by Demi Alex
“It’s so good to see you both. So good. I’ve missed you,” Kosta said, taking Paul’s cheeks in his hands and smothering them in kisses like he was greeting a young boy. He turned his attention back to Justin, but toned down the smooching noises as he kissed both his cheeks in turn. “Welcome back, Americanakia. It’s good to see you boys. Thank you for coming. I really appreciate your help.”
“We’ll only help if you stop calling us boys,” Paul said in a teasing voice. “Just because you look like a jolly grandpa, doesn’t mean you get to treat us like kids.”
“Fine, fine. You’re all grown up, and you’re super-successful, but I’m forever your proud uncle. And,” he raised a finger for emphasis, “I will keep the boys reference for when we’re alone.”
He laughed, and with an arm draped over each of their shoulders, Kosta led them past the open doors to the restaurant on to the terrace overlooking the sea. “I don’t look like a jolly anything. I’m still as good-looking as the day I went into the army. You’re just jealous of my genes.”
Justin couldn’t help but smile. Kosta was as handsome as they came, and he had no qualms about reminding them. “Okay. You look like an older and rugged Thomas Magnum.”
“Better,” Kosta said, squeezing Justin’s shoulder in approval.
“And why would I be jealous? I share in those good genes,” Paul added, puffing out his chest and standing taller, with a huge grin on his face.
“Nai, nai,” Kosta agreed. “But just like wine, they get better with time, my boy. I have some time on you.”
They all laughed, and Justin felt the relief roll off Paul’s shoulders at seeing his uncle joking again. He gave him a quick nod and mouthed a silent “much better”, before returning his attention to the older Lallas man. He flattened his palm over his abdomen and let out an exaggerated groan.
“Are you going to feed us or what?”
“Of course. I asked Katerina to have your favorites ready,” Kosta said, stopping by the open kitchen and pointing to the stuffed tomatoes and stewed green beans behind the glass display. “Gemista for Paul—only tomatoes, no peppers. Fasolakia for you, my boy. But the beans would be much better if you added a few pieces of veal to your dish. I don’t know how a tall man like you lives on vegetables.”
“I’m not a vegan. I eat fish and dairy,” Justin said, chuckling when he recognized the old conversation. The man never gave up. He lectured Justin on the virtues of red meat before every meal they shared.
“Your man needs meat, red meat, to be virile,” Kosta said to Paul, pinching his index finger, middle finger, and thumb together, and shaking his hand before turning back to Justin and bringing that same index finger to his temple. “You will remember that when you need more strength to make babies one day. Or,” he raised a thick brow and leaned his head toward Paul, “are you going to let this guy do all the work for you?”
More laughter, and Paul cleared his throat. “Theo, don’t worry about babies. We’re not thinking about making babies. We like things the way they are. Nothing tying us down, no one but ourselves to worry about, and our time is our own.”
“When you turn thirty-five—”
“That’s a couple years away,” Justin interrupted.
“Whatever.” Kosta feigned disgust and shook his head. “There is no reasoning with the two of you. Maybe because you don’t have a reason to be reasonable. But you remember my words, when the time is right, you will not think about all those silly things you’re saying today. You are family men. You will want children. I’m not a scientist, so you will need to find some modern way to make that happen.” He led them away from the display and past Katerina’s potted herbs. “Let’s have a drink and some lunch to get this visit started properly.”
The said visit kept throwing curveballs at them. Justin had no idea why Kosta was on a baby binge, but he did agree with the family men statement. He could see bringing a little child into their life one day. They’d be great dads. So much love to give, and so many children that needed a good home. He knew it wasn’t the right time, but he’d look into the adoption process and everything required in the future.
Paul seemed oblivious to the child/baby conversation though. He was back to the original purpose of their trip.
“You know this is more than a typical visit,” Paul said, clearly hesitant to ruin the good mood his uncle was in, but not willing to put off the inevitable.
