Page 33 of Her Greek Inheritance

Chapter 13

The next morning…

Gemma woke up to the sounds of Damien giggling. She opened her eyes to see Tressa playing with him in the small sitting area of her bedroom. She sat up. “Good morning.”

“Kalimera, Gemma. I was wondering if I could spirit this young man away for the day.” Tressa beamed at her.“Vasil has a desire to drive up to the vineyards and we thought it would be a good chance for you to get some time alone to think.”

Gemma was pleased that Tressa had asked her permission. Since she wasn’t exactly up for dealing with her rambunctious son at the moment, she nodded. “I’m sure he will have a nice time. His diaper bag should have everything you’ll need in it.”

“Efkharisto. We will see you at supper then. Come, little one. We shall go find your grandfather and tell him the good news.”

Gemma lay in bed for another hour, trying to figure out what she was going to do next.

She was no nearer an answer when a knock sounded on her door. Petrina entered, holding a breakfast tray. “Kalimera, sleepyhead.”

Gemma eyed the woman warily. She sat up, pulling the covers up to her chin. “What are you doing here?”

Petrina smiled at her. “I heard about Leo’s little deception. Honestly, if I’d known what he was doing, I would have told you the first time we met. I still can’t believe he let you think he was Alexi.” Petrina crossed herself. “God rest his soul. So…I’ve come to rescue you. I passed Tressa in the hallway. She told me they were taking Damien with them to the vineyards. I thought maybe you and I could escape the city and take the boat over to one of the islands for the day.”

Gemma looked at her.Was Petrina really this nice, or just playing a game?“I thought you didn’t like me?”

Petrina laughed, the sound grating on Gemma’s nerves. “Well, to be honest, when I thought you were after Leo, I was extremely jealous. I intend to marry Leo and that made you my natural enemy. No hard feelings? You know what they say, ‘All’s fair in love and war.’”

Gemma studied her carefully. She still wasn’t sure this complete change of attitude was for real. “You said some pretty hateful things to me and my son.”

Petrina waved her statement away. “I’m Greek. We always do things in a big way.”

“So, what’s changed?” Gemma asked.

Petrina shrugged. “Silly, you slept with Leo’s brother and are raising his son. He lied about his identity to you. Now that the truth is out there, I figured you would want to stay as far away from Leo as possible.”

“You’ve got that partly right.”But I’m still not sure we’re on the same page here. My reasons for wanting to put some distance between Leo and myself have more to do with the fact that I’m raising Alexi’s son and want to be in Leo’s bed. That is so not right!But she didn’t feel she could tell Petrina that. “Maybe I should call him anyway.”

“Do you really want to talk to him right now?” Petrina asked, one hand on her hip.

Gemma shook her head. “Not really…”

Petrina was watching her. When she didn’t say anything more, Petrina smiled. “Well then, eat your breakfast and let’s go. I already called the marina and the boat is ready and waiting for us. You’ll see, a little Greek sunshine will make everything seem so much better.”

Gemma ate a piece of bread and quickly put on some cutoff shorts and a tank top. She didn’t bother putting on the swimsuit Leo’s cousin had gotten for her, still wondering when she was going to get to meet that mystery woman.She’s missed all of the excitement these last few days!

An hour later, still not completely sold on Petrina’s about face, she slid into the passenger seat of a little yellow Corvette. “Shouldn’t I leave a note for Tressa?”

“Oh, I told her where I was taking you. We’ll be home by dinner time, don’t worry.”

Gemma settled back in the seat and enjoyed the ride. It appeared Petrina had turned over a new leaf and had everything well in hand. There was one huge point in Petrina’s schemes favour. If Gemma was sailing on the ocean, she wouldn’t have to worry about talking to Leo or making any life-altering decisions.That is a definite bonus!

*****

Sailing was a novel experience for Gemma. She was glad Petrina had two shipmates onboard to handle the finer aspects of sailing the yacht. Petrina took great joy in showing her all over the fifty-one-feet luxury yacht. It was white fiberglass with three cabins and two bathrooms. It was larger than Gemma’s entire apartment back in the States, and boasted two deck levels as well as a full kitchen.

There was a slight breeze as they left the port. Petrina invited Gemma to join her on the top deck, explaining that the bikini top would need to wait until they reached their destination. They were going quite a way, needing to travel at top speed to get there and still have time to enjoy the island.

Gemma didn’t mind. She changed into the black bikini Leo’s cousin had chosen for her, wrapping a towel around her torso before climbing the small ladder. She discovered Petrina lying on her stomach soaking up the sun. Gemma followed suit.

She was surprised when Petrina offered to spray some sunscreen onto her back. “The sun here is vicious if you’re not used to it.”

Gemma thanked her. Soon she was lulled into a dreamlike state as the boat moved smoothly across the water to their destination. “Where exactly are we going?”