It’s Just Business – Corfu
It’s one thing being a painter and decorator’s assistant it’s quite another doing all the work yourself, or so I thought.
Nikos the painter having lived in Australia for some years had a much broader outlook on life. His humour was wicked and stylish like a true Corfiot but with a subtlety that was full of guile (We got on well) and as a boss he was fair and reliable.
When rained off on jobs we’d shelter in the local greasy spoon “The Dirty Duck” mainly because of its pool table at the back. Regardless of the occasional downpours I’d still receive a full days pay.
Nikos was well known in Corfu town he’d frequently leave me to complete work while he disappeared only to return with frapes (Cold Instant Coffee) hours later in a happy or sad mood.
Quite often walking between jobs I’d be grabbed by the shoulder and told. “Not down that street I owe money” and we’d go by a circular route between jobs. Avoiding suppliers was a game we frequently played.
Returning one day in a dark mood I’m asked “ How muck black paint do we have?” I wait for the explanation.
“I painted this jewellery shop ‘White’ 4 months ago and he won’t pay up!”
It wasn’t difficult to read Nikos mind and questioned the legality.
“No Davey he wants it black” I’m told with a wink. “He’s changed his mind. I’m sure its all a misunderstanding.”
Hanging from his hand were the keys of the Jewellery shop! “He never asked for them back.”
“Can’t find what you’re looking for? Try Google Search!”
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