Chapter 33
I almost don’t want Dimitri to take me to the airport as I hate goodbyes and it is especially hard this time.
I’m packing the last things into my case, when Phoebe calls in to tell me that Eliza will be allowed home in a couple of days, on the premise that she will be looked after.
‘I have a key. I have been to tidy her home, and I will make casserole for her return. And then I buy her a pet camel.’
‘What? Oh yes, that sounds nice.’
‘You do not hear a word I say. What would she do with a camel?’
‘I’m sorry, Phoebe.’ I flop down onto the couch and sigh. ‘It’s just for the first time, I am really not looking forward to going home today.’
‘You have been hit by the Cupid’s arrow,’ she says, sitting down beside me.
‘I’m afraid I have.’ I relive the passionate evening we shared together that was everything I imagined it would be.
‘Why are you afraid?’
‘Oh, I don’t know. I have tried to just relax and see what happens in the future, but I really have fallen for Dimitri. I never expected any of this to happen.’
‘We find love in unexpected places. It is destiny.’
‘Do you believe that?’
‘I do. Love will find a way if it is meant to be,’ she says firmly.
‘Maybe you’re right. And he did say he would come and visit me over the winter months.’
‘He did? Then he must be a man in love.’
When Phoebe leaves, I sit with my own thoughts while I wait. I’m expecting Dimitri in a few hours; I have a night flight and he is working on the boat. But I almost cancel my flight and stay here. I have enough money to live on, and it is a much simpler life over here. I pull myself together then, as in reality my inheritance would soon run out and there is barely enough work here for the locals, so finding a job would probably be difficult. And as much as I can work from home sometimes with my current job, I still need to be in the office sometimes.
I also think of my family. My parents are not getting any younger, and there is also the fact that my brother and little George will soon be moving closer to us. Could I really turn my back on everything for a life here? Maybe I ought to count my blessings, as at least I can travel here as often as is possible and see what happens in the future. I think of Josh’s words and how he said I ought to seek my own happiness, and not just be concerned with helping others find theirs.
He’s right, of course. But sometimes it’s easier to see what your loved ones need. Figuring out your own happiness is a whole different thing.
A few hours later, Dimitri walks through the door and takes me in his arms and kisses me.
‘You do know you are making it so difficult for me to leave,’ I tell him, when I finally come up for air.
‘Then stay for the summer. Come and work on the boats with me.’ He snuggles my neck.
Maybe if I was ten years younger I would, and enjoy one long, heady summer without a care in the world, spending evenings on the beach drinking beer and making new friends. But I have job and a flat back home.
‘It’s a nice idea but it’s not that easy,’ I say reluctantly.
Why do we always meet the right person at the wrong time in our life? But then again, love will always find a way, if it is meant to be.
‘Then I will count down the days until I see you again. When exactly will that be?’ he says, circling his arms around my waist.
‘Hopefully next month. I can maybe fly over some weekends, and work from here on Mondays.’
‘Will that not be very costly for you?’ He frowns.
‘I can afford it,’ I reassure him. ‘I am paid well, and I also have some money left in the bank from my inheritance.’
‘I feel bad that I cannot come to England during the summer, but I am far too busy here,’ Dimitri explains.
‘Please, don’t worry. I look forward to welcoming you when the season finishes, if you really mean you will come to England.’
‘Try stopping me.’
He pulls me closer then, and kisses me, leaving me breathless once more.
‘When do we need to leave for the airport?’ he whispers in my ear.
‘In around an hour.’
‘Perfect,’ he says, before taking me by the hand and leading me upstairs.
And I can only pray that I am doing the right thing, and not opening myself up to the possibility of having my heart shattered into a thousand tiny pieces.