Читать книгу Greek Affairs - Кейт Хьюит - Страница 45

SARA didn’t see Nikos the rest of Tuesday. She took one of her books to the aft deck, pulled over one of the chaises and dried it off to sit in the fresh air and read. When the wind shifted, she felt the drizzle and gave up and went below. She could have joined the men in the salon, free for their use while on the island. But she didn’t relish the card game they were playing and couldn’t concentrate on her book with the noise of their conversation.

Not that she was exactly engrossed in the story. She kept wondering when Nikos was coming back.

Sara fell asleep in her cabin with the book across her chest. Sometime later she woke when there was a knock on her door.

She jumped up and tried to become fully awake. Opening the door, she saw Stefano.

“We’re going up to the house for dinner now. Want to walk up with us?”

“Yes. Just let me run a brush through my hair.”

“We’ll wait at the gangway,” he said, turning away.

The rain had stopped, but every shrub and tree between the dock and the house dripped. The late-afternoon sun shone beneath the lingering clouds, making the drops of water sparkle like jewels.

“Tomorrow should be a good day,” the captain said on the walk. “You can go swimming if you like.”

“I would like. The cabin is a bit small for being stuck inside all day,” she said.

He laughed. “You should have come to the salon.”

“I had a book to read.”

“Stefano said you were napping. The book not compelling enough?”

“Guess not,” she replied, smiling up at the older man. “But if I am ever troubled with insomnia, I’ll know what to read.”

Dinner was quite festive with the boat crew greeting staff members of the house like old friends. Sara was the odd person out but was quickly introduced to the others.

When the captain complimented her to the chef on her desserts, the chef’s eyes took on a speculative gleam.

“Perhaps you could spare some time to work with me while you are here.”

“I’d be very delighted,” she said. It would fill the days, which now seemed to stretch out endlessly. Nikos would make a difference—if he had time for her. In the meantime, she’d never been so conscious of their situation as now, when he was upstairs with the person she had come to Greece to see, and she was so close but still a floor away with no clear-cut way to meet Eleani.

Soon after the meal ended, Sara returned to the yacht. She watched the house for a while, the lights shining like a beacon on the hilltop. She couldn’t hear any sounds, but could imagine the talk and laughter. For the first time, she felt like an outsider. Eleani was her grandmother just like Spiros was Nikos’s grandfather. She had as much right to be there as he did. Yet no one knew that, and she doubted she’d be welcomed once the facts were revealed.

Waking early the next morning, Sara debated going swimming. With only one ship tied up, surely the water would be clean enough near the dock. Going around to the beach might be risky. She dressed in her swimsuit, pulled on shorts and a shirt and went topside to determine if she dare risk it.

“I was hoping you’d get up early,” Nikos said when she stepped out on the aft deck.

He sat in a chair near the rail, relaxed and wearing swim togs and a shirt.

“Want to go for a swim before breakfast?”

“Is the water clean enough here?” she asked. Had he been waiting for her?

“Sure, but I was thinking of a cove around the lee side of the island. It’s sheltered and has very colorful fish. We could snorkel until hunger drives us back.”

“Sounds great.”

He motioned her to the side and pointed down at a small runabout tied to the dock. “I had one of the men pull it out of the boathouse. Perfect for putting around the island.”

Sara was soon riding in the small boat, watching Nikos as he skillfully maneuvered it around the yacht and, keeping close to shore, began to go around the island. The sun was just above the horizon, not yet as burning hot as it would become later. The air was soft against her skin as they skimmed across the water.

When he turned into a small cove, Sara looked around with interest. Foliage grew to the water’s edge on most of the horseshoe-shaped cove, flowers blossomed in profusion. The tiny sandy beach, almost in the center of the cove, was pristine.

The water was crystal clear. She could see every aspect of the sandy bottom and the colorful fish that swam lazily around when the boat stopped and was carried forward by momentum. He lowered an anchor and soon they were stopped.

Nikos pulled snorkeling gear from the small locker. Sara took off her shirt and shorts and accepted the mask and breathing tube. Donning the mask and flippers, she stepped off the boat into the silken water. It was cooler than a bath, but not cold like the water off the English shore.

They swam for more than an hour, Nikos leading the way and pointing out things as they went. When they kept still, fish would swim within touching distance. A kick of a flipper would send them darting away.

Breaking the surface at last, Sara pushed her mask up on top of her head and shook off some of the water. Nikos surfaced beside her.

