In Zanna’s life, she’d had a few moments when she knew the next thing out of her mouth could change the course of her life, and this was such a time. If she said one thing, Nico would return to being her business partner only. If she said another, he would become something more. Nico deserved the truth, but could she summon the courage to tell him?
Early on, she’d realized her respect for Nico had been growing every day. What she hadn’t realized was that her love had been only a step behind. Her father wouldn’t approve, especially if Nico began diving again, but she’d fought her father before and she could do it again.
She swallowed hard. “I don’t want to lose you, Nico, because I believe you have taken hold of my heart.”
He grinned. “Your anchor holds fast in mine, as well.”
“So you won’t dive?”
“I didn’t say that.” He chuckled. “I still must do what I think is best.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “But I will be careful, and I promise to come back to you.”
“You’d better or I’ll kill you.”
“If I’m dead, how will you—?”
The front door opened, and her brother stepped out. Nico swiftly pulled Zanna behind the fronds.
“I need to go. He’s coming to get me,” Zanna whispered.
“Then I’d better make this quick.” Before Zanna could process Nico’s words, he pressed a sweet, tender kiss to her lips.
“Sweet dreams.” He squeezed her hand and slipped away seconds before Atticus rounded the corner.
Atticus stopped short when he spotted her. “Zanna, you walked home alone? What were you thinking? Father will be furious.”
She didn’t answer. For a lawyer, she had certainly been finding herself speechless an awful lot lately. As if she were walking on clouds, she followed him inside. Her feelings zipped and dived like the gulls over the bay.
Sweet dreams?
Guaranteed.
CHAPTER
25
Nico stood near the bow of the Anastasi. A month had passed since Theo’s death. Against the wishes of Mr. Pappas and Zanna, Nico had sailed with the crew of the Anastasi during the month-long period. After much prayer, an idea had come to him—a compromise of sorts—one that could prove long lasting and good for everyone. He assigned Peter Kamis to the crew of the Anastasi. Peter was a diver who had completed his apprenticeship only weeks before sailing from Greece. Since arriving in Tarpon Springs, he’d worked as a lifeline tender and deckhand on the St. Nicolas, and the young man had been eager to begin diving again.
Yet before making the assignment permanent, Nico advised the captain and crew of the Anastasi that he would be sailing with them until he was certain Peter would be safe. Some members of the crew were insulted by Nico’s decision, while others seemingly welcomed his presence. The journeys had gone well, and they’d harvested massive loads of sponge on each of their ventures. Today the boats would sail without him.
A twinge of regret knotted in Nico’s chest. He would miss the camaraderie of the crew and the rush of excitement that overtook every inch of his body when he descended into the depths of the Gulf. Diving was a challenge, a way divers proved their worth, and unfortunately the reason many ended up losing their lives. He wanted one last talk with Peter before the men departed. He’d expected to find him waiting on board, eager to sail, yet he wasn’t on the boat.
He moved closer to the captain. “Any sign of Peter this morning?”
Demetrios pointed toward the warehouse. “Last I saw him, he was in the warehouse talking to Markos and Adelfo Pappas.” The captain barked an order at one of the crewmen before turning back to Nico. “We won’t sail for another hour. I never expect the divers on board until a half hour before sailing time. You know that.”
Nico gave a nod, for he knew the rules. Still, the younger divers, unable to contain their enthusiasm, usually boarded early. And why would Mr. Pappas want to speak with Peter and Markos before they sailed? The question niggled at him as he jumped from the boat and crossed the dock. He strode from the bright sunlight into the dimness of the warehouse and was momentarily blinded, but then an animated discussion captured his attention.
His sight now restored, he turned toward the voices and caught sight of Markos, Mr. Pappas, and Peter huddled in conversation behind piles of sponges that awaited final cleaning, packing, and shipment. If he didn’t know better, he’d think they were hiding. But why would they need to conceal themselves in order to talk togther? And why did their voices sound so frenzied?
Their conversation ceased when a warehouse worker hollered a greeting to Nico. He waved in return and stepped around the pile of sponges. The conversation among the threesome had come to a halt.
