t it time to… spread your wings?’
Sofia was surprised at the flash of anger that overtook Maddie’s face. She’d obviously touched a nerve.
‘I think you mean spread your legs, don’t you? And the answer’s no. We’re not all like you, Sof.’
Sofia pulled her arm away from her friend, breaking up the trio. Charlotte carried on walking. She had no desire to play referee, and it would give her a chance to have a quick flick through her photos.
Sofia stood facing her friend, Maddie’s thunderous look mirroring her own.
‘And what’s that supposed to mean?’
