Page 81 of Beautifully Broken
"Ouch, Dad," Uncle Tony clutches his chest dramatically. "That hurt."
"The truth often does," Nonno replies dryly, turning a page in his book.
I lean back, letting their familiar banter wash over me. This is what I love most about being with them, the easy comfort. Daddy's hand finds mine, intertwining our fingers, while Uncle Tony's arm drapes casually over the back of my seat.
"Six hours to Athens, then the connecting flight to Santorini," Daddy murmurs. "Think you can handle being stuck with us that long?"
"I think I'll manage," I say, tilting my head to look at him. "Though I make no promises about behaving myself."
"God, I hope not," Uncle Tony mutters, making me laugh.
The rest of the flight passes in comfortable conversation and shared looks. Daddy reads over my shoulder as I flip through a travel magazine, pointing out restaurants he wants to try. Uncle Tony dozes fitfully, his head eventually finding its way to my other shoulder. Nonno occasionally shares interesting passages from his book about Byzantine architecture that's probably fascinating to someone who isn't fighting airplane drowsiness.
By the time we land in Athens, I'm buzzing with excitement. The layover is short, just enough time to grab coffee and stretch our legs before boarding the smaller plane to Santorini.
"I can't believe we're actually here," I say as we settle into our seats on the island-hopper flight. The plane is tiny compared to the international flight,and I find myself pressed even closer to Daddy while Uncle Tony and Nonno sit across the narrow aisle.
"Believe it, beautiful," Daddy says, kissing my cheek. "Two weeks of nothing but sun, wine, and each other."
"Don't forget the archaeological sites," Nonno adds. "The island has a fascinating history."
"Of course it does," Uncle Tony groans. "Leave it to Dad to turn a romantic getaway into a history lesson."
"Romance and education aren't mutually exclusive," Nonno comments. "In fact, I'd argue they complement each other beautifully."
"He's got a point," I say, earning a grateful smile from Nonno. "Besides, I love learning new things. Especially when I have such knowledgeable teachers."
The plane begins its descent, and I press my face to the window, eager for my first glimpse of Santorini. The view takes my breath away – white buildings cascading down cliff faces, blue-domed churches, and the most incredible azure water I've ever seen.
"It's beautiful," I whisper, and Daddy leans over to look out the window with me.
"Not as beautiful as you," he says softly, making me blush.
"Smooth talker," I accuse, but I'm smiling.
"He's been working on that line for weeks," Uncle Tony calls from across the aisle. "Practiced it in the mirror and everything."
"I did not—" Daddy starts, but Nonno interrupts.
"Actually, you did. I walked in on you rehearsing it Tuesday morning."
"I hate you all," Daddy mutters, but he's grinning.
Leave it to his brother and father to make him act like he’s a teenager again.
It’s cute, and their teasing means endless entertainment for me.
The plane touches down with barely a bump, and I practically bounce in my seat as we taxi to the small terminal. The Mediterranean sun streams through the windows, warming my skin already.
"Alright, beautiful," Uncle Tony says as we prepare to disembark, "ready for the vacation of a lifetime?"
"More than ready," I reply, standing to retrieve my carry-on. "Though, knowing you three, this is going to be anything but relaxing."
"Relaxation is overrated," Nonno says with a mysterious smile. "Adventure builds character."
“So does sex,” Daddy adds.
We make our way off the plane and through the small airport, our mood light and playful. The warm Greek air hits us as we exit the terminal, and I take a deep breath, feeling the stress of the past few months already beginning to melt away.
