Under a Greek Spell

by Simone Hubbard

  ‘Well, Costas, I think we can safely say that even if we offered Alexandra the job she’d turn it down.’

  ‘Good, I could not work with her again,’ comes the calm answer.

  ‘Yes, I think I got the gist. You take no prisoners.’

  ‘Exactly. Now we have established that, I’ll call in the next candidate.’ With that, he pushes his chair back and goes over to the door to greet the next candidate, who just happens to be one of his favourites. Immediately, the mood lifts as he welcomes Markos into the room.

  Costas starts with his favourite question: ‘How do you handle stress and pressure?’ I think this is a really difficult one but Markos demonstrates that he handles stress and pressure well by keeping calm and answering the question particularly well.

  I feel that Markos is more than capable of answering one of the more complex questions so I hit him with ‘Tell us about a time you felt a conventional approach would not be suitable. How did you adopt and manage a new approach? Which challenges did you face and how did you address them?’

  I can hear Markos give what I’m sure is an excellent answer, but for some reason I’m daydreaming and answering my question in my own head.

  My example is from when a new person started at our office; let’s, for argument’s sake, call him James. He was clearly not going to take seriously any instructions from me – what with me being a woman – although I was in a senior position. The new approach I adopted was to flirt with him. The new approach was managed outside office hours within a personal relationship. The challenge that I faced was the grief caused by my getting involved with such an idiot in the first place. I am going to address this situation with a text to say the whole thing was a huge mistake and we’re finished. Not very creative or innovative but I’m past caring.

  Costas fires off his next question: ‘Describe a time you had to win over someone who was reluctant or unresponsive.’

  Markos sets off with his reply. I’ve got the perfect answer to this one too. Well, there was this guy, let’s call him James again. He was charming at first, spent time with me, took me out, seemed interested and then, all of a sudden … nothing. I sent texts that were unanswered, I rang him and the phone went to voicemail, I messaged him on social media, I even sent him a letter. What the hell was I thinking? I mean, who sends bloody letters in this day and age? Anyway, I clearly failed to win him over as he’s now in Florida and didn’t even bother to tell me he was going there. Oh and did I mention, he’s probably had an affair. In fact, he’s probably had affairs, plural, left, right and centre.

  Markos answers the question calmly while Costas makes notes. I, on the other hand, can’t make any notes because I haven’t been listening. But I get the impression that Markos will be a favourite of Costas’s; he seems to tick all the boxes. The interview concludes well and Markos leaves the room in better shape than Alexandra. So I’m a little surprised by Costas’s less than enthusiastic feedback.

  ‘He is definitely an improvement on Alexandra, but he is…’ Costas stops in mid flow.

  ‘He’s what, Costas?’ I ask, tapping my fingers on the table. I can’t wait to hear this.

  ‘He is … well, we’ll just see the other candidates first, shall we?’

  I scrape my chair back loudly and march over to the door for candidate number three: Stefani.

  We have a little chat about my sister’s name being Stephanie, which I can see is irritating Costas. I eke it out as long as I can to wind him up even further. He’s now rapping his fingers on the desk and clearing his throat.

  ‘If we could start, ladies,’ he finally interjects.

  I feel like we’re on a panel of judges and Costas is our Simon Cowell: he says it like it is. He even has that Cowell look of ‘I’m not amused and I’m going to press my buzzer any second now.’

  I start with my good cop’s question: ‘Tell us about yourself.’

  Costas leans back in his chair and shakes his head, immediately putting Stefani off. She’s barely finished her sentence when he launches in with: ‘What is your greatest strength?’

  She responds well and tells us about her organisational skills, how she organises weddings at the hotel where she works now. She sounds perfect to me, but I suspect our in-house Simon Cowell doesn’t approve of her.

  Sure enough, when she leaves the room, he mutters, ‘I am not looking for a bloody wedding planner.’

