A Greek Affair

by Linn B. Halton

  ‘Mum, I’m getting tired of going to classes. It’s okay, but I think I’m growing out of it. After this exhibition is over can I give up gym? Would you mind?’

  I look at her serious little face, wondering what has sparked this.

  ‘You don’t have to go if you don’t want to, Rosie. But are you sure?’

  She chews on her lip, screwing up her face for a moment.

  ‘Yep, I’m sure. It was fun but now it’s a bit … boring. Don’t tell Mrs Peterson I said that though, as it will hurt her feelings.’

  I keep a straight face. ‘No, of course not.’

  ‘It’s time for a change and I’d quite like to try a Taekwondo class, instead.’

  My little girl is growing up and beginning to make her own decisions. I’m rather pleased about this development, as the art of self-defence is a great skill to begin acquiring at a young age.

  ‘We’ll sort something out, then.’

  ‘Thanks, Mum. Besides, only two boys go to gym club and Callie said there are lots at her class.’

  Boys. Oh, dear me! I’m so blinkered these days, what else have I missed? She comes across to give me a hug.

  ‘Life should be fun, Mum, shouldn’t it? Or, that’s what Grandma says, anyway.’

  ‘And she’s right, Rosie. We must never forget that.’

  Suddenly any work I have planned for this weekend is shelved.

  ‘How about tomorrow we go for a swim in the morning and ten pin bowling in the afternoon?’

  Her eyes shine like the lights on a Christmas tree; she sparkles.

  ‘Awesome!! You’re the best!’

  Filled with Both Dread and Excitement in Equal Measure

  I watch Rosie chasing around the back garden at Mum and Dad’s. She has managed to entice Scruffy through the hole in the fence, even though it’s only eight in the morning. She’s all legs and arms, growing upwards and not outwards. My beautiful little girl hasn’t just hit another growth spurt but she’s changing in so many other ways too. I think she’s going to be much more adventurous than I am and that thought makes me happy.

  It’s time for me to leave for the airport and when I call out she comes over to give me a lingering hug. I’m proud of the fact that she’s confident enough not to feel that I need to be there every minute of every day. Rosie is so excited about the weekend ahead and the fact that she’s having an extra day off when everyone else is at school. I know my parents dote on her but she’s well–balanced and doesn’t every child deserve a little spoiling occasionally?

  ‘Travel safely,’ Mum says as she wraps her arms around me. ‘I’ll be thinking of you and hoping Athens doesn’t disappoint the second time around.’

  Me too, Mum. Me too.

  She steps back and scans my face for a moment. I’ve said little but Rosie has mentioned Daniel and Bella’s names numerous times since we arrived back. I know she can see the nervous excitement that’s rising up within me, which is barely containable.

  Dad is next and he whispers in my ear, ‘Have some fun, Leah. And we’ll take good care of our girl.’

  As I set off I wonder if this trip is going to feel different, knowing it could end up breaking my heart. Or making me the happiest woman alive. But it doesn’t and I feel no guilt whatsoever at surprising Daniel, as I need to see his initial reaction. I know Rosie is going to be fine and the thought of seeing Daniel again is exhilarating because no matter what reservations I have, hope is something I’m tenuously holding onto like a lifeline. But it will be a long day, that’s for sure, and with a two-hour wait at Frankfurt I probably won’t arrive at the villa until sometime after 6 p.m.

  Thanos said that if Daniel isn’t there, to give him a call and Iliana is only minutes away. The thought of having to sit around waiting for Daniel to return if he’s out for the evening is agony, but that might be the price I have to pay.

  ~

  My taxi is late but the driver is very apologetic indeed, explaining that an accident caused a lot of congestion on the way to the airport. His English is extremely good but he doesn’t say a lot on the journey and I’m too nervous to make polite conversation for the sake of it.

  It’s so good to be back. Watching the scenery whizzing past the car window transports me back to that day when Rosie and I had our first glimpses of Athens. I had no idea it would cast a spell over us, for that’s what it did. Even working holidays are very enjoyable but Athens was extra special and that’s not something you can engineer.

