Page 72 of About Love and Revenge

From the firstmoment she set foot in the apartment, Zoe mademe feel completely at ease. I was a little intimidated because Odin had said that she was atop model, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. But I quickly discovered that Zoe is one of the simplest people I've ever met.

It felt like she was the one welcoming me intoherhome.

I've never experienced a bond with a woman other than my mother, since my sisters never gave a shit about me, and I'm glad I may have found a friend.

From what she’s told me, I can tell she's been through a lot.

“You're Greek like them."

"Yes, I am."

“But you speak English very well."

“Actually, I'm half Greek, half English. We grew up hearing both languages, and now I'm grateful for that because it's given me the opportunity to work here in the United States."

“You said that Odin was your first relationship. Don't get me wrong, but when I met him at my wedding, I never imagined he'd stick with anyone. He always seemed to be the loner type."

I study the beautiful woman who sports a pregnant belly. Zoe is very observant. And she is right: anyone who looks at Odin would think the same.

“I think he is. What we have is nothing serious. Probably just sex."

“But you are living together."

“It's temporary, believe me. I only came here because I had some problems."

“I don't want to interfere, Elina, but if you ever need anything, just give me a call. I've lived in a relationship that didn't work out, and while I'm not saying that's the case for you, I want you to know that you're not alone. It must be very difficult to start your life as an adult in a foreign country. Don't you miss home?"

“If you're talking about family, no. After being away for almost a month, I realize that even though I lived with them, I had no real connection to them. I really miss my horses, though. I love to ride."

"Are you serious? We have several horses on our property in North Carolina. We could arrange for you to visit us."

"Do you really mean that, or are you just being nice?"

“I'm serious, Elina. You are welcome to stay in our house any time you want."

“I would love to, then."I feel my heart race at the prospect of riding again. I've never been away from horses for so long. “I had four there on our island, but my favorite was theFulcano."

She frowns and asks, "Do you mean Volcano?"

“That's what I said."

"No, you saidFulcano."

I feel a tremor of panic run through my body.I was so relaxed that I got careless.

I clasp my hands and can't speak. I'm usually very careful with every word I say. I've trained myself for years not to make mistakes, especially around my father and his guests, but now I've just demonstrated my flaw to a stranger.

“I think we'd better go back to the living room,” I say, pronouncing the sentence slowly as I normally do.

"Do you have dyslexia?"

The question leaves me speechless.

Is there a name for the way I've always confused letters and numbers?

"I don't know what you're talking about."I take a step back, putting some distance between us.

“One of my cousins is dyslexic. She changes the letters of some words. I noticed that you speak very slowly. Is that the reason why?"

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