Greek for Beginners Read Online Free Page B

with the distinct impression there was much more to the story. Still, she kept her curiosity in check and changed the subject. They engaged in polite small talk until they arrived at their destination. Even before she saw the hotel, she knew it would be a dive. The oath that slipped from Nick’s lips told her as much.
    Luxury accommodations? Right. The squat, two-story building looked like it should have a date with a wrecking ball, despite the sign out front printed in Greek and English that announced it was Under Renovation. It was more rickety than some of the country’s ancient ruins. Glancing around, Darcie realized The Santor wasn’t located in the best of neighborhoods, either. As hungry as she was, she didn’t think she would be comfortable hoofing up the block to the restaurant she spied there. At the moment, two men were loitering out front, smoking cigarettes and passing a liquor bottle back and forth.
    With her earlier hysteria threatening to return, she muttered, “Rufus really wasn’t so bad.”
    Nick’s brows drew together. “Your cat?”
    â€œNo longer. I was thinking good riddance after what he did to my favorite silk dress. But now...” She shrugged.
    â€œHas anyone ever told you that the story of your life is very confusing?”
    â€œOnly all the time.”
    â€œI’ll walk you in and see you settled.”
    No protest passed Darcie lips. Since it would have been token at best, she didn’t see the point. No way did she want to go inside that death trap by herself.
    â€œThanks. I’d appreciate it.”
    Nick retrieved her sorry-looking bag and they made their way to the entrance on a makeshift walkway of cardboard that had been placed over mud puddles. On either side of the door were potted palm trees whose fronds were coated with thick, grayish construction dust.
    Nick held open one of the grimy glass doors. “After you.”
    â€œGee, thanks.”
    She took a halting step inside and waited for her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. Once they did, she wished they hadn’t. The lobby was filled with an assortment of power tools and building supplies, and every last inch of the place was as dust-coated as the palms outside. Her apprehension kicked into high gear as she imagined the condition the rooms would be in.
    As if sensing her hesitation, Nick placed a hand on the small of her back and propelled her toward the reception desk. A woman stood behind it. Darcie pegged her to be about forty-five and a chain smoker. A lit cigarette dangled from her lips and a second one burned merrily in the ashtray on the countertop. The woman squinted at them through the haze created by both dust and smoke.
    â€œGood afternoon.” The greeting was offered in Greek as she set the cigarette in the ashtray.
    â€œGood afternoon,” Nick replied. His gaze flicked to her name badge and he added, “Pesha. How are you today?”
    He said this in English, which Pesha apparently understood and could speak, because she switched to English as well.
    â€œI am much better now.” Her smile was flirtatious and made it clear why. Darcie couldn’t fault the woman for that. Nick had certainly brightened her day. “How can I help you?”
    â€œMy friend has a reservation.”
    â€œFriend.” Her smile widened and she exhaled. Residual wisps of smoke curled out from the woman’s nostrils. Not terribly attractive, but they did distract one from the tar stains on her teeth. “What is the name?”
    â€œDarcie Hayes,” Nick said.
    There was no computer to consult, only a thick, leather-bound book through which Pesha began flipping. Finally, she glanced up.
    â€œSorry. I have no one by that name registered here this week.”
    â€œUm, what about for a Darcie Franklin.” It would have been her married name. She avoided meeting Nick’s questioning gaze.
    More page flipping ensued before Pesha shook her