He had a degree in business that was about to get a workout as he eased back into the family business. He never thought he would be comfortable here at the estate, where he had so many bad memories, but Popi was helping him to make new memories—happy memories. And he never thought he’d be a businessman, but the thought of providing for his family appealed to him.
“What can I get you?” Anna, the housekeeper, asked.
He leaned back in his chair. “I’m thinking Popi should be up soon. How about lots of fresh fruit, eggs, pastries, the works.”
Anna smiled brightly. “Am I to take it that she approved of your surprise?”
“Yes, she did.” He’d always liked Anna. She’d always done her best by him. “Thanks for the suggestion.”
“I’m just glad I could help. I’ll go have the kitchen start your meal.” She started to leave and then backed up. “Would you like me to wake Miss Popi?”
He continued to smile. “No need. I’ll do it.”
Just as Anna exited the room, his cell phone rang. He honestly wasn’t in the mood for business today. Tomorrow was to be his first day in the office. But still, he checked the caller ID. When he found it was the number for a local merchant, he was about to send the call to his voice mail, but they didn’t make a habit of calling him and curiosity got the better of him.
“Mr. Drakos, this is Manolas Decorating. Your nanny—or was it your decorator—was in here the other day, wanting to place a special order. We got the quote back from the manufacturer and it is quite costly. We wanted a verbal confirmation from you before we place the order.”
“And this is for the nursery?”
“No, sir. I can’t imagine that anyone would put this particular wallpaper in a child’s room. Nor the flooring that was picked out. And there were some other items selected, as well.”
“Just how much are we talking about?”
When the salesman spoke, Apollo sat straight up. That was more money than he’d allotted for the nursery. What was Popi thinking? And what was she planning to do with the supplies?
“No. Do not charge them to the account. There has been a mix-up.” Apollo ended the call.
He sat there, staring blindly ahead. His friend’s warning came back to him. Was it possible Popi was using him for the money? Would she use Seb to extort more money from the estate? Were these purchases just the beginning? Or was there truly some sort of misunderstanding?
“Sir, your mail.” Anna placed a stack of envelopes on the table.
He didn’t feel like sorting through it, but there was a large manila envelope that stuck out from all of the rest. In the corner was the address of an attorney located right here in Athens. A family law attorney. Popi’s attorney.
He knew what was inside before he even opened the envelope. But like watching a horrible accident about to happen, he kept moving, letting the scene play out. Because he had to know the truth about Popi.
He removed the papers and scanned the top sheet. It was the paperwork requesting Popi gain full and immediate custody of Seb. Apollo didn’t have the stomach to read a list of reasons that he wasn’t adequate to raise his nephew. He was about to toss aside the papers when he noticed at the bottom a request for support. This was something new. And the number was staggering.
The breath hitched in his throat. She wanted money.
He’d been so wrong about her.
And this time he wanted to be right—more than he’d ever wanted anything. He wanted Popi to be different than the other people that had let him down.
His hopes were dashed. He didn’t know why he let people in, because in the end they hurt him every time. And he’d so wanted to believe in Popi—in what they’d shared. But now he was beginning to see what was important to her.
And it wasn’t him.
* * *
Popi couldn’t believe she’d slept so late.
But then again there hadn’t been much sleeping going on during the night.
As soon as she entered the sunroom, she noticed that Apollo’s mood had changed. The morning after was the awkward part. Maybe if she just acted like nothing had happened—like that was possible—things would eventually smooth out.