“You are never permitted to be in public alone, Nova.” Calix had growled in my ear after the fifth citizen I’d talked to.
He’d been a nice older gentleman who’d been thrilled to explain to me, in his thick accent, that Kerameikos was an ancient cemetery and the original monuments are now standing for viewing in the National Archeological Museum. I had excitedly said that we needed to visit this museum.
“I’m not that embarrassing, am I?” I asked Calix after the gentleman had wandered off.
“Embarrassing, no.” Calix shook his head. “However, you are much too trusting of those around you, Nova.”
“Everyone I have approached has been kind and informative.” I stated matter of fact.
“Not everyone you will approach will be that way, love.” Calix explained gently but firmly, so as not to pop my innocent bubble of faith in humanity, I supposed.
“Calix,”
“Nova.” He sighed my name in interruption. “Could you not be satisfied shopping like a normal woman?”
My face screwed and I gave him a bug-eyed glare. “I thought you knew me.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “You don’t hate shopping.”
“I don’t hate it.” I admitted somewhat begrudgingly. “But you know that I don’t love it, by any means. If there is something for me to see and learn about, I would much prefer to do that.”
“You don’t want to purchase a souvenir?” He tempted and I bit my bottom lip - because I actually did want to purchase a souvenir.
I was certain, as Calix paid for the authentic Greek olive wood bowls, that he was seriously regretting his decision to encourage my shopping for a souvenir. If he did, in fact, regret his encouragement, I have to admit I wouldn’t blame him. My souvenir shopping has been extensive. But once I thought of souvenirs to bring home with us, I wanted to be able to bring something back for very room in our house.
“Are we finished love?” Calix had asked after I’d chosen the komboloi (worry beads), a mini statue of the Goddess Athena, and soaps and hand creams made of olive oil. I had heard the soaps and creams were lovely for the skin and I was growing more and more excited to try using my purchases. I almost feared I’d use them before our trip was over and I would need to ask Calix to purchase more for us to bring home.
“Um,” I made a little face. “I sort of wanted to get a souvenir for every room at home. I want to have a memory of our honeymoon everywhere I look.”
“In that case,” Calix has steeled himself against his obvious boredom to continue alongside me as I shopped. “We’ll shop all evening.”
Rolling my eyes at his over-exaggeration, I’d continued on. I’d chosen a set of beautifully scented jasmine olive oil body products for Gabriella that I was growing more and more excited to give to her. I also carried a large bag filled with an assortment of herbs and teas I was excited to try as well as the olive wood bowls.
Glancing at Calix who looked a little worried I might still want to shop, I stated. “I’m hungry.”
“I never thought I’d be so happy to hear you say those words, love.” He grinned in relief. “Let’s go.”
I stared at Calix, my husband, over the oil lantern sitting in the center of our table. We were eating on the foredeck where the little pool shimmered in the light of the moon shining in the clear night sky. We’d had a romantic dinner, and after a very long day, I was exhausted and ready for bed.
Calix seemed to have other things in mind as he eyed the pool. “Would you like to go for a swim, love?”
“Um,” I glanced at the pool as I nibbled at my lower lip, trying to think of the best way to tell him that I really didn’t want to swim.
“You would prefer bed?” His voice was low and I felt my eyes lift from my empty plate to meet his.
Smiling in relief, I nodded. “I would.”
“You’re tired?”
“Aren’t you?” I asked. “It’s been a long day.”
“Yes.” He agreed. “Shopping certainly does make for a long day.”
I giggled softly. “Yes, I know how much you dislike shopping now.” I teased. “Maybe you’ll think twice the next time you encourage me to shop.”
His eyes shimmered as he smiled at me over the table before rising to come to my side. “Come love, let’s get you to bed.”
At his words and the hunger in his eyes, I knew he had plans for when we arrived at the bed and all the sudden, I wasn’t all that tired.
“On your knees.” Calix commanded and I hurried to shimmy myself from my belly to my knees. I felt Calix wrap his strong hands around my ankles, and then he tugged me backward until my knees were positioned on the lip of the bed. If he tugged me back once more, I’d fall right off the bed.