Page 21 of A Grecian Getaway

“Hello.” She sat down and no one answered. “Hellooo?”

“Yassas, Noelle? This is Demetri. I was wondering if you were busy this evening? I would like to take you out to discuss a few things.”

Oh… Demetri! Discuss some things? Discuss what? How you’re hot and cold and can’t make up your mind?She paced back and forth beside the bed. Noelle didn’t know what to do. She wanted to see him, but she was frustrated.

Claire pointed to Noelle and shook her head. “She’s pacing. This can’t be good.”

Caroline shrugged her shoulders.

“Are you there, Noelle?” asked Demetri when she didn’t answer.

“We’re going on a sightseeing cruise around the island tonight. I’m not sure when I’ll be back. But I might be able to meet you afterwards if it isn’t too late,” Noelle replied.

“The cruises are usually over around nine. Tell me which company you are using, and I will pick you up at their dock.”

She contemplated his suggestion while looking at her friends, who were currently shaking their heads at her and mouthing “no.” They had already told her to forget him. He wasn’t worth the heartache. But she couldn’t let go. She wanted to see him. They didn’t understand the way he made her feel. She grabbed the brochure from the table and told him the name of the company. “See you then.” When she hung up the phone, Caroline and Claire gave her questioning looks.

“What? He wants to talk. It’ll be fine. I’m fine. Let’s go.”

“Just be cautious. Don’t let him play with your head… or any other part of you unless you want him to,” Caroline patted Noelle’s head.

Claire and Noelle both called out at the same time. “Caroline!”

“I’m just saying….” Caroline reached for her lip gloss.

“What do you think he wants to talk about?” Claire grabbed her bag and opened the door.

“I have absolutely no idea. That man is a puzzle to me, a handsome puzzle but one I can’t quite figure out yet.” Noelle followed the girls out the door.

“Do you plan on touching a few pieces… you know, of his puzzle?” Caroline laughed and ran out the door as Claire ran after her to slap her arm.

Noelle closed the door and followed them. “To quote the great Phoebe Buffet, I don’t even have apla—”

***

Snorkeling turned out to be fun. They got to see lots of ocean life up close and personal, a little too personal to their liking. Tassos, one of the guides, brought out spiny creatures after his dive and shared them with the guests.

“I can’t believe Tassos offered us those things like they were chocolate!” said Claire back at the hotel as they recalled the day’s excursion.

“I know! It was still moving! Delicacy or not, I draw the line there. I have no problem when a certain something moves in my mouth. But this was too far, even for me!” Caroline giggled.

“Oh, gross, Caroline!” Noelle shook her head.

Claire slapped Caroline’s arm.

“Ouch!” Caroline rubbed her arm and pointed to Claire. “That one was a little too hard, missy. Watch it!” She directed her attention to Noelle. “You’ll see what I mean one day.” She stepped away from Claire’s flying hand. “Anyway… you, my friend, look smoking hot! Demetri is going to flip when he sees you in that little black dress. I still think meeting him isn’t a good idea, but it’s your decision. And you can drive him wild with what he is missing.”

“You do look beautiful, Noelle. I hope Demetri has a good reason for wanting to meet you.” Claire smiled at Noelle and grabbed her clutch.

Noelle checked herself one last time in the mirror before following the girls out the door. She smiled with satisfaction as she inspected her bun. Humidity would make her hair crazy and the bun held it in place. Anxious about meeting Demetri, but also determined not to let that man get under her skin, she was still excited to see him again. At least she was having a good hair day. A good hair day had to be a sign.

***

The cruise was lovely. They sailed around a side of the island they hadn’t seen. The moonlight cast a luminous glow over the whitewashed buildings and stone ruins. Noelle basked in the surrounding beauty and temporarily put aside her thoughts of Demetri. Time slipped by quickly and the boat cruise was ending. They saw some gorgeous views, sea life, and met new people from various parts of the world. As the boat pulled into the dock, Noelle could see Demetri waiting for her by a fabulous car. Her body warmed, her heart raced, and she squeezed the railing in anticipation of what was to come. She couldn’t help but lick her lips at the sight of him. He was a glorious sight to behold.

Claire and Caroline laughed.

Noelle gave them both a sharp look. “What?”

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