“First, we eat,” Kosta said, stopping at a table and pulling out the wooden chairs on either side. “Then, you get settled in your suite. Then, we’ll talk business. I promise.”
Justin grinned. He promised. That was where Paul had gotten the phrase. They always promised when something was important. And they always delivered.
“Okay,” Paul said, the little twitch at his temple giving away how difficult it was for him to refrain from launching into a full argument on the topic. “But remember that I’d like to review a few things with you before you meet the representative from Luxury Homes Away From Home.”
They sat and dropped the business talk while they ate the specially prepared meals. It wasn’t until the watermelon was on the table that the conversation returned to the sale of the resort. Feeling slightly out of place for the first time in Kosta’s company, Justin only half listened as Paul tried to convince his uncle things would get easier if only he allowed new measures. Since Justin wasn’t blood, he didn’t think he had a legitimate say, so he abstained from commenting.
“I’ll computerize as much of the operations as possible, and I’ll set up ways to help on the overall management from the States,” Paul explained. “You’ll have more time for yourself and the hotel will remain…”
“It doesn’t work like that, my boy. The resort operates just fine,” Kosta insisted. “Everything runs well, and I have more help than I really need. But with your aunt gone, the joy of this place is also gone. It’s not a matter of profits.”
“It’s too soon for you to make any decisions,” Paul insisted. “It’s only been a few months, and understandably, the pain is very real and still raw. I can’t even imagine what you’re feeling with losing her. But I do know that Thea wouldn’t want you to change your whole life and stop living your dream.”
“It was our dream, not my dream. I bought this place and made it what it is today because of your aunt.”
All true. Justin had heard the stories of how they’d started with the Sirens’ building and a small café. They’d built up slowly, adding a villa or two each year, and putting in a lot of the physical labor themselves during the long winters. And from the end result, Kosta’s construction background and meticulous planning was obvious.
The older man pressed his fist to his chest. “It’s not the same without her.”
Justin motioned for a time-out and looked between the men. “Kosta, no one disputes the fact that Vaso held the heartbeat of this place in her hands. We all miss her, and we can’t even begin to imagine how much you miss her. I think Paul is concerned that it may be too soon to make such a drastic and permanent decision. If you sell to Luxury Homes Away From Home, this place, and all it means, will be in the past. You can’t ever get it back.”
With a look of utter despair crossing his face, Kosta shook his head. “I know, my boy. I know. I simply can’t do it without her.” He pinched his fingers together and tapped them to the middle of his chest. “I do not want to do it without her.”
“So it’s not at all about needing the money?” Justin asked. Maybe he wasn’t blood family, but he was a financial analyst and he did want to make sure Kosta, who he did consider family, was comfortable and secure.
“Eh.” Kosta shrugged and wiggled his hand in a so-so gesture. “Etsi kai etsi. The money is good. It will make things easier, but it’s not the most important thing.”
“Then give me some time to come up with an alternative,” Paul interjected. “Instead of making me report to the Luxury executive, give me a few days
to explore all avenues. Perhaps we’ll decide on something that won’t have us losing a part of our souls. I’ll look at the operating plan, Justin can review the books, and there may be a different solution that will satisfy you.”
“You take it,” Kosta said.
Justin’s breath caught and his chest grew tight. He stared at Kosta in disbelief.
Kosta’s hands moved from his heart toward Paul. “I’m not joking. You run Vaso’s Dream.”
Warning lights flashed around him as he looked from one Lallas to the other. That would change their life for real. If Paul agreed, he’d have to spend summers on the island. More than the summers. “He can’t. It’s impossible.”
Paul wouldn’t, couldn’t, consider it. They had a business to run, a life in New York, and they didn’t need the complication of being separated for months at a time. But Paul wasn’t objecting. He was rubbing his hand over his chin as if considering his uncle’s proposition.
“You take the resort and do with it as you please,” Kosta repeated.
