The Sunrise Read Online Free Page A

jewellery. Usually this reflected a classic Cypriot design but sometimes it had a more modern touch. When people met Aphroditi and were reminded of Jackie Onassis, they sometimes doubted whether Aristotle’s gifts to his wife matched up to those given by Savvas Papacosta to his.
    Several waiters moved about the room with trays of drinks, but behind the bar, in a dark suit, was the young man who was in charge of the event. Markos Georgiou had begun as a plongeur in the kitchen but had quickly progressed to waiting at tables, then to mixing cocktails. He was ambitious, charming with customers and had spotted Savvas’ need for a right-hand man. Within a few years he had made himself indispensable to the hotel’s owner.
    Markos was the man with whom lone male drinkers drank a late-night whisky (he would memorise their favourite brand and pull it from the shelf without asking). Equally important, he never forgot a woman’s name nor how she liked her drink, flattering her by serving a gin and tonic with a twist of lemon rather than a slice.
    He had a smile that dazzled both men and women equally. Whoever received a flash of his white teeth and green eyes felt the fleeting touch of his charisma.
    Markos, always tuned in to his boss, was ready for the imperceptible nod that was his cue. He came from behind the bar, skirted round the outside of the crowd of milling guests and whispered in the pianist’s ear.
    The young player smoothly rounded off the melody, and as he did so, the bright tinkling of a cocktail stirrer tapped against a glass silenced the sound of convivial chatter.
    ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ said Savvas, who was standing on a low stool so that he could be seen. ‘It is my great pleasure to announce that tomorrow evening we have the grand opening of our new hotel, The Sunrise. This special event marks the beginning of a new era for us and the realisation of a long-held dream: to open a hotel in Famagusta that will rival the best in the world.’
    Markos was now back behind the bar. He listened intently to Savvas Papacosta but all the time he was watching Aphroditi, who gazed admiringly at her husband and at exactly the right moment put her hands together. For a few moments there was a warm ripple of applause, then once again a rapt silence that allowed Savvas to continue.
    ‘The position of our new hotel is unmatched by any other in this resort. It faces precisely east, and from the moment the sun rises, guests will enjoy better facilities and entertainment than anywhere on this island. One of the main features of the new hotel will be our nightclub, the Clair de Lune.
    ‘You are all warmly welcome to join us this time tomorrow for cocktails and to see some of the facilities our new hotel will offer. A coach will leave from here at six twenty and bring you back at eight thirty, unless you wish to enjoy a ten-minute stroll along the beach afterwards. Enjoy the rest of your evening and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow.’
    Guests gathered round Savvas and Aphroditi to ask questions. Their elegant hosts answered them all with a smile. They hoped of course that some of their regular clients would transfer their loyalty to the new establishment. What they did not mention was that not all of them would be able to afford it. A room at The Sunrise at the height of summer would be beyond the budget of all but the very wealthy.
    After ten minutes or so, Aphroditi looked over to Markos and made a summoning gesture. It seemed imperious and unfeminine, but he could not ignore her. She was the boss’s wife.
    He came over and Aphroditi broke away from the circle to speak to him. They looked straight at each other, eye to eye. The noise in the room meant that Aphroditi had to lean in to make herself heard. He caught the aroma of her perfume and the waft of sweet vermouth on her breath. In spite of the obvious expense of everything she wore, he found the combination of these smells cloying.
    ‘Markos,’ she said.