I shower and swim in the pool and try my best to put him out of my mind. I wander through the day, between swims and sessions with reading my novel, eating and napping.
Trying to find an equilibrium again after Stef.
Like I’ve lost my heart.
The next two days are quiet. I get calls from Mamma and Freja, Ethan and James to wish me a happy birthday on the second day. I order in baklava and offer some to Mads and my security team in unacknowledged celebration, which does something to ease the relationship between us.
Later that night, I text Stef a sunset photo after a drive with Mads in tow.
Paleokastritsa. I recognize it. Gorgeous. Having fun?
It’s a bit lonely to be honest
I draw in a deep breath. Better out than in, they say. I keep messaging Stef.
What’re you doing?
Just finishing dinner with my family.
Late because we’re Greek
I check my watch. It’s just after 9:00 p.m., which tracks with my knowledge of Greeks. And I’m feeling a little—or a lot—reckless. But I’m also thinking about what Eddie told me. Go after what you want. So I text Stef, holding my breath.
Want some company?
Yes
Want me to meet you and say hello to your family too?
There’s a period of time where Stef types and types. Then there’s a pause. Then more typing. And, eventually, a response chimes.
Yes please
Clearing my throat, I glance over at Mads. “We’re going to Corfu Town. To visit the Greek royals.”
He looks at me in surprise but doesn’t comment, waiting for me while I dress for the occasion. And there’s something light in my chest, hopeful and anxious and excited.
* * *
Nearly an hour later, we’ve pulled up opposite Stef’s family’s flat in Old Town. I pull on my ball hat and sunglasses, even though it’s dark. We made a stop so I could buy a bottle of Greek brandy. With a deep breath and Mads my ever-present shadow, I ring the buzzer. At least Mads steps back.
Stef answers, dressed in my borrowed Balenciaga shirt, gray shorts, and bare feet. He gives me a huge grin. “Happy birthday.”
I blink, taken aback. “How did you…?”
“You have a Wikipedia page, hate to tell you. All the key stats are there.” He tugs off my hat, then my sunglasses. Stef gazes affectionately at me.
“Oh. Right. Silly me.” I smile, my expression softening as I gaze at him, still out on the landing. And trying to wrap my mind around the idea that he’s been looking me up online… because I’ve gone from a public figure to a very public figure.
I hold up the gift bag as an offering.
Stef chuckles. “You didn’t need to bring anything. We should be giving you gifts.”
“Can’t turn up empty-handed to a Greek home. Total scandal. Also, isn’t it Greek custom that the person with the birthday covers the meal and drinks? I know that much. I’ve got at least fifty percent here.”
He laughs. “Well, we generally celebrate name days more than birthdays. The saint’s day where people are named after.”
“Right, okay.”