“This is a wonderful spot,” she said, treading water.

“My favorite on the island.”

“Can you get to it over land?” she asked, studying the unending greenery that lined the shore.

“There’s a path, if it hasn’t gotten overgrown. But it’s easier and cooler to come by boat.”

“Time for me to head back for breakfast?”

He glanced at his waterproof watch. “The kitchen staff will have it set out by now. We can eat on the terrace. I told the captain you were not going to cook this morning and that they should avail themselves of the house’s breakfast buffet.”

She nodded, suddenly aware that she and Nikos were in a similar situation to one before—when he’d kissed her in the sea. She felt anticipation rise with nerves and tension. Would he kiss her again?

Not wanting to tempt fate, she turned and began to swim to the boat. Nikos passed her and reached the craft first. He drew himself up and over the side with his strong arms, then turned to offer a hand to Sara, easily pulling her from the water in one swoop.

She stumbled a bit on the rocking boat and fell against Nikos. His skin was cool from the water, but warmed instantly where she pushed against him. Sara felt the water dripping down her back from her wet hair, felt the heat rise between them and wondered whimsically if there was steam evident from the heat she generated. But she would not be accused of flirting.

Had the trip been her subconscious at work? She loved the feel of the man, the energy and desire he evoked while kissing her. Just being near him was extraordinary. But she never wanted him to suspect. How horrible if he thought she came swimming just so they would end up kissing.

So much for her resistance. He followed her and drew her into his arms. Despite her own thoughts only seconds ago, she didn’t resist. When his mouth covered hers, she put her arms around him. Dimly aware she was being reckless, she didn’t let that stop her. She’d tried; her resistance wasn’t strong enough. There would be little likelihood of Nikos giving her the time of day after she revealed who she was and that she’d deliberately sought out a position at his resort in hopes of gaining access to the island. But until then, she wished every moment to be as special as this one.

He broke away a few moments later, resting his forehead against hers and staring into her eyes. “Hungry?”

For you, was the unbidden thought that popped into her mind. But she knew he meant food. “Yes. A bit.”

“Time for a quick shower before breakfast,” he said, stowing their gear and pulling in the small anchor. Once under way, Sara felt cool as the water evaporated from her skin. And itchy from the salt. She glanced at Nikos as he handled the boat with assurance. She didn’t get it. The more she was around him, the more he puzzled her. The scuttlebutt from the ship was that he was on the verge of getting engaged. He so did not act like a man almost committed to one special woman. He said he wasn’t engaged, but he’d never said he wouldn’t be one day.

From what her mother had told her about the wealthy families of Greece, Nikos didn’t fit the mould. Granted, if he proceeded with a business marriage, it would be similar to her mother’s situation. Yet the antagonism she expected against such a man and arrangement vanished. For a few moments she wished she had the chance of an arranged marriage—if the groom was Nikos.

“So we all eat up at the house this morning?” she asked.

He nodded. “It’s buffet style, to allow for different times people wish to eat. Lunch will be at one and dinner at seven. But breakfast is from eight until ten.”

“Sounds like a hotel,” she commented, wondering how many people were around to need such a big window of time for the first meal.

He shrugged.

“Your grandparents are well?” she asked a few minutes later. So far she wasn’t sure how to proceed. She couldn’t just march in and demand her grandmother’s presence.

“In top form. Today I’m going with my grandfather to see the new boat he’s buying. To appease my father.”

“Why can’t your father check it out?” Sara asked. If Nikos’s father was so concerned, shouldn’t he be the one here?

“Business before family,” Nikos said. He chuckled mirthlessly. “Speaking of which, much as I have deplored my father’s focus on business, I find I follow in his path. With my absence from the resort last week for the cruise and now being here for a few days, I’m going to have to work when I return from the boat shopping expedition.”

“On the Cassandra?” she asked.

“I have an office in the main house that ties directly into the one at the resort.”

Sara thought he worked hard enough, but didn’t feel she could offer that observation. She wondered if she dared explore the grounds while he was tied up. And if her grandmother just happened to be in the garden, wouldn’t a meeting be completely acceptable?

Sara showered quickly, towel dried her hair and pulled it back. Before she left her cabin, she pulled the letter from her bag and folded it over, tucking it in one of the pockets of her shorts. Just in case.