Nico approached the men. “Good morning. I need a little time with Peter here before he boards. I hope you two will excuse him. I’m sure there’s nothing of great importance you need to discuss with him.” He arched his brows. “Am I right?”
Mr. Pappas dropped the stub of his cigar and ground it out with his heel. “We were just wishing him good luck on his first dive without supervision.”
Peter’s features tightened into an angry frown. “This isn’t my first dive without supervision. It’s my first time diving without Nico on the Anastasi.”
“Right. My apologies, Peter. I meant no offense. I’d forgotten about your diving experience back in Greece.” Mr. Pappas tugged on the end of his mustache.
Nico gestured toward the floor. “Be sure that cigar is out before you leave. We don’t want a fire in here.” He didn’t wait for a response before heading out the door, with Peter scurrying to catch up.
Peter panted for air as he came alongside Nico. “I’m sorry, Nico. I didn’t know you wanted to see me or I would have refused Markos when he said he wanted to talk to me alone. But then when we got inside, Mr. Pappas joined us.”
Nico gave the young diver a sideways glance. “From the little I heard, it didn’t sound like a pleasant conversation.”
Peter shoved his hands in his pockets and looked away. “You know how Mr. Pappas can be. He gets loud whenever he’s excited. He said he wanted to wish me well on my diving.”
“Did he? Well, that was kind of him.” The young man was being evasive, but Nico wasn’t going to push him. Forcing Peter to relay information would only cause him to become nervous, and he needed to be calm when the Anastasi sailed for the Gulf. “I know I’ve gone over all my rules with you, but I want to be certain you understand that, although I want a good harvest, safety is the most important thing. I don’t want harm coming to another diver—or any other crew member. Understood?”
Peter gave a firm nod. “I’ll do my best. You’ve taught me things I didn’t learn in Greece, and I’ll put them to good use.”
Nico clapped him on the shoulder. “Good. If all goes well, I want you to continue working on the Anastasi, since Felix’s recovery hasn’t proved as successful as we had all hoped.”
“What’s that? Did I hear you mention Felix’s name?” Both men turned toward Markos. “Did you talk to the doctor, Nico?”
“Not since you returned, and you know everything she had to say. I hope the doctor’s predictions are wrong, but Felix hasn’t recovered much further since he returned to the camp. Short of a miracle, I don’t think he’ll ever return to diving.”
Markos grunted and then grasped Peter by the arm. “Come on, Peter. The boats will be sailing in half an hour. We need to board.” He directed a sour look at Nico. “Don’t want to be caught breaking any of the rules.”
Nico heard the mockery but simply shrugged. “If you don’t break the rules, you don’t have to worry about being caught, Markos.” He hesitated a few seconds. “It’s just like lying. If you don’t lie, you don’t have to worry about what lie you’ve told. The truth is always easily remembered.” He smiled at the diver. “Don’t you agree?”
Markos tugged on Peter’s arm. “C’mon, Peter. We don’t have time for another sermon.”
Adelfo Pap
pas stood at a distance and watched the Anastasi slowly sail down the Anclote River toward the Gulf. The talk with Peter hadn’t gone the way he had hoped, but Markos believed the young diver would come around once he discovered other members of the crew were as eager as the divers to find treasure on that sunken ship. And while Markos could be convincing, Peter didn’t appear to be a risk taker. Nico had been on the boat with Peter long enough to convince him that he’d be discharged if he didn’t abide by the rules. Of course, Nico had said those same things to the other divers, but a few lies here and there could take care of Nico and his incessant questions.
Adelfo believed he could become a rich man if the divers continued to explore the sunken ship and discovered a wealth of treasure. However, he was a man who didn’t rely on one plan if he could arrange for two. As he hurried along the dock toward town, he worried neither of his plans would come to fruition. He needed one or the other to work out if he was going to have enough money to purchase the sponge company. While immediate money from sunken treasure was a good thing, a long-term business could reap huge benefits over the rest of his life. The doctor would be easily enough convinced if he could hand her a bundle of cash.