  By the time we’ve interviewed the last candidate of the day, I’m exasperated with Costas. He’s hard work, to say the least. So I’m completely thrown by his next comment.

  ‘I have organised a barbecue for everyone this evening and you are welcome to come along if you would like.’

  ‘Well, I suppose it saves me going into town on my own,’ I reply, sounding like a stroppy teenager.

  ‘Yes, well, I thought it would be the same for everyone. All today’s interviewees will be there, and three of tomorrow’s have arrived as well. I will leave it with you. The barbecue will be at seven thirty.’ He excuses himself and leaves.

  I’m now annoyed with myself for not sounding more appreciative. To improve my mood, I decide to relax on a sunbed and check my emails, texts and Facebook messages. I stop at the bar, where Darius is busy making a fruit punch for the barbecue later.

  ‘Afternoon, Miss Collins. Would you like to try my fruit punch? Or you prefer something else?’

  ‘Ooh, something refreshing would be nice. It’s thirsty work doing interviews.’

  ‘Okay, you go and relax and I bring you my thirst-quencher speciality.’

  I find a sunbed under the shade of a tree. Darius comes over with my drink, which is adorned with fruit. He hovers in anticipation, to see if I like it.

  ‘Yum, this is delicious! Dare I ask what this one’s called?’

  ‘Yes, it is Frosty Amour.’

  ‘Oh, how apt,’ I say, sarcastically.

  ‘Sorry, I not understand. What is “apt”?’

  ‘Oh, nothing, ignore me. It’s lovely, very refreshing.’

  ‘Yes, that is why I chose it for you,’ he replies and disappears back to the bar.

  Well, that’ll teach me for assuming Costas was behind the drink choice. My goodness, am I thinking – or hoping – that he secretly likes me?

  All this sun and fresh air has obviously got to me. I check through my messages and, as always, there’s an email from Daniel. He wants an update on the day’s events. I flick a quick reply back.

  Afternoon Daniel,

  Lovely hotel, all going to plan. Four candidates interviewed so far, the rest are tomorrow.

  Regards,

  Helen

  Loving Luxury Travel

  I can’t be bothered going into the fiasco of the unfinished rooms. If Costas says they’ll be done, I’ll have to take him at his word. If I mention anything to Daniel, he’ll probably suggest I stay and finish them myself. I check my texts next. I’ve got one from Mum and Dad.

  WE ARE

  That’s it. WE ARE – what? Sinking? Is it an SOS? Or what about WE ARE sailing? They’ve had a bit to drink, they’ve burst into song and dropped the phone in the sea. The options are endless. Ah, here’s the rest on the next text.

  VISITING SYRIA DAY

  AFTER NEXT COULD

  MEET UP WITH U. WE

  ARRIVE 8 A.M.

  Now, I know the schedule has been altered slightly because of bad weather earlier in the week, but surely not by way of Syria. I assume predictive text has played a part in this latest techno blip, and they actually mean ‘Syros’. In theory, I can meet them for lunch before I leave; my flight back isn’t until the late afternoon, and they could enjoy some time sitting round the pool if they want. There are no guests at the Syros Boutique Blue yet, so I’m sure this will be okay.

  Yes this could work, assume

  you mean Syros not Syria –
lol.

  Could come to hotel and

  relax by the pool, then we

  could head into town for

  lunch before I leave. xx

  Finally, I have a look on Facebook as a last resort to see if James has sent me a message. All the usual suspects have been on, making comments about posts and sharing this and that. Florida is seven hours behind Greece so it’s ten thirty in the morning there. He’s had enough time to have seen my last message and responded either last night or this morning. I can see immediately that he hasn’t; the little box is empty.

  I then check my notifications. There’s nothing on there, so he hasn’t commented on any of my posts or the photos with Steph from last night. I click on his profile; I just can’t resist it. Steph’s already threatened to unfriend him on my Facebook to stop me ‘stalking’ him, as she calls it.

