by Lacey London
‘Where do you think they’re going?’ I say to Janie, who is standing behind us with glassy eyes as the limo purrs away from the building. ‘Any guesses?’
Seemingly frozen to the spot, Janie blinks a few times before inhaling deeply and smiling.
‘I have a pretty good idea…’
Chapter 18
Carefully making my way along the shabby stone steps, I hold on to the wall to steady myself and wince as a sharp shard pricks my hand. The old paintwork has peeled due to many years of being subjected to the sun’s glare, making it feel rough beneath my palm as I follow Janie down the ancient stairway. I can almost see the heat rising from the cobbled path, which is shielded on both sides by old white buildings. Just like the last five days, the sun has burnt through any clouds that dared to cross its path and as a result, we are being treated to a sheet of pure blue sky.
Resting my hands on my hips as we arrive at the bottom, I walk a few metres to the right and discover that we’re in an old fishing harbour. An array of quaint shops and quirky cafes line the pavement, each one offering traditional souvenirs, locally-made wine and cute keepsakes. Colourful canopies provide shade for the many locals and tourists, who are enjoying themselves in the morning sun. Elderly men are happily playing cards, a smattering of women leisurely browse the stalls and groups of families are chatting over lunch.
‘Are you sure this is the place?’ Gina asks, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. ‘Why would Stelios bring Oliver here?’
Stopping to say hello to a friendly stallholder, Janie points to the crumbling buildings up on the hill behind us.
‘This is where Stelios grew up.’ She explains. ‘He lived right there, in that apartment. The second window to the left.’
Stepping back, I squint through my sunglasses and look up at the white apartment block we have just walked past. The tired structure has seen better days and the overgrown bushes around it make the tattered exterior appear even more neglected.
‘Are you sure?’ Vernon replies sceptically, frowning as he studies the building closely. ‘I thought Stelios was born into his riches?’
‘You gotta be kidding me.’ Shaking her head, Janie slowly makes her way along the harbour. ‘Stelios had it rough as a boy. His father was always off with other women and Konni tried her hardest to make ends meet, but it wasn’t easy. Far from it. At just twelve years old, Stelios would go fishing in this very port. Along with a neighbour, he would take a whole bunch of bait and not return until he had enough for dinner. He barely had an education, never mind a full stomach. Stelios and his brother didn’t know what money was until their twenties when they went into business together. It’s been a long hard road for both of them. Rags to riches just doesn’t cover it.’
Stopping outside a picturesque bakery, I feel a lump form in my throat. Stelios isn’t a delusional billionaire with no idea of the meaning of life. He’s a boy from a disadvantaged family who miraculously managed to claw his way to the top. He shouldn’t be judged for his incredible success, he should be praised for it.
‘I had no idea.’ I mumble in complete shock. ‘I really didn’t.’
‘Me neither.’ Kicking off her sandals, Gina quickly puts them back on again when she realises the floor is too hot to walk on. ‘I presumed he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.’
‘Well, you were wrong to presume.’ Janie replies, heading for a strip of golden sand by the water. ‘If you would have taken the time to ask Stelios about his upbringing, he would have been happy to tell you. Happy to tell you and happy that you were interested enough to ask…’
Gina’s cheeks flush as we fall into an embarrassed silence. Janie’s right. Instead of getting to know Stelios and welcoming him into our circle, all four of them greedily accepted his gifts without caring about the motive behind them. And I am no better. I might not have revelled in his generosity, but I judged him all the same.
Absorbing the humiliation that I quite rightly deserve, I stop to look at a tiny souvenir stall as the others walk on. Various trinkets and ornaments twinkle back at me and I study them carefully. From creative fridge magnets to bracelets as blue as the ocean, there’s something here for everyone, well, everyone except Noah. His request for a unicorn comes rushing back to me and I give the rack one last glance before continuing on my way.
‘Can I help you?’ A cheery voice asks behind me.
Looking back, I spot an elderly lady stepping out from behind the counter.
‘I was just looking for a gift for my son.’ I explain, taking a few steps back towards the stall. ‘He’s asked for a unicorn.’
