Zoe stood up, needing an answer to that herself. “I’m not sure.”
To her relief Andreas said something to Lia in Greek and started walking her to the door. For the moment Ari didn’t seem to notice. He was too concentrated on his new toys.
When Andreas stepped out in the hall, Zoe got down on her knees again and turned one of the toys around. Next, she pushed it against the second one. Ari lifted his head and stared at her before he pushed the third one into hers. She reached for the first one and war broke out. Every time she hit one of his, he laughed a little and hit back.
Pretty soon Andreas joined them and turned it into a battle until Ari laughed so hard he got the hiccups. Clearly he adored his daddy.
“It’s time for his lunch. Let’s go down to the restaurant. Then we’ll come back and play until he’s ready for his nap. I set up a crib in the second bedroom with his favorite stuffed bear and rabbit.”
“I can tell it won’t be long before he climbs out of it.”
Andreas grinned. “I’m expecting to hear a thump any day now. When he’s back home with me, he’ll have a regular bed.”
Lunch turned out to be a hilarious experience. Andreas made a game out of everything. The love he showered on his son was something to behold. After they returned to the living room, Zoe straightened things while he put his son down.
“Sorry it took so long.”
She looked up at him from the couch. He stood there with his legs slightly apart, her idea of the ultimate male. “It’s not surprising. If I’d had that much stimulation from a doting father, I would never have wanted to go to bed either. He’s precious, Andreas.”
“You were wonderful with him.”
“Thank goodness he didn’t act frightened around me.”
“Anything but.”
“Was Lia upset?”
“Yes. After seeing you, she informed me she needs more money before she can move. I told her there was no more and I’d see her the day after tomorrow at the same time when she comes for Ari.
“While he’s asleep I’m going to phone Yorgos. He’ll fax my change of visitation petition to her attorney today and demand the soonest court date possible for the ruling.”
She feared the agony Andreas suffered would continue for a long time yet. “What if she won’t agree to it?”
“For all the obvious reasons, the judge will rule in my favor and she’ll have to comply. Will you excuse me while I disappear in my bedroom for a few minutes?”
“Of course. I have a phone call of my own to make.”
“Abby or Ginger?”
She chuckled. “Neither one. The new Signora della Scala is still on her honeymoon. When she returns, we three girls will have a long conversation. In the meantime it occurred to me I haven’t checked in with Harriet at the office in months.”
“Harriet?”
“The secretary at UCLA. She’ll know if the August date has been set for the faculty party the dean gives to start off the fall semester. If there’s any interesting news, Harriet will pass it on. The department couldn’t function without her.”
He was quiet for a moment before he said, “After being away from teaching this long, are you anxious to get back to it?”
What would Andreas say if she told him she never wanted to leave him? “To be honest, I’ve been having such a wonderful time here with you, I haven’t really thought about it.”
“That’s good because I have more things planned for us with Ari, and when we’re alone,” he added in a low tone. Her heart turned over. Those words would have filled her with pure joy but for the presence of Lia. His wife wasn’t through trying to convince Andreas to make their marriage work. Why else was she doing everything possible to hang on to him?
“I can’t wait to see Athens with the two of you. It’ll be much different from when I was living in a apartment here doing research.”
“That I can promise.” His black eyes gleamed. “Ari won’t sleep more than an hour. One of these days he’ll outgrow his naps, too.”
“I did a lot of babysitting and know it happens faster than you think.”
“Which is why I want him for longer periods.”