Page 9 of Accidental Getaway

Of course he has a drop-dead, gorgeous girlfriend.

I feel a pang of surprising jealousy. There’s no way I’m interested in Niko.

I’ve barely even met him. Regardless, I’m jealous of everything the image of the two of them represents.

They both look so comfortable, confident, and exactly as society expects them to be: two beautiful, successful people in love.

While I’m average at best, flailing in my career, and carrying around my terrible dating history like a ball and chain.

The waitress reappears with my dessert. She tells me what it’s called, but I can’t quite understand and I’m too embarrassed to ask her to repeat herself.

So, I thank her and survey the small plate in front of me.

It looks like some sort of pastry, covered in honey and sesame seeds.

The waitress hands me a spoon before heading off.

A spoon? For a flaky pastry?

I glance around once more to make sure no one is watching me eat.

I gently press my spoon into the corner of the pastry, only for it to crack.

The amber-colored crust falls away and something gooey flows out, like a molten lava cake.

But it’s not chocolate; it’s light-colored and creamy.

I hesitantly bring the spoon to my mouth for a taste.

It’s more feta. And just like everything else, it’s delicious .

I’m probably going to be sick from all this cheese, but I can’t stop myself. Nothing compares to this meal. I finish the entire thing, scraping up the last bits of honey and sesame seeds with my spoon when the waitress brings me the bill.

I scrounge in my bag for my wallet and suddenly remember that all those euros I converted at the bank in are tucked safely away inside of a rolled-up sock in my backpack at the hotel.

I never got them out. I hope they take credit.

Otherwise, I’m going to look awful, coming in here and practically licking my plates clean and then trying to skip the bill.

“I’m so sorry, but do you take credit card? I left my cash at the hotel.” Like an idiot.

“Of course! Let me go get the card terminal. Just a minute!”

Relief washes over me. For a moment, I imagined myself washing dishes to pay off my meal.

I quickly snap a picture of my empty dessert plate with the twinkling lights of other restaurants in the background, the beach having fallen under the shade of night and text it to Piper.

Jenni: Just had an amazing dinner at the beach. I’ll give you my promised nightly update when I get back to my room.

After a leisurely climb back up the hill, I find my way back to the hotel without getting lost. My first outing was a success.

When the hotel comes into view, the white walls aren’t quite as stark as they take on shadows and blue tones, as if someone has painted them in watercolor.

I wander through the lobby, taking my time to notice all the details.

It really is a beautiful hotel, which Aspen Sky would be lucky to represent.

The bubbling of the waterfall is the only discernible sound, making me feel like I’m in a spa rather than a hotel. I sit on one of the white lounge chairs to enjoy the space for a few minutes before turning in. Jet lag and my nap have me pretty awake anyway.

Just as I settle into my seat, the sound of a spirited debate pierces the quiet of the lobby. Niko and the woman I saw on the beach have just entered the hotel.

They breeze past the front desk with a nod toward the night concierge and make their way straight toward me.

There’s no hiding now. I sit up and brush off my top, in case any lingering crumbs decide to make themselves apparent at this very moment.

I don’t think the couple has noticed me, and I consider heading toward the stairs. But then Niko clears his throat.

“Good evening, Miss Swanson,” he says, locking eyes with me. I expect him to introduce his date, but he doesn’t. “Are you having a nice evening?”

“Hi, Mr. Psomas. It’s so great to see you … again. I just had an amazing dinner and was about to head upstairs and get to work. I don’t want to bother you outside of business hours, so I’ll leave the two of you to enjoy your night.”

I smile and practically curtsy, much to my own shock and embarrassment.

Niko puts his hands up and starts to speak. “She’s?—”

“Ooooh, are you the American?!” The woman squeals and slaps Niko on the arm, playfully.

Her accent is much more how I expected Niko’s to be.

She’s clearly from Greece. “You should have introduced us.” She beams with excitement, and I’m more than a little confused.

“Please, don’t spend all of your time with Niko—he’s such a bore.

I must take you out tomorrow! Have you been to the beach yet? ”

Um. What is happening? Should I know who this is?

I glance at Niko and then back at the woman.

I was planning on spending the morning preparing for our meeting, but the look on her face reminds me of a puppy hoping to go outside to play.

How do you say no to that? And I don’t want to offend either of them.

“Well, we have our meeting in the afternoon, but I guess I don’t have any plans in the morning?” I look toward Niko, begging him to offer some sort of insight into what I should say or do.

The woman breaks into a smile so big it makes me smile uncomfortably too.

“Amazing! Meet me here at ten. Wear your bathing suit! We’re going to have so much fun!” She grabs my hands in hers and practically jumps up and down. “Oh, I’m Ana, by the way! What’s your name?”

The corner of Niko’s mouth turns up, revealing a dimple in his cheek. He is loving this for some reason.

“I’m Jenni. It’s so nice to meet you, Ana. And sure, I’d love to go to the beach. As long as that’s okay with you, Mr. Psomas?”

He shrugs. “Of course, be my guest. As long as Ana has you back by three o’clock, it’s not a problem with me.” He gives her a pointed look, as if she’s not to interfere with the more important things on the schedule.

I can’t decide if he’s happy about his girlfriend spending time with me or not.

“Well, in that case, I better go try to get some rest! Um, good night.” I wave and start walking, only to realize I’ve turned in the wrong direction and have to spin around and walk past them to make it to the stairs. I hope they can’t see my cheeks flushing crimson in the dim lighting.

“See you tomorrow! I can’t wait!” Ana sings out, her velvety voice echoing in the quiet lobby.

Piper: Oooh, dreamy! That’s so pretty. What’s on schedule for tomorrow?

Jenni: I’ve somehow managed to get myself an invite to the beach with Niko’s girlfriend. So that won’t be weird at all.

Piper: Why would it be weird? Unless you’re still considering hooking up with him? Just kidding. Have fun! You don’t have to only work while you’re there, you know?

Jenni: So you keep telling me.

Mom: Have you eaten dinner? Are you okay? Is the hotel safe?

Jenni: Yes. Yes. And yes. It’s the nicest hotel I’ve ever been to. And I have a chain on the door. Please don’t tell me you canceled camping?

Mom: No. We’re leaving in the morning. But I’m going to find a way to check in with you.

Jenni: Not necessary. Go worry about Jeremy.