‘A unicorn?’ Twirling around the rack of souvenirs, the helpful lady holds up her hand and disappears behind a sheer curtain.
Keeping one eye on the others to ensure I don’t get left behind, I smile as the stallholder returns with a tiny bottle.
‘I don’t have any unicorns, but I do have this…’ She says eagerly, holding out the glass bottle.
‘What is it?’ Turning it over in my hands, I marvel at the multicoloured grains.
‘It’s Unicorn Dust. You make a wish and throw a pinch over your shoulder. Dreams do come true, if only we wish hard enough.’ Leaning in closer, she whispers into my ear. ‘But between you and me, it’s coloured sand from right here in Mykonos.’
Grinning happily, I reach into my bag for my purse. ‘We could all use a little Unicorn Dust from time to time. I’ll take it.’
Quickly stuffing the cash into her pouch, the stallholder passes me some change and shakes my hand. ‘Thank you. Enjoy Mykonos!’
Smiling back at her, I tip a few grains of the bright sand into my palm and throw them over my shoulder before rushing after the others.
With the harbour becoming increasingly busy, it takes me good a few minutes to locate the others by the edge of the water. While the rest of the gang take photos in front of the idyllic backdrop, I follow Janie’s lead in taking a seat on the sand. Sunshine sparkles on the surface of the ocean, almost sending me into a hypnotic state as I allow my eyes to relax and watch the many fishing boats bobbing around in the bay.
This quaint fishing village is a world away from Stelios’s luxury mansion, but it’s a million times more beautiful. The true essence of Mykonos is all around us and unlike the palatial villa, it is actually being enjoyed for what it is. There’s no pretentious food, there are no flash cars or rich men in suits talking about making yet more money. It simply does what it says on the tin and for that, I absolutely adore it.
‘While we are waiting, I have something I would like to say.’ Gina suddenly declares, as the others tire of their photo shoot and collapse onto the ground. ‘And I don’t want any of you, especially you, Marc, to say anything before I finish.’
Shuffling around so that I can see Gina’s face without being blinded by the sun, I cross my legs and get comfortable.
‘I have decided… to stay in Mykonos and before you all laugh or tell me I have end-of-holiday blues, I have put a lot of thought into this.’ Smacking her lips together, Gina paces up and down by the water’s edge. ‘Travel is good for the soul, we all know that, but this trip has reminded me just how much I love it. I’ve had a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach for a long time now, longer than I can care to remember, but I’ve never quite been able to determine the cause of it. However, just five days on this beautiful island have made it crystal clear. It was wanderlust. Wanderlust is what has been making me feel so… unsettled. I need to spread my wings one final time. I need to believe this isn’t the end for me…’
‘One final time? The end?’ Marc repeats, almost angrily. ‘What the hell are you talking about? Are you sick? Do you need to lie down?’
‘No, I am not sick, Marc.’ Laughing lightly, Gina offers him a hand to help him to his feet. ‘I knew you would react like this, but that’s okay, because I’ve had a chance to process things and you haven’t. With a little time, you will come to the same conclusion I have.’
Gapi
ng at Gina, I try to work out if she’s joking. You would think that I’ve known her long enough to know when she’s kidding, but something about her expression is throwing me off. She looks delirious, high on life and dare I say it, a little manic.
‘Have you had a bump on the head?’ Widening his eyes, Marc looks at Gina like she has lost her mind. ‘Because if you have, we need to get you checked out.’
‘No! I have simply come to the realisation that this is what I want.’ She exclaims, keeping her crazed smile firmly in place. ‘It would be incredible for us as a family. Just think about it. This could be like Australia all over again. We could have a new adventure. The kids could wake up to this every single day. They could learn another culture and experience a different way of life that would enrich their souls.’
Suddenly realising she might actually be serious, I glance over at Lianna and give her a nudge.
‘Gina, we own a fantastic apartment in one of the best cities in the world. We have no money worries and a fabulous business.’ Marc takes a step towards her and stuffs his hands into his pockets. ‘Our life is amazing just as it is.’
