A Greek Affair

by Linn B. Halton

‘Do you want to hang around here and I’ll whizz the girls around the second and third floors?’ Daniel gives me a hesitant look.

  ‘Oh no. There are more glass floors, aren’t there?’

  I had kept my eyes firmly focused on the short route from the lift to the restaurant and then back to the lift, to come up to the fourth floor. It was bad enough that the entrance to the restaurant was on a mezzanine. It hadn’t totally escaped my notice that it seemed to hover in the air, nothing but a wall to wall glass panel making an almost invisible barrier to the huge drop below. I feel extremely foolish. I can do this, I tell myself. ‘No, I’ll be fine.’

  ‘There are wide expanses of glass floor panels so you can see down through the building and there’s no way to bypass that completely, I’m afraid.’

  His look is apologetically sympathetic.

  ‘I’m sure I can grit my teeth and get through it. After all, this is an exciting experience and one I shouldn’t miss.’

  I hope that sounds convincing because I have grave doubts, but I can’t set a bad example for Rosie. I usually manage to hide my fear by avoiding putting myself in this sort of situation. Ironically, this building is, in a way, my worst nightmare and that was something for which I wasn’t prepared. That will teach me to skim when I’m doing a little research. ‘Let’s do this!’ I say, sounding way more confident than I feel.

  We bypass the lift and head towards an escalator and while the area at the bottom has a solid floor, the width of the walkway ahead – literally, wall to wall – is made up entirely of glass panels. They seem to be held in place with the very narrowest of supports. I swallow the lump that rises in my throat. All you need to do is step forward, Leah, and don’t get tempted to look down.

  The girls are already way ahead of us, looking at the small displays dotted around. They are obviously enjoying the novelty of yet another glass floor directly below the one we’re standing on. At the end of the walkway there’s a solid floor and a large display area, but I’m still only a couple of paces in and now my legs have totally frozen. My head begins to swim a little.

  Daniel is standing a pace or two ahead of me, unsure about what to do when he turns and sees my distress.

  ‘I can’t move,’ I appeal to him, wondering if I’m going to faint as I try not to look down at my feet and the deep chasm beneath them. He walks back to me, turning to check on the girls, then grabs my hand.

  ‘What can I do?’ he asks, seeing that I’m now beginning to panic. My heart is literally pounding in my ears.

  The girls are no longer in sight and he cranes his neck to try to catch a glimpse of them, while supporting me as my body begins to quake.

  ‘Look, lean on me and we’ll edge backwards until we’re off the glass. Then I want you to trust me. There are opaque glass panels around the sides. If we wait until it’s clear of people and we walk quickly, we should be able to avoid stepping off them. You can close your eyes. Once we get to the other side, I’ll find the girls and then put you in the lift. You can wait in the lobby; there’s a café in the reception area.’

  I nod my head and Daniel’s support is enough to help me begin inching backwards. People are milling around us, unaware that I’m at screaming point. Even when my feet are on the solid floor the cavernous expanse of glass in front of me seems to have drained my strength completely. My eyes aren’t fooled by the fact that the narrow track of obscured glass hides what lies beneath it.

  ‘Right, lean up against the wall for a moment and compose yourself. That’s better.’

  I take a few deep breaths and this time Daniel slides his arm around my waist. It feels so good and I lean into him, feeling the solidness of his body take my weight.

  ‘Okay. Close your eyes and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I’ve got you, Leah. Just think of the girls.’

  I nod, unable to speak and let my body sink up against his as he moves us forward. It’s a long way and it seems even longer with every pace we take. Suddenly Rosie’s voice is there, somewhere in front of us.

  ‘What’s wrong?’ she calls out and Daniel hastens us forward until we’re on the other side.

  ‘Nothing, your mum has a little cramp, that’s all. Let’s head towards the lift. You don’t mind having a coffee while we check out the rest of the museum, do you, Leah?’ he asks, as if I’m doing them a favour. The girls seem totally unaware of the reality of my situation.

  ‘No—’ A cough catches in my throat, which has gone totally dry. ‘Take your time. I just need to sit down and rest my leg for a few minutes.’