The wind stilled and the atmosphere bloomed with stifling heat. Guests and servers faded into the background. Tension pulsed at his temples and pressure built in his ears. He didn’t dare blink as he watched his partner’s face for a hint of what he thought.
“We can’t,” Paul finally said, and Justin exhaled. “City Wings is doing well, but not that well. We’re standing on our own, realizing a profit, but the cash flow just isn’t there yet. There is no way we could match Luxury Homes Away From Home’s offer.”
Kosta held up his hand and pointed a finger. “I didn’t ask you to match their offer. I said you can take it. If you send me a check for my monthly expenses, I’ll be able to do what I need, and the resort will remain in the family. It’s simple.”
“Not that simple, Theo,” Paul said, acknowledging the difficulties of the situation, but not completely negating the possibility of assuming control.
Justin mentally called for him to meet his gaze, but Paul didn’t. He was lost in his thoughts, most likely searching for a way to leave their carefree life behind and commit to a job that would require more than their free time at best, and keep them apart at worst.
And, yes, regardless of the good memories or how much Paul loved it, the gorgeous vacation spot would become a job.
“Again, allow me to evaluate the management procedures, while Justin reviews the figures and compiles his reports. We’ll sit and discuss it before anything needs to be signed.”
Signed? That was just under a week away. Was Paul losing it? They couldn’t possibly entertain the idea of changing their life overnight. It was insane.
“Good. We’ll talk next Monday,” Kosta agreed. “The representative is already here and doing her work, so I’m sure she’ll need some clarification of what I’ve given her in the meantime. I’ve promised her you’ll walk her through all the departments and details of our resort. You know, just in case you decide to let the place go.”
“I don’t think we should discuss options with Luxury Homes Away From Home,” Paul said. “This possibility needs to remain between us.”
“I know,” Kosta said. “We don’t discuss family business with corporations. I offer the resort to you because I know how much you love it.” He turned and looked at Justin. “You love it here, too. It is a good place for a young family to grow a life together.”
“Our permanent residence is in New York, Kosta,” Justin said. “We don’t intend to change that.”
“Nai, my boy. I know that. Most of the young people do not live here all year.” He twirled his finger in the air. He had clearly intended to say year-round. “The winters are harsh, and the island’s infrastructure is not ideal for school-aged children. The families with kids spend only the summers here. They go back to Athens after The Feast of the Theotokos.”
“The Virgin Mary,” Paul said for Justin’s benefit. “August fifteenth.”
He nodded his understanding, but decided to redirect the conversation. “You asked us to present Vaso’s Dream in a positive light. We should have no problem with doing just that since the resort has made numerous Top Ten Island Destination lists the past few seasons.”
“All that is left is to verify a healthy bottom line.” Justin knew that to be the case. It would be easy for the Luxury executive to appreciate the balance sheets.
“We have that,” Kosta said.
“I know,” Justin replied. “It’s a matter of providing proof to the rep.”
“We’ve always kept excellent records, but even more so now with all the new government audits and regulations.” Kosta turned in his seat and scanned the other tables.
Justin followed his gaze, then stopped. She was here. Bethany was at Vaso’s Dream.
Ridiculous as it was, Kosta flashed a charming smile and motioned Bethany over.
Chapter Five
“I know we agreed to eat and enjoy each other’s company,” Kosta said. “We were supposed to hold off on business till later, but we already broke that agreement. The representative checked in a little while before you got here. I’ve been speaking with her for weeks. She’s a smart and sweet girl. When you meet her, you might decide it’s okay to sell. You’ll see.” Theo Kosta pulled out a chair and waited for her to reach them.
Once again, Justin was speechless.
He blinked, unable to believe his eyes. Bethany had joined her father’s team, and her father had obviously expanded his hotel business to timeshares. After all the talk about making a difference in establishing an eco-friendly world for future generations, Bethany was now peddling international luxury properties for her money-grubbing dad.
