Free Greek for Beginners by Jackie Braun Page B

Tad had eaten most of their meals at his mother’s. In Darcie’s new home, wherever that might be, she was going to take the time to learn. “I plan to be.”
    Yiayia’s eyes narrowed. Clearly, that answer hadn’t won Darcie any points.
    â€œDo you cook for Nick?”
    Before she could formulate a response, he explained, “We eat out whenever Darcie comes to town.”
    â€œAnd where does she sleep when she comes to town?” Yiayia asked pointedly.
    Darcie felt her face flame, but Nick took the question in stride. “She sleeps in a bed,” he replied without specifying whose. Since his grin left little doubt, she kicked him under the table.
    Earlier, in the kitchen, they had discussed how Darcie and Nick met. Now, the topic turned to what she did for a living, what her family was like and the names of her siblings, brothers-in-law, nephews and nieces. Yiayia, of course, snuck in a question about how many children Darcie wanted. By the time coffee and dessert were served, Yiayia had determined two things. One, Darcie was too thin and, two, she must have some Greek in her, if only because she liked the strong coffee.
    â€œI like the cake, too,” Darcie noted after taking a bite. It was topped with powdered sugar and lightly toasted almonds. “It’s delicious. What’s it called?”
    â€œRevani,” Yiayia said.
    â€œRevani,” Darcie repeated. Or so she thought. But Yiayia was shaking her head.
    â€œNo, no, no. Re-vah- nee. ”
    â€œEmphasis on the last syllable,” Nick supplied.
    Darcie tried the word again, this time earning his grandmother’s nod of approval.
    â€œI make this special for Nick. I will be sure to give you the recipe so you can make it, too.”
    Darcie sent him a smile and asked, “Is this another favorite of yours?”
    But it wasn’t Nick who answered.
    â€œMy brother is fond of all sweet things.”
    Pieter stood just outside the door that led from the house. At least, Darcie assumed the man was Pieter. The family resemblance was there in the shape of his eyes and the athletic build. And if he was Pieter, that would make the woman standing beside him Selene.
    OMG!
    Darcie set down her fork and blotted her mouth on the napkin. Then she sat up straighter in her chair and sucked in her stomach. Selene was slender and petite. Darcie felt like an Amazon in comparison. And the other woman was drop-dead gorgeous with high cheekbones, delicately arched brows and sleek black hair. In short, she was Aphrodite incarnate. A glance at Nick confirmed what Darcie already knew: if he was over what had happened, he was doing a poor job showing it. His eyes had turned as hard as stone.
    â€œPieter! Selene!” Thea smiled nervously. “We did not think you would be here.”
    â€œWe finished our appointment with the caterer early and thought we would stop by for cake.”
    â€œHow did you know about the cake?” Nick asked.
    â€œYiayia called earlier and mentioned it.”
    All eyes cut to Yiayia.
    â€œI am an old woman,” she muttered with the wave of an arthritic hand. “I cannot remember what I say, who I say it to.”
    Half of Pieter’s mouth rose in a resigned smile. “The only reason you are here is because you did not think that we would be. I guess I was foolish to hope.”
    Nick said nothing, but that muscle started to tick in his jaw again.
    â€œIt does not matter. I am glad to see you, Nick. We both are.” Pieter curved his arm around Selene’s shoulders and she offered a tentative smile.
    The tension built along with the silence. Darcie was the one who breached it.
    â€œPieter and Selene. Nick has told me so much about you both. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
    â€œAnd you are?” Pieter asked.
    â€œDarcie Hayes. Nick’s...Nick’s girlfriend.”
    She’d already stepped in this mess with one foot. Why not both?
    * *