  The air conditioner is blasting out in the car and already I’m glad of it. I long to step under a cool shower and wash away the dust and grime of the day. At long last the car draws up in front of the gated access to the villa and the driver presses the buzzer. My stomach begins to perform little somersaults, which is ridiculous as I can’t even be sure that Daniel is going to be there to greet me. But as I step out from the car and the front door opens, there he is – staring at me, as if he can’t believe what he’s seeing. But it’s swiftly followed by a smile that rings true. He’s clearly delighted to see me and I utter a silent prayer of thanks.

  ‘Welcome back stranger. I had no idea you were coming.’ he says, stepping forward to give me a hearty, welcoming hug. It’s so good to be in his arms again that my legs almost buckle beneath me. The smell and feel of him is comforting and my heart is pounding in my chest.

  It leaves me speechless, so I ease myself away from him to turn back around and hand the driver his tip.

  The driver gives me a nod and deposits my suitcase on the doorstep, which Daniel immediately picks up as he ushers me inside. It gives me enough time to compose myself, take a few discreet deep breaths and think of an appropriate opener.

  ‘It seems unreal to be back here again so soon but I have to re-take the photos. I’ve had to drop everything to get this sorted as I don’t want to let Thanos down.’ It sounds convincing, even to my own ears but that’s the difference between something that’s based on the truth and a total lie.

  ‘Well, I haven’t seen him since I arrived back after my little trip. The dig has unearthed a very rare find indeed and it’s put me behind on the preparation for my handover.’ Daniel throws the words over his shoulder as he leads me up the sweeping staircase. ‘You have no idea how wonderful it is to see you, Leah.’ There is excitement in his voice but also a hint of shocked disbelief. All I can think about it why he couldn’t have found a few minutes to text me? And if the discovery is that big a deal then I’m rather disappointed he didn’t want to share his good news with me.

  ‘George Emmet is here still but I can’t remember if you bumped into him on your first trip. He’s an old friend of mine and we’ve done quite a few digs together. Are you too tired to eat? Iliana was here this morning and has prepared a large dish of moussaka. If that’s too heavy for you I can put together a quick salad.’

  Daniel must be nervous because he hasn’t stopped chatting. He pauses at last, placing my suitcase inside the door to the master suite. I know I look crumpled and hot, and I’m so nervous I’m finding it hard to know what to say. Daniel is looking at me expectantly.

  ‘How’s Bella’s ankle?’

  ‘Much better, thank you. It was a pretty bad sprain, though. Tricia said it was painful for about a week after she was able to put her full weight on it, but you know what kids are like, nothing stops them for long.’

  ‘Good. Right. Um … maybe a shower and a change of clothes would make me feel a little less travel-weary. Give me half an hour?’

  ‘Absolutely,’ he says but doesn’t move.

  After a few seconds he grins. ‘Right. See you out on the terrace whenever you are ready. Red or white wine?’

  ‘Surprise me,’ I reply, hoping that this is going to be a night of surprises. If that is indeed the case, it’s already off to a flying start.

  As he exits, closing the door behind him, I grab my phone to text Harrison.

  OMG – I’m with Daniel and he’s nervous!!! He’s been busy with the dig, some big find
apparently. I can’t believe I’m actually back at the villa, or that I’m doing this. Off to shower. Wish me luck!

  By the time I’m slipping into one of my strappy little dresses and about to turn my attention to putting up my hair, Harrison has responded.

  Tell him you missed him. That’s an order. If you don’t have the courage to say anything else at all you MUST, repeat MUST say those words. No regrets on this trip, whatever happens.

  I close my eyes and exhale sharply, feeling like a nervous teenager all over again. I’m conscious Daniel is waiting downstairs and I quickly twist my curls up off my neck and fasten them in place with a large clip. A little touch of mascara and a swipe with a lip gloss wand will have to do tonight. A pair of crystal, pearl drop earrings adds a little something and I finish off with a spray of perfume; I’m not too dissatisfied. This is about as good as it gets and I want Daniel to see I’ve made an effort for him.

  As I descend the stairs the house is quiet and I assume Daniel is in the garden. However, when I walk into the open plan area, the state of the usually clear, pristine work surfaces and uniform doors hiding probably every appliance you could ever wish for, gives me a shock. Daniel looks hot and bothered and there’s stuff absolutely everywhere.