‘I know all that.’ Bending down, Gina grabs a handful of sand and lets it fall through her fingers like confetti. ‘But is that really enough for you?’
‘What the… yes, of course, it is enough for me!’ Marc cries, sounding completely flabbergasted. ‘Gina, you’re starting to freak me out. Where is this coming from?’
Looking out over the water, Gina shrugs her shoulders. Her dark hair billows in the breeze as we all watch her silhouette against the stunning backdrop.
‘I’m scared, Marc.’ She whispers, in a voice so quiet I can barely hear her. ‘I’m absolutely petrified.’
‘Petrified about what?’ Despite the vast amount of colour he has gained this week, Marc’s face pales to a deathly shade of white. ‘What is it? Tell me!’
‘I’m going to… I’m going to be…’ Gina’s voice trails off into a series of sobs as Marc wraps his arms around her protectively.
‘Going to be what?’ He asks desperately. ‘Whatever it is, we can work through it together. It’s going to be okay.’
Bawling loudly, Gina wipes her face and turns her back to the wind.
‘I’m going to be… forty.’ She wails, spitting the word forty out like it’s poisonous.
I knew it! I bloody knew it! I told anyone who would listen that Gina was on the verge of a midlife crisis, but no one believed me. No one took me seriously and yet here we are, witnessing Gina announce her plans to throw down her anchor in Mykonos and become a Greek gypsy.
‘You can’t be serious?’ Holding her at arm’s length, a slight smile plays on Marc’s lips. ‘Is that really what this is about? You’re afraid of being forty?’
Howling like a baby, Gina nods and wipes her wet cheeks.
‘Gina! You really had me going there!’ Marc laughs and visibly breathes a sigh of relief. ‘Why didn’t you say you were having a midlife crisis?’
Hearing the m word, Gina’s tears come to an abrupt stop. ‘Because I am not having a midlife crisis.’
‘Are you kidding me? You just told me you were doing a Shirley Valentine and staying in Mykonos!’ Marc lets out a laugh and despite her best efforts to stop it, Gina joins in. ‘Forty isn’t a big deal. Age is just a number…’
‘That’s easy for you to say.’ Gina replies haughtily. ‘You’re years away from the dreaded forty.’
‘Forty is the new thirty!’ Marc protests. ‘Your forties are going to be the best years of your life. We are in a better position now than we ever have been. The last ten years have been great, but the next ten are going to truly amazing. You don’t want to run away from it, believe me. You want to embrace it, because there is so much more to look forward to than what we leave behind.’
Holding her head in her hands, Gina, rests her chin on Marc’s chest. ‘I just don’t want you to think I’m past it.’
‘Past it?’ Marc repeats, cupping her face in his hands. ‘Gina, you keep me on my toes every single day of the week. Each morning I wake up excited about what you will do to make me smile next. You might be a few years ahead of me in the numbers game, but inside, you might as well be twenty-one.’
‘Really?’ Gina looks at Marc as though that’s the most romantic thing she’s ever heard. ‘Do you really mean that?’
‘Of course, I mean it!’ He confirms, causing Gina to break into a smile. ‘So, does that mean we can stay in London?’
Nodding enthusiastically, Gina reaches up and kisses Marc on the lips as the rest of us whoop and cheer at their happy reunion.
‘Oh, I do love a happy ending!’ Lianna trills, pulling Marc and Gina down onto the sand next to her. ‘You guys are adorable.’
The words happy and ending cause my stomach to flip as I’m reminded why we’re here. They say that every story has a happy ending if you stop in the right place, but life isn’t a fairy tale and happily ever after isn’t guaranteed for anyone. All we can do is hope, pray and keep believing that everything happens for a reason…
Chapter 19
Glancing at my watch, I drop down the straps on my camisole and yawn into the back of my hand. We have been sitting in the fishing port for at least an hour, but there’s still no sign of them. Despite the fact that time is running out for Stelios and his two-hour ultimatum, the mood in the group is surprisingly chipper. Well, it’s chipper for everyone but Janie. Staring straight ahead as the rest of the gang sunbathes around her, she looks totally and completely lost.
