Page 77 of A Grecian Getaway

Caroline: So, have you two been going at it like bunnies?

Claire: Caroline!

Noelle: Um, he hasn’t been cleared yet from the doctor. But even if he had, I don’t kiss and tell.

Caroline: Well, someone needs to. I need to live vicariously through somebody. Did I tell you about the hot guy where I work?

Claire: Is this the hot one from freshman year that you...?

Caroline: Yes, the same one. He says he is always ready for a repeat. But do you think I want anything to do with him? No. Do you know why?

Noelle: I think I can take a guess.

Caroline: One word. And it starts with an N. And ends with never gonna happen.

Claire: Oh, Caroline, I just know things are going to work out, eventually. Niko will come around. He is just slow to the finish line.

Caroline: Slow to the finish line? I can’t even get him to start the race!

Noelle: Maybe something will happen at Christmas. Are you and your families still planning to stop by my parents’ for dinner Christmas night? It’s tradition! I know I won’t be there, but my parents will want you guys there.

Claire: We are! I wouldn’t miss your mom’s delicious food and the Toloupos Christmas.

Caroline: Yes. But it will not be easy, even if it is tradition.

Noelle: Give everyone a kiss for me. I’ll miss you all.

Caroline: I would love to give a kiss to one particular Toloupos. But I imagine that’s not what you meant.

Noelle: *rolling eye emoji

Claire: Don’t worry, I’ll keep her in line.

Caroline: Line, there’s a line? I don’t believe in lines.

Noelle: We know, Caroline. Love you both! Gotta go. The taxi is almost to Demetri’s.

Claire: Bye! Love you too!

Caroline: *kissing face emoji

Noelle put her phone in her purse and grabbed some money for the taxi driver. The car came to a stop and Noelle paid for her fare. A woman was walking down the dock. Noelle recognized her immediately. She clenched her fists as she headed towards Athena.What in the world is she doing here?

Athena disdainfully looked Noelle up and down. “Darling, I am surprised to see you here.”

Noelle smiled sweetly and continued walking. “I could say the same to you. I don’t think the police would be too happy.”

Athena followed her down the dock. “You do not know what you are talking about. And you are too late, darling. Did you really think a man like Demetriwould wait for a child like you when he can be satisfied by a woman like me? I have taken care of his needs today. While you were gone to America, I took care of Demetri. Your inadequate services are no longer needed. Go back home.”

Noelle stopped and turned to face Athena. “So you really don’t know I’ve been taking care of him since you tried to run him down? You need to leave right now. I’m going to call the police.”

“You will not. You don’t even speak Greek. How will you call them? Stupid American woman.” Athena started ranting in Greek.

Noelle refused to let this woman get under her skin.She is seriously nuts. And full of it. Demetri would never cheat on me. There is no doubt in my mind he cares for me.“You are a liar. I don’t doubt Demetri. We care about each other. You can delude yourself into thinking otherwise. But you won’t fool me. You are a pathetic woman. I actually feel sorry for you. When will you give up and realize he doesn’t want you?”

“You stupid little bitch!” barked Athena as she lunged for Noelle.

Demetri walked out of his boat just as Athena pushed Noelle off the dock. As Noelle was falling, she grabbed Athena’s hand and pulled her into the water with her, both making an enormous splash. They thrashed around, Athena yanking and clawing at Noelle. Noelle swatted at Athena’s hand, causing her own palm to sting. She shivered in the cold and deep water.

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