Breakfast was on the terrace that overlooked the sea. Sara suspected every terrace around the mansion overlooked some portion of the sea, since the island wasn’t that large. Two of the crew were talking as they drank coffee. Their empty plates showed they’d already enjoyed a large breakfast.

The buffet would do the resort proud. Silver chafing dishes gleamed in the sunshine. Eggs, bacon, sausage, breads, sweet rolls and fresh fruit lined up ready to tempt everyone who walked by. Fragrant coffee brewed at the edge of the buffet table. Sara piled her plate high. Swimming before breakfast gave her a big appetite.

“Do enjoy the chef’s offerings. He gets very annoyed with guests who nibble at a token amount and then leave most of it on their plates,” Nikos said as he stepped behind her and began placing food on his own plate.

Sara glanced at him in surprise. Looking around the terrace, she saw only members of the crew and the members of the household staff she’d met. Should he be eating with them?

“I can sympathize. Don’t worry, I like food. The eggs look light and fluffy even after steaming in the chafing dish for a while. And the fruit is icy cold. You’re fortunate in your chef.”

“I know that and he knows that. Luckily he and my grandfather came to an agreement that makes them both happy, so there is no fear he’d leave for a better post.”

“Wise man, your grandfather. A truly gifted chef is in high demand.”

“And you, are you in high demand?” he asked as they moved along the buffet.

“I’m getting there. Every job I’ve had is moving me along. One day I’d like to be able to set my own salary. And pick exactly where I’d like to work.”

“And that would be?” he asked, gesturing to an empty table near the edge of the terrace, an umbrella tilted to shade it from the early sun.

“I used to think London. Now, maybe the Greek Isles,” she said with a smile. “Or a ship that sails the world.”

“It’s nice to see the world. I enjoyed my two years in the United States and the various hotels and resorts I visited on my summer school holidays.”

Nikos watched as Sara began to eat. Her comment about settling in the Greek islands had surprised him. And instantly had him raising barriers. She’d never tried to coax him into giving her something she wanted. Even a job recommendation. Nor had she ever flirted. She was totally unlike the other women he knew. Yet once she’d made that comment, he felt as if the balance between them had shifted. She worked for him. He was merely enjoying swimming and snorkeling with someone with similar interests.

If she thought staying would allow for more involvement, she was mistaken.

Yet the thought of her leaving also filled him with disquiet. Sara was refreshing to be around. She was totally content with her own accomplishments and goals. She didn’t try to pretend she was anyone else.

He’d surprised his grandparents last night when he’d mentioned one of his crew was interested in diving and he planned to spend some time enjoying that activity.

They didn’t say anything, but Eleani had smiled and suggested he have her come to meet them. His grandfather had echoed that, saying he wanted to meet the newest member of the Cassandra’s crew. He already knew all the others.

It was one thing to enjoy diving with Sara and another to give rise to any speculation on her part that he was looking for more. He’d made it as clear as possible he was not in the marriage field. He knew she’d heard about Gina and his tentative plans. As long as she knew the rules, she’d have no reason to expect more from him than he could deliver.

That wasn’t why he’d brought her to the island.

He didn’t wish to examine too closely exactly why he had. He only knew the more he grew to know her, the more she intrigued him.

He stood when she rose and watched as she left the terrace and headed back to the ship. For the first time ever, Nikos regretted having the strong sense of duty he’d had ground into him. He’d much rather go after Sara, pack a picnic lunch and return to the cove—just the two of them.

Duty called, however.

Once he’d finished his coffee, he went to his office, called his assistant and became engrossed in the daily challenge of running a world-class resort. When his grandfather was ready, they’d go check out the boat he was interested in buying.

Sara watched the clock. She’d been told lunch would be at one and hoped Nikos would take a break to eat when she did. The yacht’s galley had been designed by a professional. She had no trouble inventorying supplies, especially the spices and herbs. They were an important part of any dish, so it was crucial these were kept fresh and fragrant. She made a list of ones that needed to be replaced. The rest of the staples were sufficient for the next few meals she’d planned. Had they been departing on a cruise, she would have shopping to do. By the time that happened again, Nikos’s regular chef would be recovered and ready to return to work.

She sat on the high stool at the counter and gazed out the porthole. Would she like being a chef for one family? She thought of the captain and his years of service for the Konstantinos family. She enjoyed working in different environments, but the benefits and security of a long-term assignment like he had did hold a certain appeal.

Especially if she ever married.

