“George saw what we were too young to see, as he did with a lot of people in this community. He wasn’t just giving us money; it wasn’t about the money to him. As many of you know, he didn’t care one bit about that. What he was giving us was the life we needed— what he believed we were capable of and what we deserved. Timeo and Maia, I hope you don’t mind, but I believe the toast I’m about to offer goes as much to George tonight as it does to you. You see everyone, his last grand gesture to them was the use of Villa Azure for this reception. His last grand gift to me was… well, I don’t think I could speak to you about that without breaking down.
“‘Before I finish, I need to talk about all of the celebrations we had here on nights much like this. When I think of my childhood, the first thing I remember are those nights. In church they talk about the holy communion. I know this is a horrible thing to say and that my parents are going to feel ashamed, but I’ve never felt religious ecstasy in church. But what I have felt is overwhelming peace and happiness right here, at this very hotel, eating, drinking, and laughing with every single one of you. That’s no accident. George knew we needed each other, and gave us the space for it.’” Everyone smiled and nodded to one another. “I also know that this is probably the last time we’ll have this. It saddens me to no end to think it, but I am thankful for all of the times we did have, and know that whatever the new owners build here will not, in any way compare to what we have right now together at this very moment… and that, in a strange way, makes me happy.’”
The man held up his glass, attempting to swallow his tears, but failing. “‘To Timeo and Maia, may you capture and sustain the love that we Skiathons as a community have grown here and feel for you… and to Mr. George Herod …’” He looked up at the sky, “‘may the heaven you’ve traveled to be as beautiful as the life you gave the rest of us here.’”
Everyone raised their glasses and drank to the young koumbaro’s toast, while Joanna wiped a tear from her eye, unexpectedly overcome by his words.
Nick waited for the applause to die down then took out his phone and texted someone.
Seconds later, a lone firework rose in the sky and exploded over the nighttime waters. All the children rose up from their parents’ laps and ran to the edge for a better view.
“That couldn’t have been timed any better,” Joanna whispered to Nick, eyes glistening. “Are you going to tell them you did it?”
He shook his head.
“Won’t they think you didn’t get them anything though?”
“I got them some sort of glass bowl set they had on their wedding list. A little mystery in people’s lives is a good thing Joanna. They’ll probably think your father did it for them. And that’s OK because it’s exactly like something George would have done.”
“It seems like all the credit should go to you,” Joanna said, as more fireworks rained down from the sky.For everything, she added silently.
Chapter Twenty
“Come,” Nick said then. “Let’s go meet the bride.”
He guided her through the throngs of people to the happy couple who were standing to the side watching the fireworks.
“Maia,” Nick said. “This is Joanna Nelson.”
“Joanna? You are Joanna?” She dislodged herself from her husband and stared intently at Joanna. Then suddenly she embraced her and peppered her cheeks with kisses. “Joanna! My cousin! My American cousin!”
Once again Nick had surprised her.
“What? I have family?” Joanna asked, open mouthed..
“Yes. She is your father’s sister’s daughter. Her mother, Alissa, who is just over there, is your aunt.”
Joanna grinned, amazed. “Why didn’t you tell me I still have family?”
“They were busy with wedding preparations,” he shrugged. “And… I wanted you all to myself.”
I have family …This time, it was Joanna who kissed a stranger on both sides of the cheeks, fulling understanding the impulse to do so now.
Maia cried out in jubilation with her. “We are going to be like sisters, you and I!” her cousin said.
At that moment, Joanna felt like she truly was on the most beautiful place on the planet, and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else ever again.
Much later,Nick kissed Joanna goodnight— not on the cheeks but on the lips. It was on the tip of her tongue to invite him in but they both seemed to know it was a bad idea.
“Tomorrow will you go out to lunch with me?” Nick asked. “I’ll take you for some real lunch. Treat you to a full day in Skiathos before you fly back on Tuesday. Everything will be my treat.”
Joanna’s heart sank again at the mere thought of leaving Skiathos.
Her newly discovered family.
Nick…
“That would be lovely,” she managed to say.