  As the lift doors close on Daniel’s concerned face, I sink back against the wall, my entire body trembling. The other three people who piled in after me are busily chatting away, much to my relief.

  If I’d come here on my own with Rosie this could have turned into a total disaster. Daniel has rescued me and I felt so safe in his arms; not just from the gaping glass hole beneath my feet, but I felt protected. He was a true hero in every sense of the word. Just thinking about him makes me feel more alive than I’ve felt for such a long, long time.

  ~

  I sit with an iced coffee, relief beginning to flood through my body as my equilibrium gradually returns to normal. Vertigo is a paralysing fear that grips you like a vice; you cannot ignore it because it’s physical, as well as mental.

  My hands are still shaking a little as I retrieve my phone to look at Harrison’s texts. There are now three of them.

  I tried to talk to my parents again yesterday. Another mega fail. I took them out for a drink this time. I eased myself in by talking about the future and change. Then a guy playing a guitar began singing loudly, making any attempt at conversation impossible. Ironically, they thought it was a great night out.

  The second one is an appeal.

  Are you there? I’ve wasted another day and I just can’t seem to find the right time and place. This is never going to happen. I need help.

  His third one is poignant.

  Maybe this is a sign that I’m making a big mistake. Anyway, sorry, I forgot you were away. Hope you’re having a good time in Athens.

  Oh no! He’s weakening already.

  We’re in the Acropolis museum. I’ve just had a ghastly attack of vertigo. Don’t give up. Repeat. Don’t give up. This is not a sign of anything other than it’s a hard thing to do. The right time will present itself, so relax.

  I press send, hoping he hasn’t said anything to Ollie. I’m just savouring the last of my coffee and feeling much more like my usual self, when my phone pings.

  Ollie has admitted that he doesn’t think I’m going to do it. I’ve tried to explain but I understand how he feels. Vertigo in a museum? The Acropolis I can understand but I’m scratching my head over that one.

  I smile to myself.

  Glass floors. Listen, if you don’t want to lose him then you need to be strong. When you love someone, hiding that fact from the people who are close to you is living a lie. Don’t be a wimp, it isn’t your style. Why assume they won’t be pleased for you?

  I wonder if that’s a little blunt but he comes back with an immediate reply.

  Okay. I needed that. You’re right. I’ll stop engineering it and wait for the right moment to present itself. You are having a good time, then?

  Text isn’t as chatty as an email and I so want to let Harrison in on what’s happening to me. He’ll tell me if I’m acting like a crazy woman. I hesitate and there’s another ping, this time it’s an email. There’s no point in talking about this via text, anyway.

  A great time. Maybe too great. Speak soon, I promise. I will ring when I get back.

  I open the email and it’s from Jackie Kimberley, the counsellor Dr Watkins was going to talk to on my behalf. She’s offering me a cancellation appointment next Monday afternoon. I quickly type a response saying I’ll be there and wonder how I’m going to fit in the photography job and a session in the same day. I’ll worry about the logistics the day after tomorrow and just hope I can ac
commodate both. One thing is for sure, though, this appointment has come at the right time.

  ‘We’re all done.’ Daniel and the girls walk up to the table with big smiles on their faces.

  ‘How’s the leg, Mum?’ Rosie asks, coming up and placing her arms around my shoulders to give me a quick hug.

  ‘It’s fine. Totally fine.’

  Over the top of her head Daniel and I make eye contact for a little longer than is necessary. Is he blushing, or have the girls been making him rush around after them? I think I have my answer when he reluctantly drags his gaze away. My heart skips a beat and suddenly the horrors of the last hour melt away as if I hadn’t felt I was about to die.

  As Night Descends

  We enter the hotel, the girls still in high spirits and Daniel and I rather wearily bringing up the rear.

  Thanos is on duty and looks up from talking to a pretty young Greek girl, who is standing next to him. He says something to her, then immediately walks across the reception area to greet us.

  ‘Thanos, my friend. How are you?’ Daniel steps forward, eagerly.

  I stand aside while they shake hands. ‘I’m good, Daniel, thank you, and you?’

