7. Chapter Seven
Chapter Seven
With my husband’s consent, I settle more comfortably on the bed and reach for my phone, opening my Instagram to check for any updates on his feed.
Turns out, I'm in luck. His latest story on the upcoming motocross festival was posted almost twenty minutes ago. So, I type in my message and hit send, hoping he’s still on.
Me
Hey, how are things going? I was hoping you’d be back by now. Is everything okay?
His response comes a minute later and I smile, happy to have found him online and available.
Nikos
Yes. Well, almost. Things are not going as planned. How about you? How are things at work?
Me
The group left five-star reviews and said they’d return next year. The blonde also left you an envelope and said to tell you you were an exceptional host and she looks forward to seeing you again. Those were her exact words.
Nikos
I see. I made quite an impression on her, huh?
Me
Well, you can’t blame her. How are you holding up? Is your wife treating you any better?
Nikos
Soon to be ex-wife, yes. And, no, she doesn’t. The court’s not over yet, the lawyers decided to go on a strike and I have to get back again. It’s a shitshow, to be honest, Lisa. She keeps bombarding me with messages and calls about how she thinks I’m unfit to run the hotel and that we’re bound for foreclosure if we don’t act while it’s still early.
Me
So, I’m guessing she still insists on buying you out of the hotel?
Nikos
Yes, she does. To be honest, I have no idea how all this is going to go or how long she’s going to be dragging me to court. Can we please talk about something else? How’s your husband? Everything back to normal between you two? I remember you telling me you were having some issues in our last chat.
Me
Yeah, everything's back to normal. We're good. Thanks for asking.
Nikos
Good to hear. So, what's up?
Me
Not much. I have my driver’s license test coming up tomorrow and I’m just antsy, you know? I guess I've been wanting to talk to a friend.
Nikos
Well, you know you can always talk to me. You’re going to do great. Don’t worry about it.
Me
I hope so, but I’m not so sure. The bicycle’s good but not very helpful during a heatwave.
Nikos
Why do I feel like your nerves aren’t due to your driver’s license test? What's wrong? Has something happened at the hotel you’re not telling me about?
Me
No, not at all. Everything is fine at work.
Nikos
But? What happened, Lisa?
Me
Nothing happened. Can't I just have a meltdown and not have everyone make a fuss about it?
Nikos
You had a meltdown? When was this?
Me
Last week, on my birthday. I was a mess.
Nikos
Damn. I missed that. Your birthday, I mean, not the meltdown. What happened?
Me
I was washing the dishes and I started crying and shouting at Tom about how we never do anything exciting anymore. Things had been kind of rough lately with my mom going in and out of the hospital for her heart condition. My sister can’t be there for her because she’s facing difficulties with her pregnancy and the doctors won’t allow her to travel out of state. Top that off with Tom not being on speaking terms with his brother, then add in our latest fall-out, it all kept piling up and I just exploded.
Nikos
I’m sorry to hear that, sweetie. How are things now?
Me
It's just a tad better. But I just feel it, you know? Getting older. Dealing with all the drama, it sucks the life out of you. I feel it in my bones. I used to be able to run around all day, every day. Now, even riding a bike to and from work seems like a strenuous activity.
Nikos
I think everyone feels that way from time to time, Lisa. Plus, if you ask me, you’re looking damn fine. I think women only get better with age. You know, experience-wise.
Me
Thanks, boss. I have no problem with saying my age. I just turned forty-six. Crap, that even sounds old:((
Nikos
I turned fifty-one in March. That sucks worse, trust me. Is your mother doing better?
Me
Yes. She's being monitored by her physician and she's doing a lot better with the new medication.
Nikos
Good. You need to take things easy. If you need to stay off work for a few days, I have no issue. I'll be back by tomorrow morning and you can take some time off. We’re not expecting another group at the moment so, it should be pretty lax until the wedding reception.
Me
That’s so sweet, Nikos. I’m fine, really. I just wanted to share it with someone other than Tom, you know? Someone I trust.
Nikos
You know you can tell me anything. I’ll never betray your trust.
Me
Thanks. I guess. I’m sorry for laying my burdens on you. You're just so easy to talk to. Am I keeping you from something? It’s late.
Nikos
I’m in bed, Lisa. I have no plans for tonight whatsoever. And you already know how much I enjoy chatting with you.
Me
I was hoping you’d say that. I have been thinking of you lately, Nikos. I missed you.
Nikos
If I didn’t know you better, I’d say you’re flirting with me, Lisa. Aside from the fact that I’m your boss and you’re married, I’d like to think I’m a decent guy. Let’s not fuck this up.