43. Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Three
Two hours later, I’m wearing a different outfit and we’re sitting at a rooftop cafe in Mytilene, all dressed up for Valentine’s Day. Well, night actually, since it’s already well after 7 p.m. The venue is crowded and we barely spot one or two free tables toward the far corner of the room. Tom takes my hand, guiding me there and when we sit down, I sigh with relief.
“I almost thought we wouldn’t find a free table,” I say, rummaging in my purse for a piece of chewing gum to keep me from smoking.
Our drinks arrive a while later and the night seems promising until the second my gaze falls on the man behind the bar on my way to the ladies’ room. He’s put on a few pounds, his buzz cut is gone, giving its place to thick, dark hair slicked back and his usually perfectly groomed 5 o'clock shadow has turned into a full beard, rough and rugged looking but there’s no mistaking him. He smiles when our eyes meet and I walk closer, standing on the other side of the bar across from him.
“Long time no see, gorgeous,” he says, his eyes locked on mine.
“Hey, Nikos,” I grumble, suddenly feeling all flushed and self-conscious. “I almost didn’t recognize you with the beard and all,” I say, my awkwardness rising.
“It’s good to see you, Lisa.” His voice is cool and clipped and I can’t help but notice that there’s a sadness in his eyes I haven’t seen before.
“It’s good to see you, too, Nikos,” I say, watching him as he nods to a couple of his guys who just entered. “So, you work here, now?”
His gaze rakes over me for a fleeting moment, then settles on my eyes. “I sold the townhouse a little after I left Molyvos. It wasn’t much use to me anyway, I couldn’t handle that place all by myself. I put some of the money here, partnering up with an old friend and here I am.”
I nod, smiling. “I see. It looks very cozy. I love the vintage decor and the music is perfect for tonight.”
“Well, it’s all about love tonight, right?”
“Uh-huh.”
I turn around to look at Tom who’s already spotted me.
“Tom’s right there,” I say, pointing with my head and the two men exchange a curt nod but nothing more. There are so many things I’d like to ask him but this isn’t the time or place. “I hope everything’s going better for you.”
He serves a couple of drinks to the young couple sitting to his right and turns to look back at me.
“Not as much as I’d hoped, but I’m good, Lisa. I’m seeing someone. She’s just nothing like you.” His voice trails off, and I’m unsure if I should take that as a compliment.
He fondles his beard, his fingers meshing with the thick, dark hair as memories of his hands and mouth on my body flood my mind.
“I’ve got to go,” I mumble, averting my eyes and looking back at Tom. “You still have my number, I hope. I’ll always be here if you need a friend to talk to.”
“Yes, I do. I’m going to keep it, too, Lisa.”
“I’ve saved that packet of smokes with your note on it, too. You know, for the memories.” I swallow hard, trying to keep the tears I feel brewing behind my eyes at bay and not destroy this night just like I have our relationship. “It was good seeing you tonight, Nikos.”