A Longer, But Nevertheless Short Story

The touch of a breeze prodded him toward wakefulness. He resisted, preferring to remain comfortable and oblivious to the real world. Despite his best efforts to ignore it, the breeze insisted on rousing him. One by one, his senses turned against him. The cool breeze tickled his bare back inducing a shiver, a marked difference from the sultry heat of the Grecian summer day. He took a deep breath and filled his lungs with night air, tasting and smelling the sea. The couple had spent the afternoon of the last full day of their vacation making slow, deeply satisfying love. He smiled, reveling in the feeling of relaxation and contentment that filled his heart and mind.

Fully awake now, he rolled over to find her missing from their bed. Eyes adjusting to the darkness of the hotel room, he found the candles extinguished. The light of a full moon entered through the French doors, which lead to the balcony. Silhouetted in soft, glorious moonlight was his reason for living. There was a woman’s body in all its lush and delicious glory. Her naked form triggered memories of sensations that he had never known before and sparked feelings that charged his soul with the fulfillment of pure and exquisite happiness.

He watched her for some time, admiring the curves and contours that never failed to ignite his passion. The aura of light provided by the moon outlined his love as she leaned against the door’s frame.

“Breathtaking,” he said.

She agreed, nodding without turning. “It’s so beautiful here.”

The breeze returned to lift the curtains and he silently thanked whichever Greek goddess controlled the wind, for granting him the opportunity to experience such an ethereal and matchless vision of his own goddess. He stretched and rose from the bed. Padding across the floor, he encircled her body in his arms and kissed her shoulder. She leaned back into his chest and purred. As usual, the contact burned them. She spun to look up into his eyes and he inclined his head for a kiss. Noticing a tear on her freckled cheek, he paused. He held her face in his hands and tenderly kissed her lips.

“What’s wrong? How can you be crying, when I am so happy?”

“I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to go back to my job and I don’t want to go back to our house. I want to stay here with you and eat, sleep, and make love until we grow old.”

Her eyes sparkled, searching his own for confirmation of the understanding of her seriousness. He recognized the sadness in her voice and tried to give her what she wanted.

“This has been the most amazing experience of my life. I don’t want it to end either. I don’t want to think about going home tonight.”

She walked to the balcony’s rail and looked out over the town. He sensed that he had not said the right thing. He joined her, held her hand, and together they listened to the sounds of the nightlife below them. The pulse of the nightclub on the corner drew their attention. A small crowd milled outside on the street. Blessed with the energy of youth and unburdened with responsibility, they reveled in each other; a gang of happy rebels drinking in their freedom and singing to the moon.

The couple had found that the disco was one of a very few establishments open after hours. The working people of Tsalikos made their living off the Aegean. It seemed the whole of the adult population was involved in the catch or the sale of the sea’s bounty. As a tourist destination, the village lacked many of the amenities and attractions that drew travelers. There was no beach to speak of. The nightlife was sparse, except on the weekends. Yet, they had fallen in love with the pace and simplicity. It was a welcome respite from the stress and weariness that came, part and parcel, with the vibrancy and energy of their New York lifestyle.

They had found the people to be universally friendly. The language barrier, which was a concern when they arrived, proved to be a small matter. Everywhere they went, they received a lesson in Greek. He took notes, when possible, of the phrases they learned and the names of the townspeople. They were obviously foreigners, being the only inhabitants with fair skin. But, due entirely to her openly friendly manner and her natural charm, they were treated like long-lost relatives. As they walked through town every day, it was as if she had a magical aura that drew out the goodness from everyone they met to add to her own and then reflected it back.

Every day, a different woman would take his hand and berate him, all the while pointing at her. Their meaning was unmistakable. He must devote the rest of his life to making her happy. The men would tell him, sometimes in broken English, that he would be a fool not marry her. He too, was caught under her spell and he agreed totally and enthusiastically with everyone they met. The town had captivated them.

A couple in the street below shouted goodbye to their friends and began to walk up the street toward the lovers’ hotel. They watched the couple approach, holding hands, deep in conversation. They stopped, kissed once quickly and broke up; as if afraid that someone would catch them. The woman began to walk away, but the man held his ground and her hand, pulling her close again. This time the kiss was long and thorough. The pair above watched the younger couple’s kissing grow more and more passionate.