She began to think again of home. Once back, she’d try to find a position that would offer career potential. She’d have the lovely memories of her Aegean adventure to remember— especially how a dynamic Greek millionaire had kissed her in the warm waters of the sea.

Stefano stepped inside. “We’re going up to the house for luncheon.”

Sara smiled and hopped off the stool. “I’m more than ready. I can’t believe after the humongous breakfast I ate that I’m hungry again, but I am. And I want to see what Dimitri has done this time.”

“One chef taking ideas from another?” he joked.

“Only with permission. I am learning more and more about Greek food. My mother was not much of a cook, so we were limited in what we ate. Now I’m having such fun discovering new recipes and taste sensations.”

As Sara approached the big house, her anticipation grew. Would Nikos share his meal with her again? Or was breakfast the only meal he’d have until dinner? She knew he had enjoyed all the meals she’d prepared for him and his guests on the cruise, but did he keep different hours when he wasn’t entertaining guests?

The lower terrace was again set with two large tables and a long buffet table near the house. The grapevines winding around the arbor provided shade from the noontime sun. The table where she’d shared breakfast with Nikos looked forlorn when the other tables were obviously set for the meal.

The higher terrace was set with one small table. A silver-haired man sat watching the group as Sara and the others approached the lower terrace. The captain waved in greeting and the man nodded in reply.

Sara knew that was Spiros Konstantinos, Nikos’s grandfather. She wished they were closer so she could get a better look. Then she was distracted by the greetings of the household staff.

Sara sat between Stefano and Ari. The captain sat at the head of their table. A silver-haired butler sat at the head of the table where the household staff sat. He could also see the family’s terrace and how the waiter was doing there.

From her vantage point, Sara could barely see the table on the other terrace. There were flowers growing in large containers, softening the angles of the house, almost enclosing the terrace. A large trellis shaded that terrace, as well, thick with grapevines offering a green canopy overhead.

She could smell the delicious aromas from the buffet table and glanced around. No one was serving themselves yet.

“We wait for Mr. Konstantinos to be first,” Stefano said, leaning close. “Once the family has been served, we are free to enjoy ourselves.”

Nikos came out onto the terrace then, escorting an older woman. Sara felt her breath catch as she knew she was looking at her grandmother for the first time.

The woman was as tall as Sara, slender and walked with a regal bearing. Her hair was dark, threaded through with silver. She smiled and waved at the crew and staff, then greeted her husband. Nikos pulled back the chair to seat her, then took a seat to his grandfather’s right.

Nikos glanced around and looked at Sara. She felt the connection almost like a touch. A second later he turned slightly toward her grandmother, obviously in response to a question the woman posed.

The Konstantinoses were soon served their meal, and the staff then was free to partake of the lavish buffet the chef had created. She loved the spinach, feta cheese and walnut salad that she’d had before. In one of the hot chafing dishes was fresh lamb, grilled to perfection. In another a chicken dish. Another held fish. Sara sampled everything. She had to ask if the chef would share some of his recipes. The food was delicious.

As before, she ate quietly, listening to the conversation flow around her. She knew most of the staff had worked together for years, and she was definitely the newest member.

Lunch was followed by freshly brewed coffee and tea. Sara sipped some of the sweet tea that smelled so much like passion flower. She missed being on the aft deck of the boat, bobbing gently in the water. But this was the next best thing. She’d have to remember every detail to share with Stacy and her other friends.

Nikos approached their table when the meal was over. Several people looked up in surprise. Stefano jumped to his feet.

“Do you need something, sir?” he asked.

“No. Finish your coffee. My grandfather wishes to meet the newest member of the crew,” he said.

Sara nodded slowly and rose. She felt odd ever since seeing her grandmother for the first time. Now Nikos was inviting her to meet her—unbelievable. Should she take advantage of this opportunity and give Eleani the letter? Or wait and hope for a more private moment? The envelope suddenly felt as if it was bulging out her pocket.

“Should I be meeting them at the luncheon table? Not the office? Is that proper?” she asked softly.

Nikos laughed. “Entirely proper. We’ll talk diving and boats and maybe you can offer some insights to my grandfather about my resort, which he and my father think is a waste of time when I could be working in shipping.”

“You love the resort,” she said without thinking.

“I do. And I find the stringent regulations and many requirements necessary in shipping to be very dull. But my grandfather and father are convinced one day I’ll get my priorities straight and quit the resort.”

