Page 182 of Love Among the Ruins
“Mama, I want to ask you something. Is Hector Galatis my father?”
* * *
DOMINIC
He was back in Athens by noon, minus the Rolex he wasn’t sure why he’d given to Miranda.
He’d wanted to stay in Spetses, stick around, be there for Eleni in case she needed him, but he didn’t want her to feel pressured. It was best that he left her alone to deal with the juggernaut of shock he’d hit her with. Discovering her father’s identity was a minefield of emotions, but knowing he could be Hector Galatis, made things so much more difficult to come to terms with.
He’d walked her back to her home in the early hours of the morning because as soon as he’d told her about Hector, Eleni hadn’t wanted to talk more.
The news had crushed her, and he sensed she needed to speak to her mother. For the next few days, he tried to focus on his work as well as shield questions from his father, and Alexander, and Hector, who wanted to know where he and Hector were with the deal.
Eleni had texted him to say she was taking a few days of leave, but he had no idea when she would return, or what the news she had would be.
Patience wasn’t his strong suit, and his mood was as crabby as ever.
Seeing Miranda back at work on Monday had made for an awkward moment. But when she’d silently returned his Rolex to him, he got the feeling that she would keep quiet about all she had heard. Though she would probably give Eleni a hard time about it.
While he waited to hear from Eleni, he would arrange to meet with Helen and go through the Galatis’ deal, just in case.
* * *
ELENI
“Shame you can’t host me an engagement party on your yacht.”
Dominic leaned in and kissed Helen on the cheek again. “Congratulations. Getting engaged in Venice is about as romantic as it gets.”
“Not that you’d know. You’re not the marrying type, Dominic. Pity, really.” She slowly let go of his hand.
Eleni stared at them both, her fingers on the doorknob. “I’m sorry but I thought ... I thought I heard you say I could come in.” She felt like a fool, embarrassed and silly. But, surprisingly, the smile didn’t slip from Dominic’s face. It widened, his eyes filling with concern as he strode towards her.
“Helen got engaged in Venice,” he explained, as the lawyer dutifully showed off her ice cube sized ring.
“Con-congratulations.” Eleni’s mouth dried up. “I’m ... really happy for you.”
“Thank you.” Helen picked up her briefcase. “Galatis has agreed to your proposal, and he is happy with the terms. We should sign. Or do you want to run this by your father first?”
Dominic hesitated as he smoothed down his tie. “I’ve got this. Leave it with me.”
Helen flashed Eleni a smile and moved past her with a grace that Eleni could only dream of.
Dominic closed the door behind her and turned to her, his eyes searching her face. He reached out, and for a moment she thought he was about to take her hand, but any happiness she’d felt at wanting to see him had vanished when she’d walked in.
Fresh into work, and late, arriving mid-morning, she’d felt compelled to share her news with Dominic. But she hadn’t been prepared for what she’d heard.
“There is nothing going on between me and Helen,” he said, mistaking the reason for her silence.
“I know.”
“Are you okay?”
“I was okay.”
“Come,” he gently took her by the arm towards the seat opposite his desk. “Sit down. I’ve …” He stopped abruptly, then perched on the corner of the desk.
“You’ve?”
