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I’m sure Niko and his fiancée would like some time alone, before the sponge-diving boats go out.’ He grinned at Niko. ‘Leila filled me in on your daily routine. It’s clearly not for the faint-hearted.’
    My throat constricted and the oddest expression crossed Niko’s face.
    Fiancée? Engaged to be married? For some reason, an unpleasant sensation pierced my chest. Wow, what a flirt he’d become, for someone on the verge of exchanging marital vows. Pursing my lips, I stood transfixed to Leila’s right hand and a diamond, obvious now, twinkling in the sunlight. That explained why Sophia had looked uncomfortable, in the taverna, at my easy closeness with her son. My eyes scanned her face, those elegant arms, the tiny waist… What was not to like? No wonder my childhood friend had fallen for her charms. Plus she was softly spoken and had the prettiest smile… I swallowed hard and for the first time in a while, momentarily wished my frame was more petite.
    Niko spoke rapidly in Greek to this fiancée for a moment and then cleared his throat.
    ‘Look, Henrik, I don’t think Pippa’s up to shopping just yet – Leila will take you to the supermarket, yes? We’ll meet you back at my parents’ taverna.’
    ‘It’s true,’ said Leila, ‘you look a little off-colour, Pippa. It makes me happy to help Henrik. I promised to look after my small cousins today, but not for another hour.’
    ‘I’m absolutely fine,’ I replied in a bright voice. So, she was kind-hearted as well.
    But the happy Greek couple (who me, sarcastic?) were having none of it. Plus Henrik took little persuasion when Leila hinted Georgios might shout him a free beer. Within minutes the two of them were gone. I picked up my hat and sunglasses and turned to go. However, Niko grabbed my hand.
    ‘Pippa. Look, don’t go, I should have…’
    Gently, I pulled away my fingers. ‘Whatever… Your personal life – it’s… it’s nothing to do with me.’ I coughed. ‘Congratulations. She seems lovely. Your parents must be thrilled.’
    ‘Yes, but… look…before… about the butterfly kisses…’
    I forced a laugh. ‘Look at us, trying to relive old times. What are we like? I’m… I’m glad you’ve found someone, like I’ve found Henrik.’
    ‘About Leila… I was going to tell you, but–’
    Urgh, give it up Niko, otherwise… too late. Prepare for an Epic Fail when it came to pretend civility.
    ‘But what? I saw the way you flirted with those guests back at the taverna. “Ladeez”? I mean,
really
? Then with me on the sand… all those mushy compliments… you never
used
to talk like that.’ I shook my head. ‘You were the last person I expected to turn into one of those bull-shitting Greek waiters determined to charm their way into customers’ good books and wallets.’ Damn my voice for wobbling, but what was he playing at?
    He stepped forward, eyes dull. ‘You really think that of me, Pippa?
    I bit my lip.
    ‘The things I said about you… every single one I meant.’
    Yeah right – as beautiful as the blush of a sunset? Did I
really
fall for that rubbish? Henrik may not be the most romantic man in the world, but at least he was dead-straight. And for that quality alone, he was worth hanging onto.
    ‘Oh come on, admit it,’ I said, voice calmer now. ‘You’ve not given me one thought over these years. And I… I’d practically forgotten that annoying boy who used to pinch my sweets and ping the straps of my bikini top. It’s okay. Life moves on.’
    ‘You’re even more attractive when angry,’ he said and smiled.
    I shook my head. ‘You could learn a lot from watching a famous film my mum loves, called Shirley Valentine… You might pick up some tips on how to get into foreign women’s knickers more quickly.’
    Cheeks flushed scarlet, he scowled and promptly lifted off his vest top. He threw it on the ground.
    ‘Oh God, what now… Am I supposed to be impressed?’ I muttered. ‘Honestly, you’re