Chapter 54
SIDARI
‘This is a joke, right?’ Stathis exclaimed as Kostas pushed open the wire gate that enclosed this sports court.
It was the only thing separating it from the patchy earth and grass parking area on the main road through this holiday resort around forty minutes from Avlaki.
There were a few concrete courts used for tennis, volleyball and basketball but they weren’t in the best condition.
‘I told you to dress casual,’ Kostas said. ‘And why do you think we stopped on the way to buy a ball?’
He bounced the ball in his hands onto the concrete, slow then fast, one hand then the other, around his legs, like it was automatic. The same as the court, the ball was not the best, but you worked with what you had. And now he was sounding like his grandmother.
‘You want me to play?’ Stathis exclaimed. ‘Kosta, it would be far better if I walk to the beach, find some local kids and you have a game with them. Another perfect, “unplanned” photo opportunity speaking of all the good you are going to do on the island.’
He nodded. ‘Yes, perhaps after we have played each other. Because we need to talk.’ He moved onto the court, still bouncing.
‘And we could do that, over there. Look, a very nice café called Fast and Tasty.’
‘Come on, Stathi, you have got old.’
‘I do not deny it.’
‘Well, I am your client, and you have to do what I ask,’ Kostas reminded him.
‘Not if it means I could have a heart attack.’
‘You might if you do not take off that jacket and roll up the sleeves of your shirt.’
Kostas headed off with the ball, charging down the court until he got close to the end and then he shot, scoring off the backboard. Not bad. He collected the ball again and looked back to his advisor.
‘Talk quickly,’ Stathis said, removing his jacket, folding it and placing it neatly on the ground. ‘So my chances of tachycardia are reduced.’
Kostas tossed him the ball. ‘I will give you the chance for a head start.’
Stathis caught the ball and began to bounce. ‘I feel I am at a disadvantage with my shoes.’
‘You always dress for business. It is impeccable.’
‘Is that sarcasm?’
‘You know where business gets done?’ Kostas asked him. ‘Not inside the pockets of your Ralph Lauren suit.’
‘No?’
‘Sometimes it gets done in a treehouse,’ he said. ‘Now move with that ball or I’m just going to take it from you.’
Stathis span and began running down the court with the ball, already panting in the heat of the sun. ‘Talk.’
‘I want to change the project,’ Kostas said without prelude.
‘OK…’
‘You do not sound so surprised,’ Kostas said.
‘Well, it has been getting more elaborate from the stage of conception, so nothing surprises me,’ Stathis said, still in control of the ball.
‘No?’ Kostas weaved in front of him, trying to put him off.
‘But remember, if it’s a big change then we are going to need to talk to the planning guy again. I mean, he has to get these things passed and he’s not a miracle worker.’
Stathis was so open with his play and so off balance. Kostas struck, swiping the ball away from him and racing back up the court.
‘Hey!’ Stathis exclaimed. ‘You have to give me a chance! I did not play for my school, let alone my country!’
‘Catch me up,’ Kostas called. ‘It is good for you.’
He slowed his pace a little, waited until Stathis was nearer to him before he spoke again.
‘I am not going ahead with the project.’
‘Very funny,’ Stathis said. ‘I am not going to be fooled into being distracted, you know.’
Kostas smiled. ‘Ha! Well, I’m being serious.’
‘Of course you are,’ Stathis said, trying to get the ball away from Kostas but not having the best success.
He really didn’t believe him. Kostas stopped bouncing the ball, tossed it from palm to palm and then he threw it to Stathis.
‘I am being serious,’ Kostas repeated assuredly.
Stathis caught the ball and stopped, just staring at Kostas like he was speaking in a language he didn’t understand. ‘What?’
‘You said that nothing surprises you,’ Kostas remarked. ‘But you look surprised.’
‘I still don’t know if I believe you,’ Stathis said. ‘Is this some kind of trick? To test my reaction?’
‘No,’ Kostas said, quieter. ‘I mean it.’
Stathis still seemed bewildered and he shook his head. ‘But you were so adamant this was what you wanted to do.’
‘Yes, I know.’
‘And although I had my reservations, the idea is sound, the concept is original and making money from the people with money is always going to be a solid investment and I think—’
‘I think that although I thought I was making my decisions from a place of authenticity,’ Kostas began, ‘those decisions were based on rocky foundations.’
‘Oh?’
‘Yeah.’
‘Is there anything I should know about?’
Kostas immediately shook his head but then he thought a bit harder.
It was easier to say no, to keep his emotions buried, but Stathis was the person who managed so much of his life, including the image in the public domain.
He knew things sometimes had to be spun to achieve the best outcome, but there was a difference between enhancing the truth and leaking lies.
‘I found out some things about my father,’ Kostas told him. ‘Right now, I need to sit with what it is and let it sink in, you know? But there will be a time when we should talk about it and perhaps… talk about it with the press.’
‘You are OK?’ Stathis asked, sounding as concerned as Kostas had ever heard him sound.
‘Yeah,’ Kostas said, managing a nod. ‘I’m OK. But we need to talk about a different idea I have had.’
Stathis dropped the ball to the court, sweat beading on his forehead. ‘Maybe this is going to give me the coronary incident, not the playing.’
‘Let’s find out,’ Kostas suggested. ‘And maybe, after I have told you and beaten you at the game, we can get a drink at this Fast and Tasty place.’
‘OK, shoot,’ Stathis said.
And with that, Kostas picked the ball up off the concrete, turned and faced the net and in one quick, smooth motion, he scored a basket just like that.