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She squeezed shut her eyes and bit her lip, praying for the strength to see out this scene without giving herself away.
She had nothing left. Nothing at all but the remnants of her pride.
The silence was so loud it pulsed between them. But she didn’t dare turn round. She knew her anguish would be obvious in her face.
And then she heard it—the sound she’d been praying for. And dreading. The sound of his measured pace crossing the room. The quiet, definite click of the door behind him.
Costas Palamidis had done what she asked and walked out of her life.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
LEAVING THE NEXT DAY was harder than Sophie had expected.
Not that she’d had to confront Costas again. By mutual consent they’d avoided each other yesterday evening. The house was big enough to accommodate them both in perfect isolation. And she hadn’t sought him out today after she’d packed her suitcase and organised a lift into town.
She’d wondered if he might try to prevent her leaving, persuade her to stay. Her pulse had raced at the possibility, wondering if she’d have the strength to resist his persuasion if he exerted himself. But he’d already taken an early-morning flight to Athens to deal in person with some urgent business. His housekeeper had been flustered, concerned at her departure while the kyrios was away.
But to Sophie it was a tremendous relief. She could pretend she was glad not to have to face him again. That it would be easier this way. No embarrassing farewells, no regrets.
A pity she didn’t really believe that.
Instead, as the villa disappeared behind her, she felt stretched too thin, as if she’d left some part of herself behind. The part she’d left with Costas.
And then she had to face the hospital farewells. Her grandfather already knew she was only in Crete for a short time. He said nothing when she explained about the flight today. But she’d seen the disappointment in his eyes. Which only made her feel worse.
Despite his treatment of her mother, and his antiquated views, he was family. She couldn’t turn her back on him completely. Her eyes prickled as she squeezed his hand and promised to visit again when she’d tidied up her mother’s affairs.
She’d be back. But under her own steam this time. And she’d make a point of steering well clear of Costas Palamidis. Might even take her grandfather up on his gruff offer to stay with him when he was released from hospital.
The farewell to Eleni was no easier. Sophie hadn’t realised how close they’d become until she had to say goodbye. And the little girl’s stoic smile, just a little wobbly, was almost Sophie’s undoing.
But what could she do? It was impossible to stay in Costas’ home any longer. And the thought of seeing him every day, as she would if she continued to visit Eleni, was untenable.
She’d planned to leave soon anyway. She couldn’t put her life on hold forever, even for such a little sweetie as Eleni. The parting had always been inevitable. But that didn’t make it any easier.
She wondered if she’d be able to see Eleni again when she returned to Greece, and yet avoid Costas.
Hell! What a mess this was.
Yet she had no doubts about what she was doing. For her own sanity she had to leave. Now. She couldn’t afford to torture herself, being so close to the man she loved and couldn’t have.
She’d done the right thing, pushing him away. Of course she had. She wasn’t cut out for an affair. She wanted a future. The chance of lasting happiness with someone who cared for her as much as she loved him.
Another night in the Palamidis mansion might just destroy the final tatters of her self-respect. Even now she couldn’t risk the temptation to be alone with Costas. She was so weak-willed when it came to him.
‘The spinis? Are you all right?’
Sophie blinked back hot tears at the sound of Yiorgos’ words and fumbled in her bag for sunglasses.
‘I’m OK, thanks. The sun is so bright, isn’t it?’ She turned her head and watched the outskirts of Heraklion slide by. Soon now she’d be at the airport. But she wouldn’t relax till she was off the island. She had enough money to get to Athens. Then she’d visit the embassy. Find out how she could finance the flight to Sydney. Surely they’d lend her the money? And she could pay it back when she got home. Home.
That empty house didn’t feel like home any more. The sooner she sold it and found a little flat the better. She could organise another trip to see her grandfather and then look around for permanent work. Speech pathologists were always in demand.
The car slid to a halt at the airport entrance. By the time she fumbled her way free of the seat belt, Yiorgos had collected her bag and held the door open for her.
‘Are you sure, the spinis, that you’re all right?’ His handsome features puckered in a concerned frown.
‘I’m fine. Thanks.’ She dredged up a smile and held out her hand for her bag.
