Good Greek Girls Don't by Georgia Tsialtas Page A

work the shops were closed, so my idea of strutting into the nearest boutique and then strutting out ten minutes later looking like a million bucks is, sadly, not to be. At least I managed to get off work early. I could kiss Adrian. Even though he saw right through my fake family drama, even though he knew that I was lying through my teeth, he still let me go.
    â€˜You know, Des, if you put half as much effort into your work that you put into your scams, I’d be scared for my job.’
    Ha ha, he’s so funny. I have absolutely no desire to manage a centre full of lunatics. A team is sufficient.
    So here I am, semi-naked and hyperventilating. It would help if I knew where I was going tonight, but no, that would make too much sense. Chris called earlier to get my address but he wouldn’t tell me where he is taking me. All I know is we’re having dinner.
    It’s already six o’clock. Only an hour left to solve my issues and get ready. I need my saviour, the one and only person who can help me get a grip on reality. I pick up the cordless phone and hit speed dial.
    â€˜Hello?’ She must have just gotten in the door cause she sounds a bit breathless.
    â€˜Ricki, I need help desperately.’ I hear her drop everything that she is carrying.
    â€˜What’s wrong, Des?’ She’s alarmed; I know I’m being a tad melodramatic but I can’t help it.
    â€˜I’ve got no idea what to wear!’ I’m wailing like a child. What is happening to me?
    â€˜Des, calm down. Breathe in, breathe out. Where is he taking you?’
    â€˜I don’t know. All he said is dinner. So now I have no idea what to wear and I have been standing in front of my wardrobe half naked for the last half hour.’ I need Ricki to think for me now, because I sure as hell can’t.
    Besides, she knows my wardrobe just as well as I do.
    Shit, call waiting beeps. I hate modern technology. ‘Rick, keep thinking, I’ll be back to you in a sec.’ Switch callers. ‘Hello?’ Who the hell is inconsiderate enough to call me in during my time of agony?
    â€˜Despina, my love.’ Oh, shit, it’s Thia Maria. Must exorcise all demons and evil forces. I want no bad karma surrounding tonight.
    â€˜How are you, Thia?’ Go away you stupid old bag. You are sending out evil vibes my way. I can feel it. ‘Mum’s not here. I’ll get her to call you back.’ I’m so good I cut her off before she tries chatting with me. I am such a liar. Mum is downstairs in the kitchen with Effie’s kids, but my dilemma is much more important that–her proxy efforts anyway.
    â€˜I’m back, Rick. You’re the brain of this combination. Any suggestions?’ Please, please, please. I’m desperate.
    â€˜Black pants.’ Why is it so simple when she says it? What is it about this whole situation that has rendered me incapable of making even the simplest decision? ‘No matter where you go, you won’t be over or under dressed.’ That’s half the problem solved. What about the top? Another dilemma.
    â€˜Wear the purple halter top with the long sleeves.’
    â€˜Halter on the first date? I don’t know, Rick.’
    â€˜It’ll look fantastic. It makes your boobs look really good.’
    I can deal with that, emphasising my good points. Have to admit, I have good boobs.
    â€˜You reckon?’
    â€˜Trust me, Des.’ I do trust her, with my life. ‘You really like this guy don’t you?’
    Get real. ‘Relax, Ricki. I don’t even know him. I’m just going out with him to get to know him.’
    â€˜Bullshit, you’re in lust. Aren’t you spewing you fought Katerina for so long?’ Ricki and I spent a good two hours on the phone last night dissecting every aspect of the barbecue and the two subsequent phone calls.
    â€˜Shut up.’ When an intelligent remark eludes me,