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Mick scowled. “Jesus, we just started talking yesterday. What would make you say something like that?”
“You two are so busy living in the past, you don’t see what’s in front of you. You’re getting a second chance, my friend—this time don’t let her be more stubborn than you.”
“What?” Mick just looked at him.
“I walked away from Paige… remember? Young, stupid, unsure… blah blah blah. Now look at us. Because she had the balls to fly 7000 miles to say goodbye to the guy she’d impulsively married and then never spoke to again. Four years ago, you let Lena go. You had a ring. You were trying to figure out how to tell your buddy you wanted to marry his sister. You were in love with her. And you just let her go.”
Mick looked away, stoic in his refusal to respond.
“You have one more chance with Lena. Make it count.”
“Why?”
“Because I know you’re still in love with her and I think all those tears are because she’s still in love with you.”
“After what my family did?” he snorted. “She’s just doing what she thinks she has to for Mihalis.”
“Why would she have named him after you if she didn’t love you?”
“I’m his father.”
Apollo rolled his eyes. “You’re going to keep the blinders on, hm?”
Mick shook his head. “I thought you weren’t taking sides?”
“I’m not—I’m trying to help.”
“I have a lot to sort out, starting with my mother and this mess with the fire. Then I have to think about Mihalis, proving I’m his father and getting something legal that allows me to be a part of his life. I’ve been in love with Lena for a long time, but I can’t put her first until I get my own shit together.”
“Just don’t take too long.”
15
Mick met Hank for a drink at a café in Oia, since that’s where Hank and his wife were staying. Mick ordered a Greek beer he’d come to like called Mythos and sank into a chair next to Hank.
“What’s going on, my boy?” Hank eyed him. “You sounded… stressed on the phone.”
Mick nodded, taking a long swig. He glanced at his friend and asked, “Did my father ever mention not approving of a woman I was dating in college?”
Hank narrowed his eyes slightly. “You’re talking about Lena.”
Mick was startled but made sure not to let it show. “Yes.”
Hank sighed. “He was unhappy when he found out who your translator was here in Santorini. When I asked why he said she was a gold-digging bimbo from the past.”
Mick clenched his jaw painfully, shaking his head. “She wasn’t. She isn’t.”
“Your mother offered her money and she took it.”
“You knew?” Mick was disappointed.
“Not until you hired her as your translator. You father saw her name and called me but I told him it was your project and to butt out.”
“You did?” Mick frowned.
Hank took off his glasses and met the younger man’s eyes. “Michael, I’ve watched you grow up and turn into the smart, caring, hard-working man you are. I’ve also watched your parents manipulate both you and your sister to no end. You were strong enough to become your own man—a good one—in spite of their machinations and I’ll always have your back, son.”
“Thank you. That means a lot. Especially now.”
