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Rose’s employer was cordial but aloof. She didn’t know that she’d ever truly like him. He seemed too unapproachable, though clearly he cared for the children. What an enigma her employer was.
“The trees!” Adonis pointed at the tinted window.
Sure enough, olive trees could be seen on one side of the road. They passed a sign marked Epidauria, and soon the car pulled into a charming village.
“The view is worth stopping for,” Mr. P said.
They piled out of the car.
“You’re right about the view.” She shaded her eyes with one hand and took in the scenery. Endless olive groves surrounded the quaint village, reminding her of a picture she’d seen in a fairy tale book.
“Do you like it?” Stavros asked quietly from just behind her.
She almost jumped. Rose hadn’t noticed him sneak up behind her as she stood in awe of the scene. His nearness caused a spike in her pulse, and she was fully aware of how close he stood. She even thought she detected mint on his breath.
“I do. It’s beautiful.”
“Can we see the trees now?” Adonis tugged on Stavros’s hand.
“Of course.” Stavros gestured for them all to load up the car.
After a short ride through the sea of trees, they arrived at an olive mill.
An older, weathered man in work boots met them. “Good morning.” He shook all of their hands, kissing Rose’s hand on the back. “We’re delighted to have you with us.” He bent down to the children’s level. “I’m Titos. Welcome to my grove.”
“Can we climb the trees?” Adonis looked around eagerly.
“Maybe.” Titos gave him a wink.
“Would you like to take a walk first or inspect the mill?” He directed the question to the men, who stood side by side.
Rose couldn’t discern which man he spoke to directly. Odd. Mr. P owned the business, so all shop talk should be directed at him. But then Stavros probably knew almost as much about olives as Mr. P since he accompanied him on his business trips and inspections.
She took the children’s hands and followed the men into the grove. “We could get lost in here if we wander off. All the trees look the same. Make sure to stay where you can hear and see me.”
The children nodded solemnly.
“Papa would never let us stay lost,” Nefeli said. “He’d come find us.”
“I’m sure that’s true,” said Rose. “But let’s not test that theory or we’ll miss the other scheduled activities.” She released their hands. “Remember what I said.”
The children stuck close. Adonis immediately found a stick and swung it as he walked, sometimes poking it in the ground.
Rose noted that Adonis didn’t use it to hit the trunks or branches of the trees, as most boys his age would do. He’d been taught to respect the trees. They were his legacy.
The men were a few steps ahead of her, and bits and pieces of their conversation floated back to her.
“How does the harvest look this year?” Stavros asked.
“Good, for the most part,” Titos said. “There’s a blight on a small section of the grove but we’re treating it. The blight should have minimal impact on the crop.”
“But if it spreads . . .” Stavros tapped an index finger on his chin. “Keep me posted. Please send me weekly reports. If the blight doesn’t respond to treatment then we can bring in a specialist to consult.” He put a hand on Titos shoulder. “But I doubt we’ll need to take such measures. You have as much knowledge as any grower I know.”
“This grove has been in my family for nine generations,” Titos said proudly. “Thank you for your confidence in my abilities. We’ll come through.”
The men clapped hands.
Adonis captured Rose’s attention.