Inexplicably, the man broke the embrace and looked up directly at the lovers. The woman followed his gaze upward. The young couple waved to them, seeming not to care that another couple was spying on their private moment; and nude no less. The young man called up to them. The only word that the man recognized was happy. He called back down in English, “Yes, yes, very happy.” The young couple laughed and waved once more. They were on their way once more.

“What was he saying?” she asked.

“All that I understood was happy. I told him we were very happy. We are, aren’t we?” She spun in his arms, not wanting to break contact.

She looked worried, “I feel like this is the end of something. We are going to go home tomorrow and we’ll never feel this way again. If we come back for a week or two weeks next year, we’ll be trying so hard to re-live it, it won’t be real. I can’t explain it.”

“I understand what you’re saying.”

“You say you understand, but it doesn’t seem to bother you. I’m terrified. How can you be so casual about it?” She shrugged his hands off her shoulders and her green eyes flashed, challenging him.

Suddenly, he remembered that he was naked and the breeze, no longer his ally, chilled him. She paused, waiting for a response. He remained silent, amazed at how fast a blissful evening together had turned into acrimony. She turned on her heel and left the balcony leaving him to search his feelings for an answer.

His sometimes blasé attitude was a source of extreme frustration for her. She was a woman of intense emotion that gave unconditionally to the relationship. She knew in her heart that he was passionately, deeply in love with her. But, it seemed to her that he still had not reached the point where he thought of himself no longer as a man in love, but as half of one being, as part of something greater than a couple sharing a bed and a home. She knew what was possible. Her heart told her that it was inside him. She had already committed her heart and it frustrated her, waiting for him to break through whatever barrier kept him from sharing in the ultimate surrender that comes with true love.

She walked to the bathroom and began to draw a bath. As she eased herself into the tub, she worried that he would never be able to match the intensity of her feelings. It was rare to find a man that could recognize his feelings, let alone express them. After two years together, she had hoped he would open up, but perhaps she expected too much. She smiled, despite these thoughts, reminding herself how he had grown so much already. The hot water helped to calm her. She closed her eyes. He did have so many excellent qualities. Not the least of which was his talent to give her so much pleasure. He never frustrated her in that regard. She thought to herself, “I do love that man.”

Left alone, gazing out toward the sea, he decided to give her space. The moon was huge, painting a shining streak on the water pointing directly toward him, a luminous accusing finger. He knew what bothered her. They had quarreled before about his lack of emotion. In the times that required him to speak about his feelings for her, he always froze or said the wrong thing entirely. His awkward silences when she needed honesty and sensitivity bothered him as well. Here he had a woman that could make him happier than he had ever been in his life with a smile or a touch of her hand and he held something back. He was a mature, intelligent man, but he still did not know everything about himself. Why couldn’t he find the piece inside himself that would complete the man she deserved?

He went back inside and dragged a chair out to the balcony. Sitting, he put his head in his hands and sighed. The day had started out so well. They had woken up in the late morning. They had no plans. After a small breakfast and a strong coffee for her at the hotel, they took to the streets, hand in hand. They stopped at the market to say hello to the woman who sold hand-made jewelry as they had done every day since buying one of her pieces. She kissed and hugged them both and beamed like it was their wedding day and she was the proud mother of the bride.

……………….

They had decided to make an effort to traverse the town saying their goodbyes to all of their new relatives. By lunchtime, they had kissed dozens of aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers. He again wondered at her gift for bringing joy to everyone she met. They stopped on the pier and he sat on a bench while she walked toward the water and flirted with a boat full of fishermen, recently returned from the sea. She wore a thin sun dress and he was pleased, and not at all surprised, to find the sun shining through her dress revealing every curve of her body. His desire for her was so strong and his faith in her devotion to him so absolute that he laughed as she twirled for the fishermen, teasing them. They had completely abandoned their business and were obviously desperately pleading for her attention. She shook her finger to say no, turned her back and sashayed back to him on the bench, sitting on his lap. The sailors whistled and shouted good-naturedly as she kissed him. He loved her for her playfulness, for her thoughtfulness, and for her power to drive him wild with desire.

