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‘Mia,’ Roula broke in. ‘Not now.’
But there was no stopping Mia. ‘Look, I’m not saying I understand what you’re going through, but Dimitrios was my cousin and I loved him too. You used to talk to me, Roula...we used to share everything.’
No, not everything—and certainly not where her late husband was concerned.
Nobody knew Roula.
For, despite her bright smile at work and her suitable widow persona in the village, at her very core Roula felt as if she had been annihilated. And her withdrawal from friendships, her slow self-annihilation, had taken place long before Dimitrios had died.
Roula had wanted to finish her studies, maybe study in Athens if she got the grades... But she had come home from school one day and been told she was to marry the popular and charismatic Dimitrios Drakos, who had his own fishing boat, and that his parents would gift them a cottage on the foreshore.
When Roula had cried her mother had come to speak with her. Pappa was ill—dying, in fact, she had told her. His dearest wish was to walk his daughter down the aisle. He had chosen wisely and wanted to be sure Roula was taken care of when he was gone.
She had been so naïve, so innocent, she hadn’t even known the questions to ask.
Once a week to keep him happy.
That had been the full sum of her sex education.
So Roula had lain there on their wedding night as Dimitrios snored. She’d listened to the waves, but they had not soothed her, for she’d felt shocked, sore and ill. Not even the sound of birds greeting the dawn had brought comfort.
The only consolation Roula had had was that it was done for another week... But then Dimitrios had stirred, rolled over, lifted her nightdress and done it again before he headed off night-fishing.
And again on his return.
Again and again and again...
No, Mia didn’t need to know that about her cousin.
‘Mia, I really don’t think this is the time or place to be discussing our private lives...’
‘There’snevera good time with you, Roula,’ Mia retorted, and went to flounce off. But she saved her parting shot for the office door. ‘Since Dimitrios died it’s as if I don’t know you any more.’
Breathe out, Roula, she told herself.And in.
Roula buried her head in her hands and told herself that she would get through this and that she had survived much worse. Calming, she picked up the little glass frame on her desk and read the passage she loved so much. For despite everything, even if she’d questioned it and challenged it at times, Roula had clung on to her faith.
And I will restore to you the years that the locusts have taken.
Joel 2:25
And God had. Now she had peace in her life, and a career that she loved. And yet as she dragged in air Roula could almost feel the life she had rebuilt being snatched away...
For there wasanothersecret.
One that would, by Roula’s own doing, soon be getting out.
Her world was about to crumble, and here on the island only the bride and groom knew.
The bride wore...
Well, although she was dying to know, Roula hadn’t had a chance to see yet. The bridal party had been whisked from the church straight to the private function. Roula had been busy with the beach party preparations as the meal was served.
Now, though, she might finally get a glimpse.
Roula stood out of sight in the archway of the minor function room, waiting to liaise with Beatrice. It was minor only in size, and perfect for intimate parties. It had been built around the remains of an ancient pillar and archway. She and Mia had used to play hide and seek on this very spot. The room was mainly windows, allowing nature to star and taking advantage of near-panoramic sea views. Right now, they were tinted a little, to avoid the afternoon glare of the sun, but tonight—weather allowing—the room would be bathed in stars.
‘Fifteen minutes or so,’ a waiter whispered. ‘Thekoumbarosis just wrapping up.’