  ‘Good. This is my daughter, Bella.’

  Thanos bows his head as he shakes hands, briefly, with Bella. He turns, indicating for the little girl hovering around behind him, to step forward.

  ‘May I introduce my niece, Vana.’ She steps forward, smiling rather self-consciously but Bella and Rosie approach her, their curiosity piqued. The girls start giggling as they make their introductions. Thanos turns around.

  ‘Vana is staying at the hotel with us while her parents are away celebrating their wedding anniversary. Anyway, what a lovely surprise this is to see you all here! You look like you’ve all had a good day. I assume you’ve been sightseeing?’

  ‘We have,’ Daniel confirms, casting a glance my way.

  ‘He’s been an excellent tour guide, Thanos,’ I add.

  ‘Well, you heard it all from the mouth of an expert. Daniel will be sadly missed when he returns to the UK. Much good work has been done.’

  Thanos is very proud of his country, as well as his business, and that’s wonderful to see. He’s so genuinely warm and seems pleased, as well as a touch surprised, to see us all together today. His face is a picture and as we all look at the girls, chattering away despite the obvious language differences, he’s clearly delighted.

  ‘Children teach us so much; it warms the heart to see.’

  He’s right, of course, their curiosity is innocent and welcoming.

  ‘We’re heading up to the roof terrace to enjoy the view out over the heart of the city,’ I inform him. ‘Would Vana like to join us?’

  ‘I’m sure she will be delighted to accept your gracious offer, thank you.’ He lowers his voice a little. ‘Vana has been a little bored, I fear, without the company of young friends here. It is indeed magnificent at this time in the evening and I will send up drinks for all with my compliments, so please enjoy. Did you drive, Daniel?’

  ‘No. I came by taxi and it will return later. Can we order something simple to eat – maybe kebabs and fries all round? What do you think, Leah?’

  ‘That sounds perfect. We’ll have enough time to watch the sun as it slips below the horizon and see the Acropolis and the museum lit up against the night sky. And before I forget, would it be convenient for someone to give me that tour of the hotel early tomorrow morning?’

  ‘Of course. We have five vacant rooms ready and made up. How about I have the housekeeper show you around after breakfast tomorrow? You can then tour the facilities with my deputy manager and ask as many questions as you like.’

  ‘Ah, that’s very kind, thank you.’

  All three girls are already standing impatiently by the lift, so after thanking Thanos we make our way over to them. They’re talking about the highlights of the day and I’m happy enough to stand back and watch Bella and Rosie tripping over each other’s words as they tell Vana what they’ve seen. My highlight is the entire day – even the scary bit, because if I close my eyes I can still remember the feel of Daniel’s arm around me.

  ‘Come on, Mum, or the doors will close.’

  I step out over the threshold of the lift quickly, following them all as Rosie leads the way. There’s a doorway adjacent to the lift marked, ‘Hot tubs and decking area’. We climb two flights of steps and then we’re finally on the roof terrace. Despite the amazing views there’s no real sense of height up here and a sturdy wall surrounds the entire area.

  The light is already beginning to fade and I’m surprised to find there is only one other couple up here. We settle ourselves at a large table alongside the bar area, which isn’t open tonight. However, it isn’t long before two waiters appear with a tray of drinks and lay our table ready for dinner.

  Daniel smiles. ‘Ah, Thanos has broken out an exceptionally good bottle of red wine for us. I’ve had the honour of attending one of his family’s barbecues and although it was just a regular gathering it felt like a party. I’ve never met Vana before, though, and I believe he has two brothers I’ve yet to meet. The Greeks are very family-orientated and it reminded me of my own childhood a little. Now my family is spread out around the country and a gathering rarely happens these days.’

  For a man who said he’s better off being alone, he doesn’t sound so committed to that theory when he talks. And it’s obvious he has enjoyed our day out together.

  Daniel pours a little wine into our glasses and we toast each other, both keeping an eagle eye on the girls. But they seem to be having a great time together and Vana appears to be teaching Bella and Rosie some new Greek words.

