THIRTY-ONE
The faint throb at my temples was a telltale sign of too many glasses of wine and not enough water last night. Sophie and I had stayed out far later than planned, hopping from the jazz bar to a tiny hidden speakeasy she’d insisted I had to see. My head protested, but I couldn’t bring myself to regret it. The laughter, the stories, the electric energy of the night—it had been worth every sip and every late hour.
Shaking off the heaviness, I turned to my suitcase, determined to focus on the next leg of my journey. Santorini awaited, the Greek islands calling to me with promises of stunning views and new adventures. I folded my dresses and tucked away souvenirs, reflecting on the whirlwind of Italy: the food, the breathtaking landscapes, the moments with Luca that left my heart racing, and even the late-night antics with Sophie.
A knock on the door broke my thoughts, and expected Luca. I knew it wasn’t him, but I wanted it to be. I have watched to many RomComs. When I opened it, Sophie stood there, sunglasses perched on her head and an unapologetic grin on her face.
“You look like you could use coffee,”
she teased, holding out a to-go cup.
“You don’t look much better,”
I shot back, taking the cup with a grateful smile.
“I don’t have to. I just have to survive until three,”
she said, leaning against the doorframe. Her expression softened as she glanced at my half-packed suitcase. “You ready for your next adventure?”
“Almost,”
I said, sipping the coffee and savoring its warmth. “Though I’ll miss this place—and you, of course.”
“Obviously, I’m very missable”
she said, tossing her hair dramatically before smirking. “But seriously, Charlie, Santorini is going to blow your mind. Just don’t forget about us little people while you’re off being fabulous.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Never.”
She pulled me into a quick hug before stepping back. “Go make some more memories. And promise me you’ll keep me updated on all the Greek adventures—and Luca.”
I groaned, rolling my eyes but smiling all the same. “You’re relentless.”
“And proud of it,”
she said, waving as she walked away heading to work the concierge.
With my headache fading and my excitement growing, I finished packing, double-checking my itinerary. Santorini wasn’t just another destination—it was the next step, the next story waiting to unfold. As I zipped up my suitcase and took one last look at the room, I felt the pull again.
Italy had been a dream, but something about Greece felt like destiny.
The flight was smooth, and I arrived in Santorini feeling the heat of the sun wrap around me as soon as I stepped off the plane. My transfer to the hotel was seamless, and as I approached my accommodation, I could already feel the luxury seep through the air. The hotel was everything I had imagined and more—Canaves Oia Suites & Spa. Perched above the caldera, this boutique hotel was a quiet sanctuary from the hustle of the island.
The whitewashed walls of the hotel gleamed under the afternoon sun, and the scent of lavender and fresh citrus filled the air as I walked through the arched entrance. The reception area was understated but elegant, with sleek marble floors that reflected the soft golden light from the sun, and the faint hum of calming music playing in the background.
My suite was even more stunning. The curved lines and minimalistic design created a sense of openness, and the view—oh, the view—was breathtaking. My terrace looked out over the deep blue Aegean Sea, with the white and blue domes of the iconic Santorini buildings dotting the landscape below. The soft breeze from the ocean carried the salty tang of the sea, mixing with the floral scent of nearby jasmine. The sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow across the plush linens on the bed, and the private infinity pool outside looked like it melted into the horizon.
This was it. The kind of place that felt perfect for my business—luxurious, intimate, and offering experiences that would feel exclusive and tailored to the kinds of clients I worked with. This place was perfection. I could already envision the types of events and retreats that could take place here, the unforgettable moments guests would have surrounded by this natural beauty.
After I settled in, I grabbed my phone and made the first call of the day—my mother. I dialed her number, and her familiar voice filled the line as she picked up. We talked about all the food and wine, my new plans to expand Elysian Experiences to Paris, her move to that area, and of course, the family. I kept my tone light, but I could sense her excitement about my adventure. It felt good to check in with her.
After hanging up with her, I went out on the balcony. I felt like I was in an out-of-body experience. This place was perfection, and I couldn’t wait to spend the next week here.
I snapped a picture of the view and one looking into the room to send a quick text to Lena.
Me: You won’t believe this place. Can’t wait for you to see it tomorrow. It’s like a dream.
I sent a quick one to Luca—not sure why I felt the need to do it, but I did. I kind of regretted it afterwards because I didn’t want to seem like a clinger or I was missing him. Even if I did.
Me: Just arrived in Santorini. This place is unbelievable. Hope you’re having a great day!
