‘I will always be your mum, Saff, always, but the time has come now for me to do a few things for just me. And, OK, I didn’t really have a basketball player on my bucket list, but sometimes life surprises you. Like, I don’t know, you meeting Maddie at the hotel and making a friend, or that time Dad randomly came to Pride with us.’
Saffron sniffed, looking up. ‘That was surprising.’
‘Agreed,’ Faye said, nodding. ‘I’m not sure it was in his comfort zone whatsoever, but top marks for him for coming along, right?’
Saffron nodded.
‘So, can we just make up already?’
There was a pause and then: ‘You like him. Kostas whatever he’s called.’
‘Yes, I like him. Am I allowed to admit that? Or does it violate some dating algorithm?’
‘Does he like you back? Like in the same way?’
‘I don’t know, Saff. I think so. It hasn’t been very long. I try not to overthink and just, you know, enjoy the moments.’
‘So it’s nothing serious.’ She nodded. ‘OK.’
‘OK?’
‘Well, Maddie’s gone on a trip to Paxos today so I could do with a swimming partner later.’
Faye smiled, getting up from the lounger. ‘Then count me in.’
‘Faye, could I speak with you, please?’
Faye jumped and there was Katerina at her back, a concerned expression on her face. She knew immediately that something was very wrong.
‘What is it?’ Faye asked, core tightening in preparation for bad news.
‘You need to come,’ Katerina stated, eyes wide. ‘You need to come now.’
54
SIDARI
‘This is a joke, right?’ Stathis exclaimed as Kostas pushed open the wire gate that enclosed this sports court. It was the only thing separating it from the patchy earth and grass parking area on the main road through this holiday resort around forty minutes from Avlaki. There were a few concrete courts used for tennis, volleyball and basketball but they weren’t in the best condition.
‘I told you to dress casual,’ Kostas said. ‘And why do you think we stopped on the way to buy a ball?’
He bounced the ball in his hands onto the concrete, slow then fast, one hand then the other, around his legs, like it was automatic. The same as the court, the ball was not the best, but you worked with what you had. And now he was sounding like his grandmother.
‘You want me to play?’ Stathis exclaimed. ‘Kosta, it would be far better if I walk to the beach, find some local kids and you have a game with them. Another perfect, “unplanned” photo opportunity speaking of all the good you are going to do on the island.’
He nodded. ‘Yes, perhaps after we have played each other. Because we need to talk.’ He moved onto the court, still bouncing.
‘And we could do that, over there. Look, a very nice café called Fast and Tasty.’
‘Come on, Stathi, you have got old.’
‘I do not deny it.’
‘Well, I am your client, and you have to do what I ask,’ Kostas reminded him.
‘Not if it means I could have a heart attack.’
‘You might if you do not take off that jacket and roll up the sleeves of your shirt.’
