Doukas by Demetra Georgiou

Chapter 3

 

Even though I live and work in the heart of Athens, I don’t get out much. Be it the circumstances or the fact that I’ve been through a lot these past few years, I don’t find much time for myself anymore. I mean, if you have to write ‘pluck your eyebrows’ on your to-do list, then you’re definitely working too hard.

Sitting in the backseat of the taxi, I head for Mousa, a rooftop bar in Kallimarmaro. Working that close to the Acropolis, someone would think that I’ve had enough of it, but I haven’t, and it’s so rare having a night out on the other side of that hill. I haven’t been to Mousa before, but if the pictures on Google are any indication, then I’m in for a treat.

Knowing my friend and the places she frequents, I’ve put on an extremely tight nude minidress that essentially covers everything, but gives the impression that I’m stark naked. The weather hasn’t chilled yet, so I doubt I’m going to need my black shawl after all.

I try to remember the last time we had a girls’ night out. With me running the taverna and her taking a new job and dealing with an even newer boyfriend, we just haven’t found the time.

Admittedly, Veta and I haven’t always been close. We began hanging out at university, but somehow, after graduating, we were the only ones left in Athens. Not that I complain. Veta is a fun person to be around and always makes me forget my troubles.

I shift in my seat, trying not to flash the cabbie, and for what seems like the umpteenth time today, my mind drifts to Doukas. I wonder how he’s doing.

Before long, I’m getting out of the taxi, taking a moment to admire the whole velvet rope and understated luxury theme they have going on. Ignoring the line, I head for the bouncers. Veta’s name immediately opens the velvet ropes, and seconds later, I venture inside in search of her.

“Ria,” Veta shouts, and her voice travels above the music.

I whirl around to find her waving at me from the VIP section.

Figures.

“You’re so pretty,” she gushes next to my ear.

I laugh. “You’re one to talk.”

I’d kill to have Veta’s petite figure, let alone get away with wearing a dress such as hers. I haven’t seen an animal print number I liked, but somehow her dress and dark complexion are a killer combination.

“A glass of dry rosé, please,” I say at the smiling waitress that takes my order.

Since I already started with wine at home, there’s no point in mixing the drinks. After all, it will be harder to get drunk on rosé.

“It’s nice here,” I remark. “How did you manage to book a VIP section on such short notice?”

Veta shifts uncomfortably. “Thrasos arranged it. He behaved like an ass and is trying to butter me up.”

I’d never have guessed that her new boyfriend did all this. Usually, we enjoy preferential treatment because of my friend’s promiscuity, breaking men’s hearts left and right.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, Veta. What’s the trouble?”

“I honestly don’t know anymore. We’ve been dating for two weeks, but he’s constantly blowing hot and cold. I think I’m falling hard while he remains standoffish and aloof.”

At the mention of these two little adjectives, my mind goes to Doukas. That’s exactly how I’d describe him while he was glaring at Fanaris’s men. And a few moments later, I was close to him, speechless and completely hypnotized.

“Ria? Are you ok? You zoned out for a minute.”

It’s too soon to tell her about Doukas. I wouldn’t even know where to start.

I shake my head. “I’m sorry. I’m a bit tired. Two weeks is not nearly enough time to get to know him as a person, sweetie.” I try to reason with her even though we both know that when it comes to men, we really know how to pick them.

The waitress brings my drink, and I take a sip. I don’t recognize the wine, but it’s exceptionally good. I might ask the girl about it as it’d be excellent for my seafood dishes. My musings are cut short as I note that my friend shifts nervously in her seat. I look at her, giving her my undivided attention.

Veta takes a deep breath and meets my eyes. “And the worst thing of all, Thrasos is kind of my boss.”

“Your boss?” I ask in disbelief.

I know I should be understanding, telling her that everything will be all right, but I didn’t think she would get involved in yet another workplace romance. For a person as good-looking as my friend, she’s quite insecure. She could be dating male models or people who care for her, but she settles for balding, dirty old men.

“This time is different. Thrasos is not married, owns a restaurant, and overall he’s dreamy.”

“If everything’s as you say it is, then you’ve got nothing to worry about. It makes perfect sense. You’re only starting to learn how to be together.”

Veta sighs. “I don’t know how you manage it. You always seem to know the right words to say.”

I wouldn’t put it quite like that, but if it helps her, then I’m game. Unfortunately, that realization on Veta’s part is enough to get her going. We spend the better part of the night talking about her relationship with Thrasos, her new job as a hostess in his restaurant, and then some more about the man himself.

“Let’s go dancing,” I suggest after yet another story of the incredible Thrasos.

“I can’t. Thrasos doesn’t like me to dance when he’s not around to watch,” she explains, and I want to scream.