  ‘What on earth are you doing?’ I can’t help asking. Is he preparing for a party?

  ‘Making a bit of a mistake and I’m afraid Iliana is going to be most upset. I thought I’d do a starter to impress you. Saganaki is deep fried cheese drizzled with honey and a salad on the side. It’s not difficult so I have no idea how I’ve managed to make so much mess.’

  He looks around in dismay. Every single item he’s used is out on the counter top and instead of putting things back, he keeps adding to the chaos. Half of the unit doors are open and it’s in total disarray.

  ‘The moussaka is in the oven, though,’ he offers hopefully.

  ‘Okay. You finish off what you’re doing and I’ll start tidying up. Good idea?’

  He grins at me sheepishly. ‘If you don’t mind.’

  I gather up an armful of salad items, returning them to the larder fridge. Then I hunt around to find the right home for an assortment of things he seems to have used in his cheese dish. There are several different types of dried herbs, some flour and an open packet of crisps. I raise an eyebrow. Did he use those as well?

  ‘Oh, um … that was my snack. I haven’t eaten all day.’

  I try to keep my face composed as I turn, looking for the sink. I don’t want him to think I’m mocking his efforts. His rumpled frustration is just adorable and it’s hard to keep my hands to myself.

  ‘I need to wash this top down. Point me in the right direction.’

  Daniel spins around to look at me as I stand, poised with some kitchen towel clutched in my wayward hands to keep them occupied.

  ‘Press the button on the floor with your foot.’

  As I do, part of the countertop swings up to form a backsplash and reveals an inset, double sink.

  ‘Clever. I like it.’

  By the time Daniel has finished with the deep fryer, I place the individual salads and the pot of honey on a tray he has ready and waiting. He scoops the slices of cooked cheese onto the two plates, satisfying himself it looks presentable.

  ‘It looks a lot tidier now, thanks to you. I’m not very competent in the kitchen and I’m afraid it shows.’

  ‘I’ll buff up the worktops once dinner is over. Iliana won’t suspect a thing.’

  Daniel carries the tray out and I follow with a bottle of wine and two glasses.

  ‘When is George due back?’ I ask, wondering if he’ll be joining us for the main course.

  ‘Not until late, if at all tonight. He’s at a birthday party for one of our colleagues.’

  ‘And you missed the celebrations?’ I look at him quizzically.

  ‘I wasn’t in the mood to party. Too much going on inside my head at the moment, I’m afraid.’

  Daniel places the tray on the table and I take a seat, buzzing with happiness.

  As he drizzles the honey over the hot cheese I take a moment to look around, remembering the last time I was here. Tonight, it’s much cooler, but pleasantly so and the air isn’t quite so stifling as it had been.

  ‘There’s a lovely little breeze going tonight,’ I comment, inhaling deeply to savour the smell of the sweet jasmine in the air around us.

  At last he’s ready to sit down.

  ‘Please, don’t wait. This is a dish best eaten when it’s still warm.’

  I’ve never had fried cheese before and I’m curious. I’m not sure I like the idea of it, if I’m honest, but after the lengths he’s gone to, I should at least give it a try.

  It’s a total revelation. ‘Hmm … that’s wonderful with the honey. It doesn’t taste fried, does it? It could be baked. And it’s called saganaki? That sounds Japanese.’

  Daniel is busy pouring wine and hasn’t touched his plate yet. I pop another piece of delicious cheese into my mouth and lay down my fork, putting my elbows on the table and resting my chin on my upturned hands.

  He’s gone from chatting nonstop, to suddenly clamming up.

  ‘I’m glad to be back.’ I throw out the words to see his reaction.

  Daniel doesn’t respond but hands me a glass, his eyes not wavering from mine. I lower my arms, wondering if I’d been trying to create a little barrier between us. Self-preservation, maybe.

  ‘And I’m glad you’re here. I meant what I said when we parted last time.’

