41. Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-One
Needless to say, it took me a while to calm Tom down after the confrontation with Nikos but I have. After that, Nikos and I don’t see or talk to each other at all. Maria told me he's staying in his townhouse for the final arrangements of the divorce proceedings and only comes to the hotel on my days off.
And so, those last days of August drag on for what seems an eternity.
By mid-September, the hotel is almost empty and I can’t stop thinking about everything that’s happened. I’m miserable and too upset not to do anything about it. When I’ve decided that I can’t bear this radio silence a second longer, I grab my phone and text him.
Me
So, are we going to talk again or what?
I hit send, then stare at my phone.
No answer. And he’s read the message.
Damn him.
A cool breeze blows in from the open doors, ruffling the curtains and I think back to our night together on the beach.
You should have never asked me to do this.
That’s what he said.
I remember now.
Me
Will you answer me, please? I know you have read my message.
I hit send again, hoping he’ll take pity on me and put me out of my misery. A few minutes later, I see his message on my screen.
Nikos
I can’t talk right now, Lisa. I’ll catch you later.
Me
You left without even leaving a decent note.
Nikos
You’re mad?
Me
Yes. I am mad. I’ve been mad since I read that damn note you left on my cigarettes. Why didn’t you contact me?
Nikos
Because I made a promise to your husband, Lisa. That’s fucking why. And I won’t break it. Because I fucking want you and I can’t stop thinking about you. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, I can’t concentrate on anything. You’ve played your little game and now you’re playing me.
Me
It’s really over, isn’t it?
Nikos
You shouldn’t be surprised. You got what you wanted and I can’t complain, now, can I? I already told you that you shouldn’t have asked me to do this. I was a fool for going along with it.
Me
I’m so sorry, Nikos. I am.
Nikos
I know you are. I’m not. I already knew what I was going into, you’ve made that abundantly clear.
Me
I’m going to look for another job. Just wanted to let you know.
Nikos
You don’t have to. Katerina and I reached an agreement; I’m selling out my half of the hotel to her and I’ll move to the townhouse. I’m already packing.
Me
You’re going to move to Mytilene? What about the hotel?
Nikos
She knows how to run it much better than I do.
Me
One more reason for me to leave. I’m not going to work for a boss like her. Not knowing how she treated you.
Nikos
Suit yourself. I’ve arranged to move out by the end of the month, just so you know. I might be seeing you at work till then although you should know I’ll try to avoid it.
Me
I’m going to miss you, Nikos.
Nikos
I’ll miss you, too, Lisa. This was inevitable, you know. I never expected to fall in love with you, but I did.
Me
I feel terrible:((
Nikos
Don’t. I’ll be fine. I’ll find something to keep me busy, now that the dust has settled.
Me
Still friends?
Nikos
Still friends. We made some beautiful memories this summer, didn’t we?
Me
I will treasure them for as long as I live, Nikos. Thank you for being more than I could have asked for.
Nikos
Glad I could be of service, sweetie. I got to go, okay?
Me
I guess I’ll see you at work. Maybe?
Nikos
Maybe. Please forgive me if I try to avoid bumping into you.
Me
I will. Promise.
Nikos
Take care.