Just as she was thinking she couldn’t possibly eat another thing, a big pot arrived and its lid was removed with a flourish.
‘And this… is my famous chicken and herb dish with potatoes.’
‘Bloody hell.’ Sofia patted her stomach as soon as Daphne had disappeared. ‘I’m so full already I can hardly move. I wish I hadn’t eaten so much of that fabulous bread.’
‘Even I’m struggling,’ Maddie sighed.
‘I feel like Dawn French in that Vicar of Dibley episode where she had to eat four Christmas dinners.’ Charlotte got up and walked around for a few moments before coming back and staring at the food. ‘It does looks gorgeous though. You know we’re going to have to eat it, right?
The others nodded.
Charlotte dished out equal portions with more wine and water and issued the command.
‘Three, two, one… The last one to finish pays.’
Sofia took a large gulp of the wine.
‘Soooo unfair, it’s always me.’
Ten minutes later and task completed, Sofia laid her head on the table.
‘I feel like one of those geese fattened up to make foie gras. Please tell me it’s over.’
Charlotte patted her friend on the back.
‘Sit up, she’s back.’
‘Here is your dessert!’
Sofia barely managed to hold in the groan as Daphne held aloft a large cake.
‘This ismelópita, Greek honey cake, made with ricotta. It is from Sifnos, the island where I was born. I came to this island for love.’ Daphne hit her chest with her fist. ‘But this is my home in a cake. Please enjoy.’
After Daphne closed the balcony door, Sofia looked from one to the other.
‘I’m sure it’s wonderful, but I seriously can’t.’
Charlotte nodded.
‘I don’t think I can either.’
Maddie felt all eyes on her.
‘You’re not seriously expecting me to eat a whole cake, are you?’
Sofia put up her hands.
‘Well…’
‘Don’t be ridiculous. Even I’m not attempting that. Now, who has the biggest bag?’
Charlotte’s confused look made Maddie want to laugh.
‘Me, why?’
‘Everyone’s going to eat a tiny slice, to leave some crumbs, then we wrap the rest in serviettes and smuggle it out in the bag.’
Charlotte looked at her precious bag and back at the cake.