  I sit back, cradling the glass in my hands, recalling his comment that ‘it wouldn’t be like this forever but he wasn’t quite there yet?’ Suddenly, the words that are going around and around inside my head slip softly from my lips. ‘I missed you.’

  Daniel sets his own glass down, running a hand through his shoulder-length hair to scoop it back from his face.

  ‘After I arrived back at the villa it took me a while to settle into my routine. You kept creeping into my thoughts and I had to keep pushing you away. I have a job to finish off here and loose ends to tie up. I knew you’d understand that.’

  It’s worrying that he feels he has to explain. The devil on my shoulder wonders if he’s simply making excuses. Thirteen days with no contact at all after a solitary text isn’t exactly reassuring.

  ‘Of course.’ Reluctantly I lower my eyes, feeling a nuance of tension growing between us.

  He picks up his fork and begins eating. ‘It’s not bad, even if I do say so myself.’

  I am hungry and even though my nerves are on edge, it doesn’t dull my appetite. Sitting here, alone together, sharing a meal is like living in a dream.

  When the plates are empty Daniel loads up the tray to take the dishes inside. When he returns he has a large candle in a glass holder. He places it to the side of the table and lights the wick.

  ‘Twenty more minutes for the moussaka. Time for you to tell me your plans. How long are you here for? I bet Rosie wanted to accompany you. This must have really upset your workload.’

  ‘Hey, Daniel. I’m back early. It was tiny party food and I’m still starving. What’s cooking? Oh, you didn’t say you were expecting company.’

  I assume this is George but he seems to have appeared out of nowhere. A moment of something akin to resignation flashes over Daniel’s face before he recovers enough to introduce us. I shake hands with George and he leans in to kiss my cheek, leaving Daniel to look on with a hint of annoyance. Is he cross because George has walked in on our dinner, or because he’s acting so friendly towards me?

  ‘I’m not interrupting anything, am I?’ George asks, looking from one to the other of us.

  We both shake our heads, plastering on awkward smiles. Daniel heads off to the kitchen to grab an extra glass while George engages me in conversation about the awful music people play at parties.

  ‘It doesn’t matter what country you’re in, or who you are with. It’s like re-runs of the Eurovision Song Contest. Man, there’s plenty of
good music out there and they choose the stuff they play in elevators.’

  I think it’s going to be a long evening.

  A Goodnight Kiss

  George is quite a character and we have been laughing all evening as he regales us with tales of some of his riskier pursuits. He’s a bit of an adrenalin junkie by the sound of it and he is totally oblivious to the candid looks passing between Daniel and me.

  Ironically, instead of retracting into his shell it’s making Daniel even bolder. On several occasions, he purposely engineers a reason to walk around to my side of the table. He seems to be constantly topping up my drink, even though I’m merely taking the odd sip, and each time he lingers by me. I’m flattered by the way he takes every opportunity to either place a hand on my shoulder or brush his fingers against my arm. In the end, we are openly giggling about it, but it doesn’t seem to stem George’s flow at all.

  It’s well after midnight when George eventually stands, quite abruptly, having drunk most of the contents of the two empty wine bottles on the table and says goodnight.

  He isn’t even totally out of earshot before Daniel leans in to say, ‘I thought he’d never run out of steam.’

  I burst out laughing, nervous energy now coursing around my body. I’ve never felt more awake or more alive than I do right now.

  ‘I’m sorry. There’s so much we need to discuss now we have the chance and I had no idea he even intended coming back here tonight. George is great company but he’s a party animal at heart and he doesn’t do quiet dinners. I know you are here for a specific reason and you have a lot to do tomorrow, but can I help in any way? If you need to retrace your steps I can be your guide and we can maybe claw back a little time to…’

  He hesitates and even in the moonlight I can see he’s buzzing just as much as I am.

  ‘… pick up where we left off?’ I suggest.

  He nods. It’s obvious that neither of us is referring to the sex – this is about all the things that were left unsaid.

  ‘My biggest fear is being lied to because of what Antonio put me through. I realise with hindsight that I never really knew him at all and that’s a scary thought. I have to be sure you understand that I won’t settle for less than total honesty, even if it’s painful.’ I know Harrison would be proud of me for saying out loud the words that are going through my mind.