“I can’t ever see that happening.” How could they be talking about such mundane topics when she was about to meet her grandmother for the first time?

As they approached the table on the upper terrace, Sara had eyes only for the woman seated there. As they drew closer, she searched for any resemblance to her mother, but found little. Maybe in the way she held her head. In her eyes? Her mother should have been the one walking across the terrace. How could this gentle-looking woman have been so hard-hearted as to reject her only child?

“Grandfather, this is Sara. Temporary chef aboard the Cassandra. Sara, Spiros Konstantinos, my grandfather, and Eleani, my grandmother.”

“How do you do?” Sara said, remembering to smile at the older man. Her muscles felt strained. Now that she was face-to-face with her grandmother, she wanted to dash away.

“Do sit with us. It’s lovely for Nikos to find someone to join him on his diving forays. It’s too dangerous to dive alone. I’m afraid my diving days are behind me. Though I do love a nice paddle in the sea,” Eleani said, smiling.

Nikos held the chair for Sara, who was glad to sit down. Her knees felt definitely wobbly.

“Who doesn’t like swimming in the sea?” Spiros Konstantinos asked. “Where are you from, Sara?”

“I’ve been working at the resort in Thessalonika. When the chef on the Cassandra got sick, I was tapped as his replacement.”

Spiros looked at Nikos. “Interesting. How did you know she liked to dive? Was it something you asked the chief chef to check into?”

Nikos leaned back in his chair, completely at ease. Sara thought she’d shatter if anyone touched her, every nerve in her body was so keyed up. She looked at her grandmother again. So close. Should she hand her the letter?

“She likes the sea. We went swimming and I asked if she’d like to try diving. She takes to it like a natural. And no, I had no inkling of that before we sailed.”

“Nothing very deep yet, though,” she said, wanting to make a contribution to the conversation and not sit like a star-struck groupie doing nothing but stare at Eleani. “I love it. Seeing the colorful fish, the contour of the bottom of the sea—it’s all so different from swimming on the surface.”

“Has Nikos taken you around to the cove?” Eleani asked.

“We went snorkeling for a while this morning. Maybe tomorrow we’ll dive,” he said.

Sara wondered when she and Eleani would ever have a moment alone. That’s all she would need.

“Sounds like a good plan. Have you and Spiros settled on the boat?” Eleani asked Nikos.

“Nikos thinks it’s fine,” Spiros answered testily.

“And is not putting up roadblocks like Andrus?” she asked with a fond smile at her husband.

“He has more sense than that.” Spiros glared at his grandson as if challenging him to deny the statement.

Nikos laughed softly. “You say that because I’m agreeing with you.”

Spiros nodded, his eyes suddenly twinkling as he studied Sara. “I think you and your diving friend should spend the afternoon exploring the coves. Maybe tonight you can take her to Patricia.”

“Spiros,” Eleani said. “Nikos has made plans.” She gave him a very meaningful look.

“Actually, I’ve put some plans on hold,” Nikos said. He looked at Sara. “Would you like to go to dinner at a favorite spot of mine on the nearby island?” he asked her.

“I never turn down a chance to try new places,” she said. If his grandparents didn’t find it odd he’d invite her out, she wouldn’t refuse. “Good Greek food?”

“The best,” he replied.

There was a small sound from Eleani. Everyone looked at her. She stared at Sara.

“For a moment you reminded me of someone,” she said slowly.

Sara wondered if it was her mother Eleani had seen. She glanced at Spiros and Nikos. They didn’t seem to find anything suspicious.

“I understand you’re buying a new boat. To get to Patricia,” Sara said to Spiros, hoping to distract Eleani from further speculation.

“I’ll finalize the deal soon. Nikos tested it, checked the specs and said it looked fine to him. The captain of the Cassandra has vetted it as well. I take delivery soon. Are you a boating enthusiast?”

“Actually my first time on a large boat was when I started working on the Cassandra. I enjoyed the cruise very much. It was a bit tricky at first, learning how to prepare meals when the floor beneath my feet didn’t remain level and still.”

“Try preparing food in a gale,” Eleani said with a smile. “Remember that trip to Sardinia, Spiros, when it was so stormy, and then Paul got seasick and I tried to prepare a simple meal? We ended up eating cheese and bread and drinking wine from a coffee cup with a lid so it wouldn’t splash everywhere.”

“We made it through and with perhaps a better understanding of the travails of our cook,” he said with a fond look at his wife.