“You’re not serious. He can’t possibly tell you what you can or cannot do. That’s wrong.”

“He provides for me and wants me to be safe,” she tries to reason.

“I understand this, and I’m happy for you, but you’re not dancing because he’s not here.”

“Don’t start, Ria. Not again! I can’t be like you, working all the time and alone. I was raised a certain way, and I like to have nice things. Thrasos gives me all that, plus the sex is amazing,” she hisses defensively.

“You’re right. It’s not my business.”

Woah! I didn’t expect that. Not really in the mood for an argument, I focus on my drink. Why is she always so fixated on money? It’s not my style to be judgmental, but coming from an affluent family, Veta is wealthy in her own right. Her mother and stepfather died a few years ago, but she still lives in their townhouse. It’s not often we talk about money, but I suspect she doesn’t really need to work.

After some moments of awkward people-watching, Veta excuses herself to go to the bathroom, and I open my clutch to check in with the taverna.

Unlocking my phone, I find a text from none other than Doukas. My heart pounds louder than the music as I swipe to open it.

 

Doukas: Any allergies I should know about?

 

I can’t help my grin as I read and reread the short text he sent almost an hour ago.

 

Me: Nothing comes to mind. What have you planned?

 

Doukas: I’m just exploring my options.

 

I scoff. That’s not cryptic at all.

 

Me: That’s not an answer.

 

Doukas: I beg to differ.

 

I bring my thumb over his name and smile. He said those words yesterday too, and I bet that if I close my eyes, I can picture him saying them now—a moment before his lips are on mine again.

“You would not believe the line for the bathroom,” Veta remarks, dispersing my daydreaming as she returns to our table. “Guess what? Thrasos texted me. Do you mind if we cut this short? He asked me to go to his place.”

Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t mind. The problem is that I came to unwind and get away from the hell that surrounds me daily, and all I got was even more troubles about her relationship. I don’t like being cranky or unsupportive, but all the pressure of what I’m going through is taking its toll on me.

“No, it’s all right. I have to go to the taverna anyway,” I lie.

I didn’t intend to drop by, but since I’m about fifteen minutes away, perhaps I should pay them an impromptu visit.

Once outside, Veta insists on giving me a lift, but I don’t want to delay her reunion with Thrasos. After all, I’m only a short drive away. Thankfully, my taxi arrives quickly, so I don’t have to wait in the street.

“Oh, Ria?” Veta calls out as I’m about to jump into the taxi, and I turn. “I have a huge favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

She rushes towards me. “Can I borrow your red dress with the open back? The one you wore to that gallery opening in July?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Excellent. Thrasos is taking me out, and he just loves me in red,” she singsongs. I smile fondly at her. Despite my trepidation in her choice of men, it’s good to see her happy and in love. “I’ll pick it up from the taverna tomorrow afternoon. About three, I think.”

Shit. I don’t know if I’ll be back by then. Think, Ria, think!

“Oh! I might not be there, but I’ll let my staff know.”

“Why won’t you be there?” my nosy friend asks.

“What will it be, lady? Do you need a ride or not?” the cabbie grumbles.

Usually, I would tell him off, but in this instance, I might give him an extra tip for getting me out of answering Veta’s question.

“We’ll talk,” I promise her and get in the cab.

After giving the driver the address, I pull out my phone to read Doukas’s messages once again, but there’s a new one waiting for me.

 

Doukas: Where are you anyway, having such a crappy time?

 

I giggle. If only he knew!

 

Me: Why would you think I’m having a crappy time?

 

Doukas: You’re texting me back.

 

He’s got a point. I don’t know what to say to him, so I take my time and look outside the window.

Athens is my city, a place that’s not only my home but holds every hope and dream I’ve ever had. I love every part of it, and I would pick it over anywhere in the world in a heartbeat. Its roads look so different at night. I guess that’s often the case when the traffic is light and night has fallen, but I adore how there’s always something new to discover.

The light on my phone fades, and I look down at it. Smiling, I hit reply. Here goes nothing.

 

Me: Perhaps it’s not the place. Perhaps I decided to listen to you and not have too much fun.

 

“We’re here, miss,” my cabbie announces, and I open my purse to pay him his fare and well-deserved tip.

Exiting the taxi, I cross the road and follow the paved walkway leading to my humble establishment. My phone pings as I reach for the door. I could text this man all night.

 

Doukas: Glad to hear. Who could say no to you in this dress?

 

I stop breathing altogether as I try to make sense of what he’s saying. I look up and see him inside my taverna, moving towards me.

As if in slow motion, the door opens, and he stands in front of me.

“Hello, Ria.”