Page 34 of Her Greek Inheritance
Petrina had her eyes closed but smiled as she replied. “The Moustakas own a private island. I thought we would head there and spend a few hours swimming before we returned.”
“They own an entire island?” Gemma’s awe was evident in her voice.
“Don’t sound so surprised. Many people own their own islands. The Moustakas family just happen to own several.”
Several islands? I didn’t even know that was possible.Gemma stared out blankly over the ocean.Leo and Alexi inhabit an almost alien world. I bet they never had to work a third job just to pay the electric bill.
“So, how did you meet Alexi?” Petrina asked.
Gemma didn’t want to be rude, but the last thing she wanted to discuss was Alexi—or Leo. “Would you mind if we talked about something else?”
“Oh! How insensitive of me!” What appeared to be regret flashed in Petrina’s eyes. “Tell me about your work at the museum. That is a neutral topic, yes?”
Gemma nodded. She launched into a lengthy explanation about her work and the intricacies of restoring masterpieces. Petrina closed her eyes and appeared to be listening. After about fifteen minutes without any comment, Gemma was certain the young woman wasn’t paying any attention to her. “Enough about me. What do you do?”
“Do?” Petrina asked.
“Yes, for a career.”
Petrina laughed. “I don’tdoanything. I serve on several charitable committees, I handle some public relations issues for my uncle and I attend a variety of social events.”
Gemma managed to not roll her eyes. Just as she’d expected. Petrina was a spoilt rich girl whose only job was to look good and put in a public appearance here and there. Gemma personally thought that was a waste of a life, but then again, she worked as many hours of the day as was humanly possible and not by choice. It was what was required of her right now to keep everything running smoothly.
Those thoughts brought her mind back to Damien and Tyler. “I hope Damien is okay. How long will we be gone?”
Petrina shrugged her shoulders. “We’ll be back by dinner.” One of the shipmates stuck his head over the ladder and spoke to her. She frowned, lashing out with a few harsh words. He hastily ducked back down the ladder. Petrina smiled at Gemma, her expression cheerful. “We’ll be there in about half an hour. Would you like to rinse off and get dressed?”
Gemma nodded, not liking the sticky feeling of the sunscreen on her hot skin. “That sounds very nice.”
“Good. Just go down the ladder and down the stairs. You can use the bathroom at the back of the hallway. Take your time. I’ll let you know when we get ready to dock.”
Gemma noticed several islands off in the distance as she descended the ladder in search of the bathroom.
By the time she’d showered and changed, the boat was slowing down. The two-man crew moved frantically around the small craft. Gemma climbed the stairs and was shocked to see that the blue sky was turning an angry gray in the distance. Clouds were rolling in fast. She sensed the crew wasn’t happy to be out on the water in these conditions.
Gemma found Petrina standing inside the navigation cabin. “What’s happening?”
“The crew thinks a storm is coming. They’ve advised we should only spend a short time on the beach.”
If the crew is concerned, shouldn’t we be listening to them?“We don’t have to dock on the island at all,” Gemma said. “We can turn around and go back right now.”
Petrina waved her concerns aside. “These storms pop up all the time and are nothing to worry about. I want to show you this gorgeous little lagoon I discovered a few years back. It’s like a hidden paradise. I think the artist in you will really appreciate it.”
“Are you sure it’s safe?” Gemma eyed the storm clouds once more.
Petrina nodded. “Yes. Come. They won’t be able to take the boat all the way in so we’ll have to wade the last fifty yards or so. Don’t worry, the water will only be up to your knees and it’s very warm this time of year.”
Gemma took off her shoes and tied them around her neck as Petrina demonstrated. She followed her down the dive ladder until her feet touched the white sand on the bottom. The water only reached her knees. As the two women walked towards the pristine beach, Gemma stored up visuals to remember once she returned to the States.
They reached the beach. Gemma glanced at the gathering storm clouds, but since Petrina didn’t seem concerned, she let her worries go as well. “Where is this lagoon you told me about?”
Petrina led her into the foliage, following a clearly marked trail.
“Are there animals on the island?” Gemma asked.
“No. Just humans from time to time. There is a small estate on the other side of the island where the family stays when they come here, but other than that, it’s an unpopulated island.” Petrina led the way into a clearing.
Gemma’s eyes went wide. Before her lay a small pool of water, surrounded by rock walls that rose several feet above the water’s surface and a variety of flowering plants and trees. A large olive tree loomed to her right. Gemma smiled.I wonder if this is what the Garden of Eden looked like?