His last conversation with Bessie Rochester hadn’t gone well. He’d need to up his game if he was going to get her to loosen her purse strings. The woman held no appeal, and sacrifice was going to be required if he was to realize true success.
He heaved a sigh and climbed the steps leading to a wide front porch that skirted the large house. He lifted the heavy clapper and watched it fall against the brass plate. Viola’s shrill voice carried through the solid front door and was followed by the sound of footsteps. The moment the doorknob turned, he pasted on a bright smile and extended a bouquet of flowers.
“For me?” Viola’s piercing tone caused him to take a backward step.
“I thought all of you lovely ladies could enjoy them.” The three sisters continually vied for his attention. Long ago, Adelfo had learned to be careful with his words.
Bessie hurried from the kitchen, wiping her hands down the front of a large frilly apron. “Adelfo, what a treat to see you. I didn’t know you were going to stop by.” She quickly glanced in the hallway mirror, then tucked a loose strand of hair behind one ear. “Dear me, I do look a mess. If I’d known you were going to call, I would have set aside my baking for today.”
He lifted his nose in the air. “I believe I’m delighted you didn’t. What delicious delicacy have you prepared?”
Viola wriggled past her buxom sister. “I’m going to put these in water. Excuse me for a moment, would you?”
Adelfo nodded and smiled at Viola, then stepped closer to Bessie. “I would enjoy a cup of tea, and I do hope you’ve been baking something even sweeter than you—though I doubt that’s possible.”
Her cheeks blossomed bright pink, and she lightly swatted his arm. “Oh, Adelfo. You do know how to make a woman blush.” She gestured for him to follow her. “Do sit down in the dining room and I’ll put the kettle on.”
He did as he was told. His chest constricted when both Viola and Eugenia followed Bessie into the dining room a few minutes later. Now what? He needed to speak to Bessie alone. His mind whirred. Viola continued to prattle in her shrill voice, and Eugenia, though quiet, appeared to be settled in for the remainder of his visit.
Bessie pushed to her feet to retrieve the now-hot kettle. From the kitchen, she called to her sisters, “Don’t forget you both volunteered to help at the library this morning. You’d best hurry or you’ll be late.”
Adelfo blew out a long breath. Saved by the ladies’ penchant to make certain the library remained open for at least several hours every day. He graced them with a smile. “You are true gems. I don’t know what Tarpon Springs would do without your devotion to charity work. Even though New York is my home, my admiration runs deep for all you do to make Tarpon Springs a better community.”
Eugenia leaned forward, her face flushed as she clung to his every word. Today, Viola appeared less attentive, but he cared little. Though he sometimes enjoyed his ability to captivate the women, today it was only Bessie he wanted to charm.
He pushed back from the table. “I don’t want to delay you, ladies. Let me see you to the door.”
They each stood, disappointment filling their eyes. Their feet rose and fell at a snail’s pace as they closed the distance to the front door. Bessie grinned like a Cheshire cat when she strode into the hallway to bid Viola and Eugenia good-bye. A smug smile played at her lips before she turned toward the mirror and began to preen.
“I do hope you’ll still be here when we return. Perhaps you’ll stay for lunch. I’m sure Bessie won’t mind preparing a delightful meal while we’re gone.” Eugenia directed a scowl at her. “Will you, Sister?”
“We’ll see. Adelfo and I may need to complete our visit out at the pagoda or in town. I wouldn’t want anyone to think I’m exhibiting improper behavior. Entertaining a man without a chaperone just isn’t proper.”
“Oh, pshaw, Bessie. At your age I don’t think anyone is going to give a whit.” Viola arched her brows. “Besides, we both know you’d rather entertain Adelfo than cook for him—or us.”
Bessie narrowed her eyes and glared at Viola while Eugenia pinned on her hat and picked up her gloves. Moments later, Viola followed suit. The last thing Adelfo needed was one of the sisters riling up Bessie. It could take hours to calm her, and he needed to get down to business the minute Viola and Eugenia departed.
He stepped in front of Bessie to block Viola’s view. “Don’t fret, ladies. If Bessie can’t prepare a meal, I’ll take you all to the restaurant. It will be a delight for me.”
