“I’m not alone,” I insisted. “Plus, I’m an adult.
The silence told me she was struggling with the decision.
“Send me pictures of everywhere you go,” she finally said. “And I want twice daily check-ins—not just texts. Voice calls.”
“Of course.”
“Let me talk to Kat now.”
My stomach dropped. “She’s... out with her parents. But I’ll tell her you said hi.”
“Hmm.” Mom’s skepticism was palpable. “Your voice sounds different.”
“I’m tired. It’s been a stressful day.” At least that wasn’t a lie.
“Alright,” she conceded reluctantly. “I’ll send the documents now and the money later. But if I don’t hear from you every day, I’m on the first flight to Athens.”
“I promise I’ll call. Thanks, Mom. Love you.”
“Love you too, baby. Be careful.”
I ended the call and collapsed onto the window seat. For the first time in my life, I’d successfully lied to my mother.
My chest felt tight with guilt, but what choice did I have? If she knew the truth, she’d never let me travel without her again.
Later that afternoon, as sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the Christakis study, I faced a fresh challenge.
“Let me make sure I understand,” I said, choosing my words with care. “You want me to stay in Greece for the summer... to work for your family?”
“Yes.” Santo’s voice held no hesitation.
When he’d invited me to the study after supper, I’d wondered if he wanted me alone to continue what we’d started in his car earlier. I’d been debating how I’d respond if he kissed me again. A job offer hadn’t even crossed my mind.
He explained that through Kayla and Konstantin’s marriage, his family had regained conditional ownership of their island, Thalassía. The buildings there were ancient, long neglected, and they needed someone to breathe life back into them.
“But I just graduated,” I replied. “The ink on my degree hasn’t even dried. I haven’t worked in the field yet.”
“All the more reason,” he said, leaning against a bookshelf filled with leather-bound volumes. “You gain experience by doing. Theestate hasn’t been touched in thirty years. My family wants someone who respects the architecture but can make it livable again.”
I stared at him, still trying to make sense of it all. “You’re not offering me this job because you think it’ll gain you access to what’s inside my panties, are you?”
He smirked, eyes darkening. “Without the job offer, me getting into your panties is inevitable, Tia.” His cockiness was breathtaking. “At least this way, you get to do something you love while doing something you’ll enjoy.” He winked.
My mouth dropped open at his boldness, the air suddenly thick between us. “This is completely inappropriate. You’re not helping your case.”
He sighed, his expression sobering. “I convinced my father to give you the contract,” he added. “The way you spoke during the tour made you the perfect candidate.”
After everything that had happened here—the fight with Kat, the night on the road—I just wanted to go home. I wanted normal, safe, familiar and my mom. Greece had nothing left for me.
“I can’t,” I said.
“You can,” he answered softly. Then he told me what they were willing to pay.
I nearly choked. A quick mental conversion told me it was what seasoned architects earned back home. People with years of experience.
I narrowed my eyes. “Why?”
He seemed to understand my suspicion. “I want to make up for what Katalina did.”