He stood up with her in his arms and carried her away. She waved one more time to her victims and nuzzled his neck with her lips. He carried her for a long way along the dock to the restaurant where they had eaten their first night in town. As was the case with all restaurants in Tsalikos, the specialty of the house was seafood. In contrast to their first experience there, there were only a few tables occupied. They were seated at a table near a window. They ordered a grilled fish dish that came with a Greek salad, cheese and bread. A young waiter returned with their food and pulled up a chair.

“You are American,” he said to the man. “But, you,” as he turned to her, “are definitely not from America. I would guess you were from Heaven.”

She laughed and nodded, “That is remarkable. What gave it away?”

“Your unearthly beauty, of course. A woman more beautiful than any Greek woman must be an angel.”

She smiled at the compliment. “I admit that Greek women are very attractive, but they can’t compare with the angels. I have to admit to you that I’m no angel though. Ask him.”

Ignoring the man, the waiter said, “I will concede because my judgment is so powerfully affected by your beauty.”

The man decided to make his presence known. He held up his glass and said, “More wine, please, before our food gets cold.” The waiter turned his head to glance at him only for a moment before returning his gaze to her.

She added, “I’d like some more water also.” After the waiter left, embarrassed, she scolded him playfully. “That was not necessary. He was only flirting.”

“I’m not bothered by the flirting. I really wanted more wine. You must hear how beautiful you are from me more than enough. He was too young for you anyway.”

She smiled and began to eat. For a time, they ate in silence. “You are the most beautiful woman in the world,” he said. “I just thought I’d say it one more time in case you had forgotten.”

“Now I have heard it enough for today. Eat your fish so we can go home.”

The young waiter did not return with the water and the wine, but an older gentleman did. His accent was heavier, but he spoke English quite well. “Your wine, sir.” He filled their water glasses as well. I want to apologize for my son’s behavior. He believes himself to be a world-class playboy. May I sit?”

“Please do. Tell me how you speak English so well,” said the man. “We haven’t heard it spoken by many here in Tsalikos.”

“I learned when I was in the Navy. I grew up here, but I spent time in many ports for many years. The Americans always told the most interesting stories. I love a good story. My son went to university in Kentucky and now he fancies himself a world traveler. He also reads too many romance novels. Do you like the fish?”

She said, “It’s wonderful. Are you the chef as well?”

“My wife is our chef. I am not allowed to cook. It is my job to make the customers welcome. If you would give me a good review, I would consider it a great favor,” he asked, bowing.

The man assured him, “Your job is secure. Let your wife know that we feel as welcome as we would feel in my own mother’s house.”

“Enjoy your lunch now, please. We have bothered you enough. Eat.” He left them alone.

It was past two now and there were no other diners left in the restaurant. The couple finished their lunch over pleasant conversation with an undertone of sadness. They avoided the topic of returning home, but it hovered around them, threatening to ruin a glorious day.

At that time, the whole family emerged from the back. The father held a bottle in his hand and the chef carried a tray with five glasses. The son cleared the table without saying a word. “May I present my wife and the owner of this establishment, Maria?” The couple rose and the man shook her hand.

“Thank you for a wonderful meal”, he said.

“You will have dessert and a drink with us, please?” she asked.

“We would be glad to,” replied the woman, reaching for hand. “What are we drinking to?”

“We drink to Greece. We drink to family and we drink to new friends. Spiros, pour please.” Instead of shaking her hand the mother hugged the woman. She turned to the man and pointed to his lover, “This one is well built. I hope you stay in shape. She will wear you out.”

“Dmitri!” she shouted. “Bring out the cake. And stop sulking. You couldn’t handle this one anyway.”

They all laughed and eventually Dmitri joined them carrying a small cake cut in slices. Spiros pulled up a chair for his wife and they all sat around a table with full glasses of ouzo in front of them. For two hours they shared stories of the Greek Navy, of America, of the history of Tsalikos, and of the world around them. They talked about politics, religion, and fishing. After the second bottle of ouzo was finished, it was time to prepare the restaurant for the dinner crowd. The couple stood up, somewhat shakily, and hugged everyone goodbye.