  ‘Thank you for an informative day.’ I glance around, checking the girls are out of earshot. ‘I’m really sorry about my little problem but I’m so very grateful to you for coming to my rescue. The girls were taking it all in their stride and I would have been truly mortified if they’d realised what was going on. You were great, really.’

  He gives me a sheepish look. ‘It was nothing. I didn’t realise vertigo could be that bad, if I’m honest. You looked petrified at one point and I thought you were going to faint.’

  I laugh. ‘Me too. The day was worth it, even the tough bits. But it wouldn’t have been anywhere near as enjoyable if it wasn’t for the company.’

  Oh, why did I say that? Daniel looks across at me intently, and I try to present a nonchalant face. It’s not easy as suddenly my stomach is doing a little flip again.

  ‘It has been a lovely day, hasn’t it?’ He speaks slowly, a slight frown creasing his forehead as if he’s deep in thought. ‘Are you still up for doing it again tomorrow? I promise to keep your feet firmly planted on solid ground and we can do a circular route that will take us back through the upmarket shopping area.’

  The girls appear, eager to grab their drinks from the table and must have caught the end of his sentence.

  ‘Are we going shopping tomorrow then, Dad? Can Vana come with us?’ Bella asks, her eyes suddenly lighting up.

  ‘Maybe, if Vana would like that and we ask permission. Leah and I are just planning out the day.’

  ‘Yay.’ Rosie makes her contribution to the conversation. ‘It won’t be all history though, will it?’ She directs her question at Daniel who gives her a wink.

  ‘Tomorrow morning I go home,’ Vana says, rather quietly and both Rosie’s and Bella’s faces drop.

  ‘Aww … it would have been such fun!’ Bella replies, sincerely. ‘I’m sorry, Vana.’

  ‘Me too,’ adds Rosie, who then turns to look at Daniel. ‘Although my feet did hurt a bit today,’ she adds.

  ‘It will be quite a walk again, tomorrow. But there will be lots of shops, plenty of places to sit and grab an ice cream and some magnificent gardens to wander through where we can rest for a while. Just to break up the tour of some rather interesting monuments I think you’ll also enjoy seeing.’

  I hold my breath, wondering what Rosie i
s going to say next.

  ‘Your dad is cool, Bella.’

  Well, that wasn’t what I expected but it’s a lovely comment, even if it makes my heart constrict a little. The girls wander off again and I look across at Daniel.

  ‘Moments like this it really hurts that she has no father. My dad has been brilliant with her and they have a lot of fun together but I know she’s been robbed of an important relationship. How can Antonio have turned his back on her so cruelly?’

  My voice is angry and I force myself to take a deep breath to calm down a little.

  ‘I’m sorry, Daniel. I didn’t mean to—’

  ‘An apology isn’t necessary, really. I find it hard to understand how a man can walk away from his family like that. He’s a fool – look at what he’s lost. Have you ever tried to track him down?’

  It’s an honest question but then he doesn’t know the full story.

  ‘No. If he wanted to be found he would have contacted his parents, at the very least, but they don’t know where he is either.’

  I don’t want to go any further with this as I have no desire to spoil the remainder of the evening. Luckily, Thanos arrives escorting three waiters bearing trays of food. Behind him is a very serious-looking Greek woman wearing a very smart black dress and matching cardigan. Daniel immediately jumps to his feet and rushes over to greet her. I watch as her eyes light up.

  ‘Demetra, it’s so lovely to see you!’ They embrace like old friends and Thanos looks on, smiling.

  I notice that Daniel has clasped both of Demetra’s hands in his, as he would do to someone for whom he feels a lot of affection. He turns to introduce her to me and I stand, reaching across the table to shake her outstretched hand.

  ‘This is Thanos’ wonderful wife who supervises the chefs here when she’s not tending to her growing family in their wonderful villa.’

  We exchange warm smiles.

  ‘My wife and I have a proposal to make,’ Thanos steps in. ‘We were wondering if your girls would like to join Vana and spend tonight in our vacant, top-floor suite under Demetra’s care? It would be great company for Vana and there’s an adjoining door between the two large bedrooms. The three girls can share one room as it has two queen-sized beds. An adventure, yes?’