Viola thrust back her shoulders and peeked around Adelfo’s shoulder. She looked like the cat that swallowed the canary. “Enjoy yourself, Bessie. We’ll join you soon.” That said, both Viola and Eugenia, heads held high, took their leave.
Bessie sighed and stepped near Adelfo’s side. “I thought they’d never leave.” She curved her lips in a flirtatious smile and blinked several times.
Her behavior reminded him of a schoolgirl attempting to gain her first suitor. He returned her smile. “Shall we go sit in the parlor?”
“Oh, no, Adelfo. I meant what I said to Viola. I don’t want to tarnish my reputation. While it’s possible nobody would know you’re here and that we’re alone, I wouldn’t want to take a chance.” She pressed her hand to his arm. “You do understand, don’t you?”
“Of course. We’ll do as you suggested. The pagoda will provide a proper place to visit, so long as there aren’t other people there. I do want to speak with you privately.”
Anticipation shone in her eyes. He knew what she was thinking. And if worse came to worse, he’d propose. He would never marry her, but a proposal might be enough to gain her trust—and her money. Truth be told, if he intended to retain her trust, he’d need to be careful. The proposal would need to come before the request for money, and he had a plan he hoped would work.
While he waited, she removed her apron. “I’m going to take along a couple of my scones for us to enjoy while we talk.”
“Delightful idea, my dear.” His words hit the mark, and the color heightened in her cheeks. This should be easy.
He carried a small basket with the scones in one hand while Bessie clung to his arm as if she feared he might escape. When they neared the pagoda, he quickly surveyed the area. Thankfully no one was in sight, and he escorted her to one of the benches. He didn’t have much faith in the mineral springs that rippled below the pagoda, which had brought visitors to the city long before he’d begun traveling to the town.
After they sat down side by side, Adelfo turned to her. “I know I haven’t been very attentive of late, but my work has kept me busier than usual. Each time I planned to pay you a visit, some emergency would come up that needed my immediate attention. The businessmen in New York whom I work for have been quite unreasonable over the past months. One minute they want me to buy m
ore sponges, and the next minute they want cheaper yet the same quality. It is impossible.” He held his palm to his forehead and shook his head.
“Oh, my dear man. I didn’t realize you’d been under such pressure. I do wish you would have let me know. Of course, I doubt there’s anything I could have done to help you, but it breaks my heart to know you’ve been struggling so. I could have at least provided you with a listening ear.”
“I knew you would be compassionate, Bessie, but I didn’t want to burden you. Even now, I don’t want to speak of my problems. I came because I’ve decided what I need is joy and fulfillment in my life.” He reached for her hand. “And I believe you are the woman who could provide that enrichment.”
“Oh, Adelfo.” She pressed her open palm to her chest. “Do you mean what I think you mean?”
He nodded. “I’d like you to be my wife, Bessie.” For a moment he worried she might swoon.
Bessie listed toward him, then straightened her shoulders and met his gaze. “Did I hear you correctly? You’ve asked me to marry you?”
He nodded and steeled himself to catch her full weight should she faint. “Yes, my dear. I would be proud to call you my wife, if you’ll have me.”
“If? Of course I’ll marry you! Our wedding day will be the happiest day of my life!” She fluttered her lashes. “I hope you don’t want to wait long. We’re no spring chickens.”
He forced a chuckle. “You’re right, and I would very much like to wed you tomorrow, if only it were possible. However, I fear we can’t marry right away. At the moment I can’t give you a date that’s certain, but I love you and I hope you’ll agree to wait for me.”
Her brows dipped low, and she squinted against the sunlight. “But why must we wait, Adelfo? I don’t understand.”
Adelfo massaged his temples with his fingers before he looked at her again. “I’m embarrassed to tell you this, Bessie, but I’m financially ruined at present. I have incurred extensive debt. I won’t marry you and bring that burden into our marriage. It simply wouldn’t be fair to you. Once I’m able to erase my indebtedness, then we will marry.”
The Lady of Tarpon Springs Page 24