Page 16 of A Grecian Getaway

Noelle shook her head in fake disgust. “Okay, fine, but I don’t want to be there.”

By lunchtime, they each found some jewelry and trinkets they couldn’t live without. They grabbed a bite at a quaint restaurant near the sea. They ordered a large traditional Greek horiatiki salad loaded with tomatoes, feta, and kalamata olives and bread on the side, along with a few fun drinks to share. After lunch, the girls walked around and did some more shopping at the various little shops that lined the streets. Noelle couldn’t stop thinking about Demetri, that kiss, or those new feelings she experienced.I wish our night would’ve ended differently.He didn’t ask for my number, and he didn’t mention another date, so it doesn’t look promising.

Caroline slapped her hands together, and both Noelle and Claire jumped. “Ladies, I’ve decided to put Niko out of my mind. Operation Nikolas is officially on hold. There are plenty of eligible men, and I need to stop pining for a guy who doesn’t know I exist outside of being one of his sister’s best friends.”

Noelle rolled her eyes. “Says the girl that just bought him a disgusting bottle opener. And seriously! Can’t you start a conversation like a normal person? You’ve got to stop startling us like that.”

“Why, why do you do that? I swear, one of these days you’re gonna give me a heart attack.” Claire clutched her heart. She took a deep breath. “Okay, now listen to me, Caroline Hunter. You can’t get rid of the plan! The two of you are meant to be! Niko just needs time to get used to the idea. You can’t give up on Operation Nikolas. You’ve had that plan since we were 11! Are you just going to toss it out the window like it's birdseed?” Claire asked as she wavedher arm.

“Calm down, Claire Bear. No one said anything about tossing it away forever, just a hold. I love that you’re a hopeless romantic, but not everyone gets a happy ending. I’m tired of waiting for him to notice me. It has been so long, and nothing’s changed.” She shook her head. “And the bottle opener is a gag gift. Doesn’t count.”

“If you say so,” said Noelle as she looked at Claire. “Twenty bucks says she’s definitely not giving up on Operation Nikolas.”

“You wound me!” Caroline said in her English accent. “Only $20? Does my love life mean so little to you?” Caroline rubbed her fingers together as if she were holding money. “And I’m not giving up forever. Just taking a break.”

“A break? Mmm hmmm. Okay. And $20 is my limit. I have no job and no steady income at the moment. You’re lucky I don’t bet my toenails.” Noelle wiggled her foot towards Caroline.

“Gross! Noelle! You at least have a job prospect. You have the interview coming up after we get back from Greece,” Claire reassured her. “I really want to stay close to home this first year, and I am not finding any available teaching jobs near us. Not that I mind subbing. It’ll be a useful experience. But a full-time job would be better for the bank account and student loans.”

“Something will work out, Claire. I’m sure wherever you teach, you’ll be amazing! I’m just teasing Caroline. Giving her a taste of her own medicine.” Noelle turned to look at Caroline. “Caroline, have you ever actually come out and told my brother how you feel, well, since your drunken 21st birthday serenade?”

Caroline cringed. “Ugh, Don’t remind me. I was so drunk. He would have had to have been blind to not notice the crush I’ve had on him since what, the fifth grade? We’ve had brief moments here and there. And we text sometimes. I thought I caught him looking at me a couple times in a less than sisterly way. But maybe I was just seeing what I wanted to see,” she sighed. “I guess I haven’t exactly told him how I feel straight out. And before you say anything, I know I’m normally the person who doesn’t hold back. But with Niko, I guess I’m a little afraid.”

“Afraid of what?” Claire asked.

“Afraid he won’t reciprocate and then that’s... it. I guess I feel safer just pining and hoping.”

“I don’t think you should give up the plan or pine for him. Just wait and see how things progress. I have a feeling he thinks of you as more than just Noelle’s friend.”

“Wait and see,” Caroline gestured with air quotes. “I have been waiting and seeing for a long time, except for my relationship with Luke. But that wasn’t even a genuine relationship. That was a convenience. It was never love. And even during that time, in the back of my head, I hoped Niko would really see me. I won’t lie. I hoped he’d see I was a grown woman in a relationship and realize he wanted me. But I guess that was wishful thinking,” Caroline said as she looked at a necklace.

“Oh, Caroline. I’m sorry. Men are so freaking annoying, especially my brother!” Noelle patted Caroline’s arm.

“Freaking annoying indeed.” Caroline pursed her lips and put the necklace back on the rack.

Claire put her arm around Caroline. “You know what? Let’s go back to the hotel and get ready for a fun night out. Get our minds off of men.”

Noelle, Claire, and Caroline walked back to the hotel and readied themselves in record time. They headed back out on the town dressed for a night of dancing.

“Well, that was less scary than the driving in Athens,” Caroline said as they stepped out of the taxi. “I don’t know how many times I felt like I could have reached my arm out the window and touched the car next to us in Athens. It’s like the drivers don’t pay attention to lanes or lights.”

“Agreed. I thought Chicago drivers were crazy! Not even close to the level of fear I experience here.” Claire tossed her hair over her shoulder.

“Does my hair look okay? I feel like it’s sticking out all over.” Noelle attempted to smooth down her curls.

Caroline swatted at her hand. “Stop! It’s beautiful! Come on, let’s go inside.”

The club had a large dance floor and two vast bars, and the girls began dancing as soon as they arrived. A live band played both Greek and American music. The heat was sweltering, and the music was loud, but the atmospherewas so fun! It was very crowded too, so it wasn't long before Noelle took a break and grabbed a drink to cool off and get some needed space. She headed to the bar and waited until she could get the bartender’s attention.I wonder what Demetri is doing right now? Is he on another date? Has he thought about me at all?Noelle rolled her eyes and looked at the ceiling.Oh, for pity’s sake. It was a kiss. Just a kiss! I’ve got to stop being so ridiculous. Even so, that was a pretty freaking awesome kiss…

Chapter 13

Ex’s and Ooooooo’s ~Demetri~

“You are thinking about the American girl. You have spent time with many women and they haven’t affected you like this. What is your problem?” Yannis asked Demetri.

Demetri sat in the corner and drank his Metaxa. His friend wasn’t wrong. He was thinking about Noelle again.

Yannis took a swig of his drink and glanced around the bar. A smile crept across his face.

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