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“Jordan Maria Demetriou!” He slams his mug onto the saucer, then starts yelling in Greek. “Theó mou!” and a string of words I don’t even try to translate.

“Pappoús. Pappoús!”

He stands, hands flying up in defeat.

Great.

I lean back and cross my legs, lifting a brow. Pappoús is known for his blowups, but he never stays mad, especially not at me. One constant I have in my favor.

I pull out my phone and start scrolling as he storms off, muttering gibberish I don’t understand but probably should.

He’ll be back.

I have a text from Alley.

And one from Matt.

Alley

Hey, friend. It’s been way too long! How are you? I saw Matt last week. He said you two have been hanging out… Does that mean what I think it means?

I huff out a soft laugh.

Another reason I’ve been avoiding everyone. The moment they hear Matt and I are “friends” again, it can only mean one thing.

Except this time, it doesn’t.

Still… I can’t blame them.

Hi! I’ve been really good. How are you? How’s that baby boy growing? Yes, Matt. But no, just friends this time. I know… uncharted territory here!

I swipe out of that text and go to Matt’s.

Matt

I need a date for Saturday night. PLEASE. Don’t make me go with anyone who isn’t you. I almost fell asleep at the last one, and you know that wouldn’t be good for my image. Or the endangered species. Do it for them.

I shake my head, grinning before I even realize it.

Then he sends a picture of a koala bear with a sad face.

You really going to manipulate me with adorable animal photos?

Matt

You bet your ass I am.

I’m that desperate.

And pathetic, I might add. Are koalas really endangered?

Matt

I have no fucking clue. But they’re cute and they deserve the best. And if I make it through the whole night (happy and drinking) you know I’ll throw money at those damn animals like I’m at a strip club.

I laugh out loud just as Pappoús comes striding back into the living room. He stops in front of me, holding out his hand, a check pinched between his thumb and forefinger.

I look up. His face is calm, eyes soft. Then my gaze drops to the check, and my stomach flips.