by Cat Mann
Chapter 5
Swimming Lesson
The next morning, we went next door to Ari’s parent’s house. The sun was shining brightly and the air was soft and warm. Ari unloaded all of the gifts for Lauren’s birthday in a pile in Aggie’s kitchen. Lauren’s eyes grew wide when she saw the surfboard with a great big purple ribbon wrapped around it.
“Oh, my gosh,” she squealed. “Please tell me that’s mine!”
“Happy birthday!” Ari laughed and Lauren ran across the kitchen and threw her arms around him.
“Thank you so much; I love it! Can we go out today? Please?”
Ari scratched the back of his head, “Uhh, I don’t know, Lauren.” He looked over at me questioningly and I could tell he was torn about leaving my side. Sheer disappointment showed on Lauren’s face.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Ari; of course you’ll go,” I spoke up before he could make any excuses.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, absolutely. I’ll be out in a little bit to sit on the beach and fulfill my role as a gaper.”
He stared at me for a minute in thought. “Are you sure?” he repeated.
“She said yes, now let’s go!” Lauren whined before I could respond.
I smiled a reassuring grin and Ari kissed me softly and left to get his board.
Sitting down at the kitchen island, I watched Aggie make Lauren’s birthday cake. The house cleared out quickly as soon as the others found out that Ari and Lauren were going surfing. Even Andy joined in on their fun.
“So, Ava,” Aggie started. “Were you able to find the ‘ribbon drawer?” She teased.
“Yes. That closet’s so over the top, don’t you think? But I love it!”
“Only a bit. Didn’t Ari show you around your own home?”
I frowned. “Yes, Aggie he did. I just don’t remember everything.”
“Oh.” Aggie’s face fell and her shoulders dropped. “Right, Ava, I am sorry, Baby.”
“It is totally fine, Aggie. No worries; it's just a room, and I … just forgot it was there. No big deal.”
She turned serious.
“Is everything going okay? How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine,” I answered. I didn’t want to go into detail or mention anything about the glasses of water, and I am sure she understood.
“Are you sure? Ari told me about yesterday and some of the people snapping pictures of you.”
“Yeah.” I tried to brush her off.
“That will blow over; just lay low for a bit.”
“Yeah, yeah. You're right. I will.”
Aggie could see I didn’t feel like talking any further on the subject of my kidnapping or of the aftermath. She tactfully changed the subject. Or maybe not so tactfully.
“We haven’t really talked since the wedding … how is married life?”
Grinning, I fidgeted with my ring. “Good.”
“Oh, come on” Aggie laughed as she threw her dishtowel down on the counter. “Is that all you’re going to give me? 'Good?'” She mocked. “You know I want details.”
“Aggie, first of all, Ari is your son, so, gross, no, I will not give you details. Secondly, you know I don’t like to talk about that kind of stuff. I think we may need to set up some boundaries.”
She rolled her eyes at me and we both said “whatever” at the same time.
“AH!” Aggie hollered, startling me and I jumped a bit in my seat. Before I could ask her what was wrong she quickly and excitedly said, “Piase Kokkino. Say it, Ava, say it!”
“What?” I laughed aloud at her silly behavior.
“Say it! Piase Kokkino!”
“No! Why?”
“When two people say the same thing at the same time they each say ‘piase kokkino’ and then touch something red.”
“Why?”
“Saying the same thing is an omen! We will get into a fight or an argument if we don’t touch something red! It’s Greek tradition. Here!” She pointed to a red magnet on the refrigerator. “Touch this.”
“You are a nut, Aggie. I am going out to sit in the sun. Call me if you need me,” I gave her a quick hug to show her I love her.
“You aren’t going to touch red?” She was disappointed and frowned.
“Nope,” I answered as I pulled off the clothes I was wearing over my bikini, grabbed a towel and headed to the beach.