When Vasso’s father had died of the disease, the world he and Akis had grown up in was changed for all time. They’d adored their father who was too poor to get the medical treatment needed. As he slipped away from them, they’d vowed never to feel that helpless again.
He watched as she re-crossed her elegant legs. “While I was still at the hospital, I met with a cancer specialist who discussed my illness with me. My student insurance would only cover a portion of the costs. There was only a little money from my parents’ savings to add to the amount owing.
“With their insurance I was able to pay off my student loan. What I had left was the small savings in my bank account that wouldn’t keep me alive more than a couple of months. I was trapped in a black abyss when Father Debakis and Iris came to get me and bring me here.
“I was told the center existed to help Greek Americans with lymphoma who had few sources of income to cover the bulk of the expense. They took me into the chapel where I read what was written on the plaque.”
As she looked up at Vasso, tears trickled down her flushed cheeks. “At that moment I knew the Giannopoulos family truly were Samaritans. You just don’t know how grateful I am.” The words continued to pour out of her. “As long as I’m granted life, I want to give back a little of what your foundation has done for me. It would be a privilege to work for you and your family in any capacity.”
As long as I’m granted life.
What had Father Debakis said? It was a matter of some urgency.
Zoe Zachos’s revelations had left Vasso stunned and touched to the soul. He sucked in his breath. “Are you in a relationship with anyone?”
“I had a boyfriend named Chad. But he got a job offer in Boston around the time of the fire. I urged him to take it and he did. We’ve both moved on. So to answer your question, no, there is no special person in my life.”
Good grief. What kind of a man would desert her in her darkest hour?
“Where do you live right now?”
“I’m at the church’s shelter. I’m planning to find an apartment, but I hoped that if I could work at the center here, then I would look for a place close by.”
“Do you have transportation?”
“Yes.”
“And a phone?”
“Yes.” She drew it from her purse. “Iris will pick me up here as soon as I call her.”
He pulled out his cell. “Let’s exchange phone numbers.” After that was done he said, “Before the day is out you’ll be hearing from me.”
She got to her feet. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity to talk to you. No matter what you decide, I’m thankful I was able to meet one of the Giannopoulos family and thank you personally. God bless all of you.”
All two of us, he mused mournfully. Four when he included Raina and the baby that was on the way.
After she left the office, Vasso went back to the desk and sat down to phone Akis. He checked the time. Ten o’clock in Athens. His brother wouldn’t have gone to bed yet. He picked up on the third ring.
“Vasso? Raina and I were hoping we’d hear from you before it got too late. How do things look at the center?”
He closed his eyes tightly. “Alexandra has everything under control. But something else has come up. You’re not going to believe what I have to tell you.” For the next few minutes he unloaded on his brother, telling him everything.
“When we created the foundation, it felt good. It was a way to honor Papa.” In a shaken voice he said, “But one look in her eyes taught me what gratitude really looks like—you know, deep down to the soul. I’ve never been so humbled in my life.”
“That’s a very moving story,” Akis responded in a serious tone. “What do you think we should do? Since Alexandra has made her opinion obvious for whatever reason, I don’t think it would work to create a position for Thespinis Zachos under the same roof.”
“I’m way ahead of you. What do you think if we hired her to work at the center on Paxos?”
He could hear his brother’s mind ticking away. “Do you think she’d be willing to relocate to Greece?”
“I don’t know. She has no family in New York, but she’s very close to Father Debakis and one of the women working for the Church’s humanitarian program.”
“What about a boyfriend?”
“Not at the moment. But I’m sure she has friends she met at college. There was the mention of friends she’d been out with the night of the fire.”
“She’s definitely one of the survivors of this world. What does she look like?”
How to describe Zoe Zachos...? “I can’t explain because I wouldn’t do her justice.”
“That beautiful, huh?” Akis knew him too well. After a pause, “Are you thinking of asking her if she’d like to move to Paxos?”
It was all he’d been thinking about since she’d left the office.
“Just be careful, Vasso. I know you inside and out. If she does take you up on your offer of a job, you’re going to feel responsible for her. Be sure that’s what you want.”
He lowered his head. Funny how circumstances had changed. Vasso used to be the one watching out for Akis. Now his little brother had taken over that role. It gave him a lot to think about, but there wasn’t time if he expected to phone her before nightfall. “I’ll consider what you’ve said. Yassou.”
On his way out of the office, Alexandra was just coming in. “You’re finished?”
“That’s right.”
She looked surprised. “Are you staying in New York tonight?”
“No. I’m flying back to Athens.” The beauty of owning a private jet meant he could sleep at night and arrive where he needed to be the next morning.
“I see. What have you decided about Ms. Zachos?”
“You were right. Her skills can best be used elsewhere.” Her bilingual abilities in English and Greek played only a tiny part of what she could bring to the job. “That’s what I’ll tell Father Debakis. Keep up the good work, Alexandra. My brother and I are relying on you.”
Relief broke out on her face. “Thank you. I hope the next time you come you’ll arrange to stay longer.”
Vasso nodded before leaving the center. After he got in the limo, he phoned the priest.
“Father? This is Vasso Giannopoulos. I’ve just come from the center and am pressed for time. Could I meet with you and Thespinis Zachos in your office ASAP?”
“That can be arranged. I’ll ask Kyria Themis to bring her immediately.”
“Excellent. In lieu