  Any doubts as to whether he’s been eaten by a shark or swept away by a hurricane or twister are dispelled immediately. The recent activity button says he’s now friends with Tracey. My finger hovers over her name, ready to press and have a nosey at her profile. But I stop myself. What’s the point? What’s the bloody point?

  I feel gutted and my stomach is churning again. He’s managed to ignore at least five comments and attempts at communication from me, but he has been in touch with this new person, who looks stunning in her thumbnail photo.

  I close my laptop and stare at the pool. The realisation has finally dawned. A movie that I saw a few months ago suddenly comes to mind: He’s Just Not That into You. So, Helen, get a bloody grip and move on. On that positive note, I finish my aptly named Frosty Amour and head to my room to get changed.

  Chapter 20

  Stephanie

  At long last, I’m ready. I’ve tried numerous outfits on, taken them off and then put them back on. I’ve finally decided to wear a knee-length flowery dress, and flat sandals so that I don’t sink into the sand. I cram what I think I’ll need into my little bag and do one final check of my make-up.

  I’m meeting Stefanos at the end of the road. Even though he’s officially on holiday, he’s adamant that he won’t come on to the hotel premises and risk being seen with me. He’s offered to pick me up, promising that he’ll be in the car. I send Helen a quick text while I’m waiting.

  Visited Delos, archaeological

  site today. It was tiring but

  quite interesting

  Met Sandra & Carol who

  we were talking to last

  night, oh and Costas aka

  Stefanos…

  Hope your getting on

  OK with interviews. XX

  Bang on cue, Sandra and Carol appear at the bus stop just as Stefanos pulls up in the car. We establish that we’re all going into town so he offers them a lift.

  I squeeze into the back of the tiny car with Sandra, while Stefanos has the pleasure of Carol chatting to him in the front. I can hear only snippets of the conversation because the windows are down, but she’ll know his life story by the time we reach town. Sandra’s shaking her head and muttering, ‘She’s unbelievable. Totally wasted in the NHS. She should work for MI5.’

  We soon arrive at Stefanos’s parents’ hotel. That leads to another twenty questions from Carol, but Stefanos is totally unfazed.

  ‘You join us at piano bar, ladies? It is a very popular bar in town,’ he says.

  ‘Thank you, pet, we’ll see how we feel after our meal. But if we don’t see you, you two enjoy yourselves,’ says Sandra.

  ‘Aye, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, pet,’ Carol adds for good measure.

  ‘Come on, woman, will you never learn?’ Sandra ushers Carol away, leaving us giggling.

  ‘Do you think they are a couple?’ Stefanos asks me when they’re out of earshot.

  ‘No, they’re both married. Helen and I talked to them last night. I can’t remember that much, though, because someone sent over lots of suggestive cocktails and got me tipsy.’

  ‘How terrible. You need to report them,’ he replies, smirking.

  ‘Yes, you’re right, I’ll do it first thing in the morning. Now, what was his name?’

  ‘I think it was “Costas”,’ says Stefanos, laughing.

  ‘Oh, yes, I remember now. Bloody Costas indeed.’

  We stroll into town holding hands and chatting about our day. I can’t believe how at ease Stefanos makes me feel. It’s like I’ve known him forever. We weave in and out of the crowds of people and pushchairs, through the narrow streets, past all the colourful little boutique shops and eventually arrive at the harbour front and at the restaurant he’s booked us into.

  We’re shown to our table outside, just in time to see the sun setting. The waiter brings the menu and we order some drinks. Stefanos explains what the different things are, and I decide on kleftiko – ‘a typical Greek dish’ – and he’s trying the moussaka to see how it compares to his mum’s.

  My phone bleeps with a text.

  What school did you go to?

  Your previous text should be

  hope YOU’RE getting on OK

  with interviews!!!