Maria whispered something in the woman’s ear and she nodded conspiratorially in agreement. Giving the man a knowing look she blew him a kiss before disappearing back into the kitchen. Spiros held his shoulders with strong hands and kissed both his cheeks. “Live well, my friend.” He shook the man’s hand and then put his arm around Dmitri, “We must go back to work now, Mr. Hefner. Say goodbye to the nice Americans.”

Dmitri shook the man’s hand and kissed hers. “It is said that the Trojan War was fought over a woman. Helen was an ugly crone compared to you. If all women in America are as beautiful as you, I will kiss my parents goodbye this afternoon and sail tonight.”

She accepted his compliments gracefully, “I believe that you would have no problem finding a woman in America. You are very charming and also very young. But, I have a feeling that the women of Tsalikos would never let you leave.”

Dmitri bowed once again. “I have met my perfect match.” He turned to the man. “You are the luckiest man in Greece.”

He laughed and replied, “I feel so sorry for you. I can’t let you take her from me though. I love her too much.”

From the kitchen they heard Maria shout out for her son and he immediately ran to her call. Spiros put one arm around each of them and ushered them out the door. “It’s 4:30 in the afternoon. You have better things to do.” He winked at them and returned inside.

They blinked in the late afternoon sun and it took them some time to decide on a direction to go. He held her face in his hands and kissed her full lips. Their tongues danced and the street may have been spinning slightly. He broke the kiss and said, “I think it’s time we went home. I feel the need to worship at the feet of my angel.”

“Maybe she will grant you favor if you please her. Lead on. I will follow you wherever you go.”

He took her hand and led her up the street toward the hills and their hotel. She took off her sandals and carried them in her hand. He could not keep his hands off her as they hurried through the streets. When they reached the hotel, he picked her up and carried her up the stairs to their room. She opened the door with her free hand and closed it behind them.

Once inside he released her gently onto the bed. She beckoned for him to lie on top of her. Instead he stood and retrieved a bottle of water. He stood next to the bed and handed her the bottle. “Drink. You won’t be going anywhere for a while.” He was true to his word. The rest of the afternoon was spent making love until they mutually agreed to sleep, but only for an hour or two. Neither was eager for their last day in Greece to end.

……………….

He came into the bathroom while she lay with her eyes closed. Taking the shampoo in his hand he knelt beside the tub. He touched her shoulder and she lifted her head. “Slide under for a second,” he told her. She submerged her head and then rose again from the water allowing him to work the soap into her hair. His fingers massaged her scalp and she began to hum. Her titian hair was what had first attracted her to him and he loved to run his fingers through it. She was only to glad to allow him the pleasure. It was a very sensual experience for her as well. When he was finished, she held her breath and submerged once again. He ran his fingers through her hair one last time under water to rinse and then she rose from the bath like Venus. He helped her step out and he stepped right in. She took a towel and began to dry, watching his muscular body as he washed. Everything was so perfect, so natural right now. Did he feel it too?

She left, returning to the balcony after donning an emerald green silk robe. He followed soon after wearing only a towel. “I’ve been thinking.” He took her hands. Her robe was unsashed and he hesitated, staring at her olive skin in contrast with the robe. Teasing him, she said “You cannot resist me. It is useless to try”.

“I couldn’t agree more,” he laughed. “I don’t want to resist. I have an idea. I’ve been racking my brain asking myself what was wrong with me. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me and everything should be perfect. I need to make a change.”

She waited for him to continue. She pressed against him, loving the heat of his body on her skin. “What is your idea, love?”

He held her shoulders at arm’s length, breaking the contact of their bodies. “Tomorrow, we should leave.” She looked down. He had broken the mood and disappointed her yet again.

“I say we go home, quit our jobs, sell everything we have and come back here to live. We’ll have to learn a little more Greek, of course. We can travel. See the world. We can make love all over Europe. I want to grow old here with you. I’ve never been happier or more peaceful than I am right now. If you don’t want to live here, we can live somewhere else. You decide.”

She looked up at him and poked her finger in his chest. “Are you serious? Tell me. Is this really what you want to do?”

He poked her back. “You tell me. Do you want to give up our life, our family, and our friends in the States and settle here permanently?”

She pushed him back into the chair. “I want one thing. You have to promise that you will make me the happiest woman in the world and fulfill my every desire.”

“It will be my life’s mission. I promise.”