The conversation stayed on extraordinary experiences on boats over the years. Sara laughed at some of the stories, and her eyes widened a time or two when the outcome could have been drastically different. She was charmed by Spiros Konstantinos. And she was puzzled by her grandmother. She didn’t seem the kind of woman her mother had made her out to be. Eleani came across as a warm and loving woman. She obviously adored her husband and was fond of Nikos. This played so differently from Sara’s expectation. Where was the hard-hearted woman she’d thought to find?

The letter burned against Sara’s leg. For a moment she considered standing, handing it to Eleani and returning to the yacht. Something held her back. It would be better to be alone with the woman, not have her surrounded by the men of her family.

Nikos glanced at his watch. “I hate to break this up, but I have an important call coming in about five minutes.”

Sara stood up. “It was nice meeting you both,” she said. If they only knew.

“I’ll be down at the ship by six,” Nikos said, also standing.

She nodded and walked away, longing to turn and question her grandmother without delay.

But, selfishly, she wanted an evening with Nikos. That would really be a date. She might as well make her last day at the island memorable.

It was shortly before six when Nikos boarded the Cassandra. He’d worked straight through after leaving the lunch table. He looked forward to showing Sara the neighboring island of Patricia. While not large, it was considerably larger than the family one. The main center had many shops and cafés. The seaside town still had a definite charm that appealed to visitors. And the food was excellent. They’d take the runabout. No need to take the yacht.

He checked the galley on the way to the aft deck. It was pristine but empty. Stepping out on the deck, Nikos hoped she was there. He didn’t want to have to figure out which cabin was hers.

Sara sat in the shade, reading. Two of the crew were also on the deck, one sleeping in a chaise, the other with a fishing line tossed over the side of the yacht. For a second Nikos wondered what he’d do if he caught a fish. Who was going to prepare it if the chef was dining on Patricia that evening?

Sara looked up. “Hi.” She wore the same dress she’d worn when they’d dined in the salon. He hadn’t thought about it, but she’d hardly had time to pack another since she didn’t leave the ship during the few hours they had at the resort.

The fishing crewman turned to see who she was talking to. Seeing Nikos, he started to get up, but Nikos shook his head.

“Ready?” he asked Sara.

“Yes,” she said, rising swiftly.

In less than ten minutes they were in the runabout heading around a point of the island. When they reached the open water, the wind kicked up. Nikos looked at her.

“Not too much?”

“It’s wonderful,” she said, raising her face to the setting sun. “Business satisfactorily completed for the day?” she asked. Nikos loved the way the wind blew her hair back. He remembered the silky feel and couldn’t wait to touch it again. Concentrating on driving the boat, he tried to ignore the rising desire for Sara.

“Yes. The evening is mine.”

“Your family island is lovely. You’re lucky to have such a place to visit. Will it be yours one day?”

He glanced at her and nodded. “But not for a long time, I hope.”

“So you need to get married and have children to leave it to,” she commented, her eyes shut.

Who would he pass it on to? The thought surprised him. For the first time he thought about the future in terms of family. His grandfather was growing old. Already in his eighties, he wouldn’t be around forever. There were few bonds as strong as those between Spiros and Nikos. He had never felt the same love from his own father. When Spiros died, it would leave a huge gap in Nikos’s life.

And what would fill that gap? Work at the resort? To what end?

After the cruise, he wasn’t sure he was ready to ask Gina to be his wife. He wasn’t looking for the love his grandfather had found twice. Some men were luckier than others.

But he realized he had no one to teach to dive, to share the beauties beneath the sea with—except friends. No child to instill with family history and to leave his life’s work to. What happened when he grew older?

His grandfather was proud of Nikos’s accomplishments. He knew his father respected what he’d accomplished, even if it wasn’t in shipping. But he wanted more than respect. Nikos realized he wanted love. He’d thought he’d found it with Ariana, only to be shown how false that had been.

Could he find it elsewhere? Did it even exist?

“Thank you for bringing me today. It’s another memory to add to my Aegean summer memories,” she said.

Summer memories. Nikos had a few special ones himself.

Was that what Sara thought of this, a memory of a summer spent in Greece? Would she really return to London after a while? He expected her to resume her job at the resort when Paul was well enough to rejoin the Cassandra. Would she stay a year, maybe two or three and then return home? He wasn’t sure he wanted Sara to leave.