  What do you mean – Costas

  aka Stefanos? Anyway

  glad you’ve done some

  sightseeing. Done 4

  interviews with Costas the

  manager here.He’s hard work

  – makes Simon Cowell

  look like a pussycat lol. xx

  ‘All okay with your sister?’ Stefanos asks. ‘I hope you tell her that I take care of you.’

  ‘Well, not exactly. I just mentioned the sightseeing in Delos and about bumping into Carol and Sandra, but I didn’t quite get round to explaining that I was actually with you, more that you just happened to be on the trip.’

  ‘Okay, so you not mention the fainting?’ He looks at me in an I-know-you-didn’t way.

  ‘Er, no, I forgot to mention that bit. I don’t want her worrying about me. She’s got enough on her plate by the sounds of it. I hope her boss realises how dedicated she is – changing all her plans at the last minute to come here and then to go to another island. Then there’s her so-called boyfriend, who, in my opinion, is a complete waste of time. He doesn’t even return her messages. All in all, she’s having a shit time. Do you mind if I text her back? She must be really fed up.’

  ‘Of course you text her. I too will send a message to my brother who is in a quandary.’

  I quickly type my reply.

  Ha ha same school as you but

  I wasn’t any good at English,

  didn’t like the teacher, good at

  maths though. Teacher was

  dead fit always had my full

  attention. Got your work cut

  out there – maybe Mr Pussycat

  will be better after a couple of

  drinks. Good luck

  with that one ;) Costas the

  waiter is actually Stefanos

  And he’s looking after

  me ;) xx

  I pop my phone on the table as our drinks are delivered. I just about manage my first sip when the phone bleeps with a reply.

  Aren’t you the funny one.

  I remember that maths

  teacher and your school

  report – Stephanie is a joy to

  teach. It was sooo funny, it had

  Mum and Dad scratching their

  heads for days. They thought

  he’d mixed you up with the

  other Stephanie. lol. Glad Costas

  aka Stefanos is looking after you

  I knew he liked you – my

  suspicions were right –

  enjoy & keep me updated

  ;) XX

  ‘Cheeky mare.’ I slip my phone back into my bag out of earshot. I don’t want to sp
end the whole night texting Helen.

  ‘Everything okay?’

  ‘Yes, thanks. I’ve just mentioned that you’re looking after me so she’s not worrying about me but now she’ll be wanting updates all night. So, what’s happening with your brother?’

  ‘Well, as I said earlier, he’s divorced and not getting on very well with his latest girlfriend. My advice was to finish with her and just have some time on his own.’

  ‘Sounds good to me. Is he going to do that?’

  ‘Well, it looks like he’s on his way now to finish with this girlfriend, which is good. Also, he mentioned earlier that he has met someone else but “It is complicated”. I have no idea what he meant by that.’

  ‘Nothing is ever easy, especially where love is concerned,’ I reply with a sigh, thinking about our own predicament. Why couldn’t Stefanos just work in a Greek restaurant in town?

  ‘No, life is not easy.’ Stefanos replies, looking deep in thought.

  The waiter arrives and places our food down in front of us.

  ‘Wow, this looks interesting.’

  ‘Yes, it is all wrapped in parchment paper to keep the flavours and juices inside. It will be very tender.’

  I unwrap the paper and steam wafts out. I slice into the very tender lamb. ‘Mmm, it’s delicious! I’ll definitely have to try making this back at home.’

  ‘Yes, we know how to cook lamb.’

  ‘And is your moussaka up to your mum’s standard?’

  ‘Yes, but do not tell her,’ he replies, laughing. ‘She is very competitive and always likes to be the best.’

  We chat and people-watch as dusk turns into a cooler night.

  We could talk all night long but Stefanos has arranged to meet Martin and Alexis later. I attempt to ask for the bill in Greek after a brief refresher from Stefanos. The waiter must understand me because he arrives back with the bill and a rose for me.

  ‘Oh, how romantic! And pink is my favourite colour.’

  ‘I take it you like receiving a bunch of flowers, then?’