After telling the dean she was honored and flattered to have been considered, but couldn’t accept the offer, she left his office and waited outside in front of the building enjoying the view until Andreas came for her.
They drove into town. Once he’d dropped her off at the apartment long enough to pack fresh clothes, she got back in his car and they left for Messolonghi.
She’d spent time there earlier in the year. It was the place where the Greek rebels fought in the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. It was there that Byron came to join Greece in its fight for freedom.
“Refresh my memory about that last day,” Andreas asked her.
“From what I know, Byron rode his horse by the waters of the lagoon, then to the Chapel of the Virgin by the Palm Tree, and then for many more miles onto Aetolicon. On that fateful day he was caught in the downpour of a storm and returned completely soaked to the home in Messolonghi where he was staying. That’s when the sweating and fever started. He became seriously ill and died at the age of thirty-six.”
He shot her glance. “What more do you expect to learn about that day by going there?”
“I’m curious to compare some facts with the Turkish accounts I’ve just gathered.”
Andreas shook his head. “Does that mind of yours ever turn off?”
She flashed him a radiant smile. “I hope not.”
After they reached Messolonghi, Zoe had booked a local hotel. After she’d checked in, Andreas walked her through the Garden of Heroes where Lord Byron was featured. According to his will, his heart was buried there beneath the statue and his body shipped back to England.
As she’d walked with Andreas, she knew she’d come close to losing her own heart. But it had happened so quickly! How could she be feeling this way after her last painful experience? Zoe was at the point where she didn’t trust her own judgment and was feeling so vulnerable, she was frightened.
Because you know that what you feel for Andreas is more than what you’ve ever felt for anyone before.
They had a meal of superb grilled eel at a nearby café. He was definitely a fish man, but this would be their last dinner together.
Zoe looked at her watch. “It’s getting late, Andreas. Don’t you think you’d better get back to Patras if you’re expecting to fly to Athens in the morning?”
“It’s only an hour’s drive. Why do I get the feeling you’re trying to get rid of me?”
She sucked in her breath. “That’s the first cruel thing you’ve ever said to me. I thought we were friends.”
“I’m sorry if it came off sounding that way.”
“I’m the one who’s sorry. I guess I worry that you’re a man with so many responsibilities. You’ve done everything for me since that accident.”
“It’s obvious that you’re not used to letting anyone help you.”
That was a plain fact. “You’re right. I need to learn to be more gracious. Thank you for this whole day and the dinner tonight.”
“You’re welcome. If you’re ready, I’ll walk you to the hotel and say goodbye for another week.”
Another seven days away from him. How would she be able to handle it?
He accompanied her as far as the hotel foyer. “I plan to come for you when you’re through here. I’ll call you.”
“I know you can’t wait for tomorrow to see Ari. It makes me happy just thinking about the two of you together.”
“Good luck with your research.”
They were talking around each other. She could see a little nerve throbbing at the corner of his mouth before he turned on his heel and walked out of the hotel.
Zoe hurried up to her room on the second floor and burst into tears. This had to end.
For the rest of the week she did as much research as she could. On the sixth day, she packed up and rented a car to drive back to Patras. From there she made a plane reservation for a night flight to Venice. For the rest of the day she got her laundry and packing done.
She couldn’t stay in Greece any longer. Zoe had
been the first woman Andreas had turned to since filing for his separation. It was possible he and Lia might even reconcile given a little more time and no outside distractions. He’d told Zoe that Lia still wanted him back. Zoe didn’t doubt it and couldn’t help but wonder if that knowledge didn’t work on Andreas. If he wanted to try again with Lia, Zoe knew it would kill her.