With some time to myself, I decided to explore the town. Much like in Amalfi, the narrow, winding streets were filled with charming shops, cafes, and vibrant flowers, except here, it all played against the stark white buildings. It was almost unbearable to leave each view behind as I moved along. I stopped for an espresso at a cozy little café, enjoying the rich, refreshing flavor as I watched the world go by.
I found a delightful bakery and couldn’t resist picking up a few local pastries. The aromas of freshly baked bread and sweets filled the air, making my mouth water. Every step I took revealed more of the town’s magic, from hidden courtyards to panoramic viewpoints that took my breath away.
In the late afternoon, I stopped for a quick bite. I enjoyed a glass of Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried Assyrtiko and Aidani grapes grown on the island’s volcanic soil. Known for its rich amber color and flavors of dried fruit, honey, and spices, Vinsanto is a celebrated product of Santorini and is often enjoyed as a post-dinner treat. It pairs beautifully with local desserts or cheese. I enjoyed it with a plate of meats and cheese, and it did pair perfectly.
I returned to the hotel, ready to go to bed early. I felt like I could stay in this one room forever and be perfectly content. Santorini had already captured my heart in a way I hadn’t anticipated.
Back in my suite, I unpacked, arranging my belongings with care. Stepping onto the balcony, I let the setting sun’s golden light wash over the sea and felt a rare sense of peace—whole and grounded in a way I hadn’t in years. I wasn’t dissecting what went wrong with Michael anymore. That chapter was closed, and I had truly moved on. Now, the real work was forgiving myself—for settling for so little, for not demanding more. I knew now that I wanted someone who craved life as deeply as I did. Maybe my person was out there, or maybe they weren’t. Either way, I realized, I was enough.
I prepped another text to Luca:
Me: This place is almost too perfect. The limoncello might be better, but I will have to sample more. It’s for research.
I stared at my phone, my thumb hovering over the screen like sending a second text would somehow change everything. The first one had been easy—something light, a playful follow-up about tonight. Casual. Fun. Exactly what this was supposed to be. But the second text? That felt different. It wasn’t logistics or banter—it was me reaching out, closing the space between us.
I set my phone down and stepped onto the balcony, letting the warm Santorini breeze wrap around me. The sun was dipping low, painting the buildings in soft golds and pinks, and for a moment, I reminded myself why I was here. This was supposed to be vacation fun, a break from my structured life back in New York. And it was fun. Luca had been unexpected, a spark I hadn’t seen coming but wasn’t about to ignore.
Still, I couldn’t shake the question lingering in my mind: Was seeing him again keeping things casual, or was I inching into something more?
I sipped my drink, staring out at the endless sea. This is what I wanted, wasn’t it? To let go, to live in the moment, to feel something without overanalyzing it. I wasn’t delusional—I knew how this ended. In a week, I’d be back to the life I’d built for myself, the life I loved. Luca wasn’t part of that, and he didn’t have to be. He was part of it in the business aspect, but a very small part. I worked with clients, built relationships, and hardly ever crossed paths with them after the initial meeting phase. And it would be Gia that coordinated the events, parties and tours.
And that was okay. Gia was great. I looked forward to seeing and talking with her as the relationship grew. She was a strong female ally to have in this male driven business world.
If this trip had taught me anything, it was that not everything needed a grand plan. Some moments just existed to remind you how good it feels to be alive. Luca was one of those moments—a brilliant, fleeting spark I didn’t need to hold onto to appreciate.
I picked up my phone again, reread the message, and hit send. Whatever this was, I could handle it. It didn’t have to mean more than it did. I wasn’t complicating things, just letting myself enjoy the ride. For once, I was okay with that.
I studied my view with the vibrant flowers against the bleach-white buildings. Just stunning. It was basically a fairytale. Every single wedding should be here, I thought. It should be a rule. Nothing compares. Everything is shit compared to this place. Someday, if I ever got married, it would be here. It seemed magical.
Lena texted me:
Lena: You’d be proud. I’m packed and ready.
Lena: I will text from the airport.
Me: Can’t wait to see you!!!
That night, I relaxed on the balcony, the sound of the sea a soothing backdrop. I couldn’t believe how perfect everything was. I knew I’d definitely be back here soon. The vibrant colors, the friendly locals, the incredible food—everything was just right.
Lena: Boarding now! Get ready
Tomorrow, Lena would arrive, and we’d have four days of uninterrupted fun. I smiled, feeling content and grateful for this moment. Life was good, and I was ready to embrace every bit of it.
Luca: Long day! Can’t stop thinking about you…