“It’s nice to meet you,” I replied.
Santo, however, wasn’t interested in pleasantries. “When did this happen? Is she Michail’s daughter?” He fired the questions in rapid succession. “Does Matthaios know?”
An awkward silence descended as Konstantin and Aristides locked eyes in what appeared to be silent communication. Kayla stood perfectly still while I shifted uncomfortably, feeling like an intruder in a private family drama.
“Perhaps Tia should bring her purchases to her room,” Santo’s father suggested, breaking the tension with a voice that commanded immediate attention. “While a maid shows Kayla to her suite.”
“An excellent suggestion,” Domna agreed quickly.
Aristides’ suggestion was a polite dismissal so the family could have a private discussion. I didn’t mind. If anything, I was grateful for the escape from what was clearly about to become a heated family meeting.
I caught Kayla’s eye as we both turned to leave, sharing a moment of silent understanding between two outsiders in this close-knit family.
“I’ll check on you later,” Santo said. The look in his eyes made my heart skip before he turned back to his family.
Alone in my borrowed room, I pressed my fingers to my lips, the sensation of Santo’s kiss persisting.
I was so in over my head. Like—I came to Greece to find myself... not catch feelings for Kat’s ex.
What would happen after this? When it’s just me again, solo, back in reality? Do I just... pretend I didn’t have a whole Greek soap opera moment?
I unpacked my new purchases, removing tags and placing items in the wardrobe. The normalcy of the task was enough to settle my thoughts.
I pulled out the new phone. It was a newer model than my old phone. Setting it up took only a few minutes, and it was programmed with international calling capabilities.
Settling onto the window seat, I took a deep breath before dialing my mother’s number. I glanced at the time.
Early afternoon here meant late night in the Caribbean. Mom would probably still be awake.
The phone rang twice before her familiar voice answered. “Hello?”
“Mom, it’s me,” I said, relief flooding through me at the sound of her voice.
“Tia? Where have you been? I didn’t get your text last night! I’m booking a trip to Greece! Where are you? Is everything okay? Whose number is this?”
“I’m fine,” I assured her quickly. “But I’ve had to get a new phone. There’s been a... situation.”
“What kind of situation?” Her voice sharpened with maternal concern.
I hesitated, unsure how to explain everything without worrying her. “My purse was stolen at a party. I lost my phone, wallet, everything.”
“Everything?” Mom’s voice rose in alarm.
“My passport too,” I admitted, wincing as I held the phone away from my ear.
“Oh my God! Tia Denise Massey! I knew something like this would happen! Greece isn’t safe. I read about those pickpockets—”
“Mom, please. I just need you to email me a copy of my birth certificate and social security card for the passport application.”
“You need to go to the embassy immediately,” she instructed, her tone shifting to crisis-management mode. “I’ll wire you money right away.”
“I won’t be able to collect it without ID,” I said.
“I’m coming to Greece. I can be there tomorrow.”
“Mom, no!” I tried not to sound panicked. “That’s completely unnecessary. I’m handling it.”
“But you’re all alone, with no identification in a foreign country!”