‘Janie, where exactly do you think Oliver and Stelios are?’ I ask, shuffling closer to her.
Picking up a smooth pebble, Janie holds it to her chest and shrugs. ‘To be honest, I don’t really know. They could be here, they could be somewhere I’ve never even thought of, but if I know Stelios like I think I know Stelios, he will be here, eventually.’
Nodding along, I cross my legs and study her face closely. ‘You didn’t mean what you said last night, did you? Because we all say things when we’re upset. It doesn’t mean we believe them. You should hear the things I say to Oliver when I’m upset…’
Dropping the pebble into the sand, Janie shakes her head. ‘I wish I could say that I didn’t, but I meant every word.’
Replying with a sad smile, I make an attempt at steering the conversation to a different topic. Janie has made her decision. There’s no point in dwelling on it now. What will be, will be.
‘So, we leave for the airport in a matter of hours. It could be your final chance to tell me what your tattoo from Stelios means.’
Twisting her leg to reveal the inking, Janie runs her fingers over the tattoo fondly. ‘Let’s just say it was an offer.’
‘An offer?’ I reply, frowning at the tattoo. ‘An offer of what?’
‘A proposition.’ Clearly choosing her words carefully, Janie purses her lips. ‘A suggestion, an intention, a… proposal.’
‘A proposal?’ The word hits me like a bullet as I stare at Janie dumfounded. ‘A proposal? Does that mean…’
Before I can finish my sentence, Vernon jumps up and whistles loudly.
‘There they are!’ He yells, pointing over the water. ‘Oliver! Over here!’
Scrambling to my feet, I follow his finger and wave my arms around to get their attention. In a tiny fishing boat, which has seen many, many better days, Stelios and Oliver are using a pair of tatty oars to manoeuvre the boat back to shore. They’re pretty far away, but I can see quite clearly that Oliver has a toasty forehead from being in the sun without sunscreen. Where the hell have they been? There’s nothing but water as far as the eye can see. Unless they’ve been sitting in the middle of the ocean, I fail to see what they could possibly have been doing.
Waiting until they are merely a few metres away from us, Oliver and Stelios jump out of the boat and push it up onto the sand. Not daring to breathe a word, I try to assess their faces for a clue as to how this impromptu fishing trip went. Both of them appear comp
letely deadpan as they come to a stop in front of us, neither giving anything away.
‘Well?’ Janie asks, clasping her hands together in front of her. ‘How did it go?’
The air is thick with tension as Stelios slowly holds out his hand and waits to see if Oliver takes it. Silently willing him on, I bite my lip as Oliver looks down at Stelios’s outstretched hand. His brow is furrowed into a frown, causing Stelios’s stern expression to waver. Just as I am losing hope and mentally booking Janie a seat on the plane home, Oliver takes Stelios’s hand in his and shakes it firmly.
‘It turns out he’s not that bad after all.’ Oliver says with a grin, clapping Stelios on the back. ‘I’m not ready to call him dad just yet, but he’ll do, for now…’
Running across the sand, Janie envelopes Oliver in a huge bear hug. Not wanting to ruin this moment for them, I step to the side and give Stelios the thumbs-up.
‘What did you say to him?’ I whisper, stumbling backwards as he embraces me warmly. ‘How did you make him change his mind?’
‘I simply showed him the real me.’ Blinking back tears as he motions around the harbour, Stelios sighs heavily. ‘This is the real me. This is who I am. Stelios Agapetos Christopoulos, is made of all of this.’
Smiling at the emotion in his voice, I beam brightly as Janie and Oliver re-join us.
‘You were, right, Clara. I do not need the people and the many vehicles or the big house. Well, maybe the big house, but things have become… out of control.’ Using his hands to emphasise his point, Stelios continues with his speech. ‘I remember a time where all I desired was food in my stomach. I was so happy when I first paid my bills and still had money in my pocket. Very happy. I haven’t been that happy since. All the things I thought I needed, I do not, and this is what I have realised.’
Finally stopping for breath, Stelios takes my hands in his and squeezes them tightly.
