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“I’m pretty sure my phone is monitored.”
“Yeah.” Marie put on lip gloss. “Is there another date planned?”
“Tonight.”
“Nice.”
“I love this island. Our time here has been laid-back. We went to Mr. P’s olive grove located near some caves outside Fira. In the mornings, I’ve taken the children to see ancient Thera and hike Nea Kameni. In the afternoons, we play in the sea or the pool. After dinner we wind down with a movie. It’s been lovely. I could stay here a long time, but we’re off to Rhodes tomorrow.”
“And have you been seeing Stavros during all of this?”
“Not as much as I’d like.” Rose stretched her legs. “Mostly we’ve shared looks over the children’s heads and behind Mr. P’s back.”
“How has Mr. P taken the news of your budding romance?” Marie asked.
“Surprisingly well. He’s been giving us the time together anyway. He’s been very chill about the whole thing.”
“Maybe he sees in both your eyes what I see in yours.” She gave a smug smile.
“And what’s that?”
“Love.”
“You think I’m in love with Stavros?”
“Aren’t you?” Marie arched a brow.
“No comment.”
Marie laughed. “Well, if not, you are well on your way to being in love with him. Love looks good on you. It always has.” Her expression turned more serious. “I know taking this assignment was hard for you, nannying for a wealthy family, and that you only did it because you love me enough to set aside your feelings of the past. Are you sorry you came?”
“No.”
“Are you still hung up about the wealth thing?”
“No. I suppose I accepted the circumstance fairly quickly. There wasn’t anything I could do about Mr. P being wealthy. I think the children not being spoiled went a long way to setting my apprehensions aside. Not all wealthy people are created equal.”
“Well said.” Marie clapped. “Just as not all middle-class makeup artists or businesswomen are created equal.”
“True.”
“Thanks for calling and giving me an update. Any chance you might want to extend your time with the Papadakis family to give yourself a little longer with Stavros?” Marie asked. “Or do you still want to stick to the original time line? I can’t remember if you have another film coming up.”
“I don’t. I could be persuaded to extend my time here.”
“Good. That’ll give me a little more wiggle room in finding the permanent nanny. I haven’t come across the right person yet.” Her forehead scrunched.
Rose knew how much vetting Marie put into her nannies, especially the ones who went to wealthy clients. Landing a job with her firm was a much-sought-after accomplishment in the nanny industry.
Suddenly her sister’s face went pale. “Gotta go. Love you.”
“Marie?” Rose asked, but the call had ended. She sank back into the lounge chair in frustration. Something was definitely going on with her sister’s health, and she was tempted to text her brother-in-law for answers.
Rose tapped the phone against her chin. If Marie still looked unwell during their next chat, then she’d worm the information from her brother-in-law. Depending on his answers, she might need to call in reinforcements. Their parents.
With her decision made, she dropped the phone in the bag and headed to the pool to join the children.
A thrill of anticipation went through her as she looked forward to enjoying a few kisses on her third date with Stavros.