I placed my hands on the desk where labor contracts, facility safety reports, and proposed wage structures lay across my desk. “What kind of problem?”
He dropped into the chair across from my desk, radiating frustration. “Yiayia. She’s not just insisting Tia and I sleep in separate bedrooms, she’s moved Tia into her suite. Her suite, Father. As if Tia needs a chaperone.”
The corner of my mouth twitched despite my attempt to keep a straight face.
Chrysanthos’ eyes narrowed. “You think this is funny?”
“I think,” I said carefully, “that your grandmother is remarkably consistent.”
“Consistent?” Chrysanthos leaned forward, voice rising. “We’re getting married in eight weeks. But apparently under her roof, we’re to behave like virginal teenagers awaiting our wedding night.”
This time I couldn’t suppress the smile. “Your mother and I went through precisely the same thing with her.”
“Really?”
“When Lydia and I were engaged, your grandmother insisted she stay in her suite. Under her watchful eye.” I leaned back in my chair. “Your mother found it charming. I found it maddening.”
“What did you do?”
“I married her as quickly as she’d allow.” I met my son’s gaze. “Which, if I recall, you’re already planning to do.”
Chrysanthos slumped back in his chair. “Eight weeks feels like forever.”
“It will pass.” I paused, considering. “Though I suppose there are... practical solutions to your immediate problem.”
His attention sharpened. “Such as?”
“Have you considered that Tia might prefer to stay on Thalassía while the renovations are taking place?”
Understanding dawned slowly across Chrysanthos’s face. “The cottage...”
“Which you repaired this past summer, if I recall correctly. Fully equipped. Bedroom, kitchen, everything you two would need to live comfortably.” I met his eyes. “And completely private.”
The grin that spread across his face was pure relief. “That’s brilliant.”
“Your grandmother can hardly object to Tia staying where her work is located.”
Chrysanthos stood abruptly. “I’m going to find Tia now. Thank you, Father.”
He was halfway to the door when he stopped, turning back. “And thank you for working things out with Deanna. She’s really protective of Tia and wants our day to be perfect.”
Before I could respond, he was gone. I stared at the closed door while Chrysanthos’s words echoed in the silence.
Hearing Dede’s voice again had been pure torture. She had fought me on the wedding costs, but I offered a compromise that let her keep her pride.
She agreed to handle the bride and her wedding party’s attire, though the reluctance in her tone was clear.
Near the end, I asked if she was well. She told me she was fine, but I knew it was a lie.
I loosened my tie, then tightened it again.
“Mr. Christakis.” Phoibe entered my office, tablet in hand, heels clicking against marble. “The Thessaloniki contracts are ready for your signature.”
I glanced at my watch. “Leave them on my desk. I’ll review them this afternoon.”
She crossed the room, coming around to my side of the desk. Her perfume filled the space between us. “Here you go.”
I took the papers without moving my chair back. This was my building. I wouldn’t be the one to retreat. “Anything else?”
