The bar was dim and gold-lit, quiet enough for one to think, and warm enough to forget. Annette sat across from Sam, a light breeze sneaking in from the terrace doors. The scent of roasted garlic and fresh basil hung in the air. Her plate was half-finished, and her wine barely touched. She sat across from Sam, looking relaxed. Her shoulders had loosened.
She had texted him a few hours after waking up. “Feel like a drink?”
He replied almost instantly. “Always. Meet me downstairs?”
Now here they were. His white shirt sleeves rolled up, collar open, his eyes were on her, but not for too long. He didn’t ask too many questions. Just gave her space to eat, sip, breathe.
“Try the grilled octopus,” he said with a wink. “Greece will disown you if you don’t.”
She rolled her eyes, smiling. “Is that a law?”
“Unwritten. Like most things here.”
He was easy to be with. His voice never raised, and his laughter came soft. Annette felt comfortable around him. And when she finally reached for her wine,