How had Justin missed it? Maybe because he didn’t do his homework on the company, didn’t even do a damn Google search. He was too concerned about his precious vacation, the limited time to let off steam, and justifiably, the stress it would cause Paul and Kosta.
“Not only is the girl smart and sweet, she’s very pretty,” Kosta added.
Actually, she was stunning, but she wasn’t a girl. Dressed in a white linen sheath and a pair of sensible sandals, the material swayed in a sultry song as endless legs carried a perfectly sculpted body to them. She wasn’t small, but she wasn’t large. She was just right. Rounded hips, tight waist, lush chest, and a killer smile promised any man she chose ecstasy in her arms.
Paul’s foot landed on Justin’s shin, and Justin glanced at him. She’s the competition, Paul mouthed. “And it’s not polite to gawk,” he added in a low voice.
Kosta’s laughter filled the air. “Gawk.” Apparently, he’d overheard and understood the word. “There’s been a lot of that happening since Bethany arrived. She’s a beautiful girl.”
“She’s not a girl,” Justin repeated aloud. She was definitely beautiful. But she was all woman.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Lallas.” All three men stood, waiting for her to take her seat. She smiled, but didn’t greet Justin or Paul as he expected. Instead, she looked into Justin’s eyes, pleading for silence.
“I’d like to introduce you to my nephew, Paul, and his partner, Justin,” Kosta said. “The bo—Paul and Justin are here to help us with the presentation.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Bethany said, extending her arm for a formal handshake.
What the hell? Why is she acting like she doesn’t know us? Justin thought.
Pressure pounded in his head, and he wanted to shake the woman and wake her. He did not want to shake her hand in fucking greeting.
“Nice to meet you, Bethany. I’m Paul Lallas, your official source of information and resort tour guide.” Obviously, Paul wasn’t thrown like Justin was, and he accepted her outstretched hand. “Justin Bentley is our financial analyst. We’re both pleased to meet you.”
“Bethany Michaels, Associate Director of Property Acquisitions,” she said, releasing Paul’s hand and offering her own to Justin. “So glad you could make it over and take some work off of Mr. Lallas’s pl
ate. From our correspondence, I believe he enjoys taking care of his guests rather than dealing with paperwork.”
Her gaze stayed on Justin, begging him to play along, as he closed his fingers around her trembling hand. Bethany was playing a game he didn’t understand, but he wouldn’t betray her and make her look bad or feel worse.
“On point,” Justin said, searching for common ground and finding it in Kosta’s preference to deal with his guests. “We’ll provide you and your company with all the tedious information you need.” He reluctantly released her hand, and moved behind her to guide her chair.
“Now that we all know each other,” Kosta said. “No more Mr. Lallas. Call me Kosta. Okay, Bethany?”
“Okay.”
“Well, Bethany, with the fancy title,” Justin said, “has Vaso’s Dream impressed you so far?”
Seemingly unaffected by his sarcastic tone, she raised her shoulders and spread her arms to indicate the colorful landscape and the endless view of the sea. “It’s amazing. Heavenly,” she said. “Everything and everyone is wonderful. I can’t imagine a better place on earth to recoup and recharge from the burnout of daily life.”
“I told you the girl is smart.” Grinning, Kosta drummed his fingers on the table as if he had a point to prove.
“Thank you.” She tapped a dainty finger on the older man’s forearm and his face brightened with appreciation. “Your uncle has made my job easy. He’s been a real pleasure to work with. Thank you, Mr. Lal—”
Kosta cocked his head and raised his brow.
“Thank you, Kosta,” she finished.
“The patriarch of our family on this side of the Atlantic,” Paul said.
“Not for long,” Kosta said, clearing his throat. “After this summer season, I’m buying a place near my brother’s and exploring America with him—that is when his work allows. It’s a long overdue adventure for me and a much needed break for him. He works too hard. His wife is going to leave him if he doesn’t slow down.”