Deeper Blue (2009) by Llewellyn a J

Author:Llewellyn, a J [J, Llewellyn, a]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-03-26T18:08:33+00:00

Kali mera, Papou.

Humph.

Tracy sighed. So much for his subterfuge. He had carefully parked the moped around the corner and walked to the bakery, thinking the art of surprise might stir his grandfather into talking.

No such luck. The old man grunted and kept up his parade in front of the entrance.

Squaring his shoulders, Tracy walked into the bakery. He was shaking with nerves and kept remonstrating himself. It was a free country. He was entitled to buy bread, same as anyone else.

There was only one woman behind the counter this time, the woman his grandfather had married. Tracy supposed she was his step-grandmother, but realized she was only about ten years older than he, and probably wouldnt appreciate being called Yaya.

Yes? she said, as if shed never clapped eyes on him before.

Tracy gave her his best smile, though it was the last thing he felt like doing. In perfect Greek, he asked for a piece of galatouboureko, and she grudgingly cut him a slice, sliding it into a Styrofoam box.

Anything else?

How about a smile?

She stared at him.

Hmmm

okay, what about some loukoumathia? Man, what is wrong with me? I dont like loukoumathia.

How many?

I

er

wait

.I see you have spoon sweets.

She blinked.

He read the list of current offerings. Ill take the kumquat

instead of the loukoumathia.

She sighed. You still want the galatouboureko?

Sure, yes. Thank you.

He paid his euros, and she glanced at him, a wary look in her eyes as she rang the register.

You want the kumquat here?

Yes, thank you.

She looked really mad then, but handed him the galatouboureko, now in a paper bag, and waved him over to a small, rickety, glass-topped table. He was buying time. Maybe Papou would come in and talk to him. Maybe

His step-grandmother came to him, carrying a small tray. She deposited a tall glass of water with an angry clatter, followed by a tiny white dish with the preserved kumquat in the center, a spoon beside it. It was a generous portion.

She turned and walked away before he could do more than thank her.

He couldnt resist. Thank you, Yaya, he called out to her retreating back.

She stiffened, but kept walking.

The sweets were far sugary than he remembered, but the fruit easily consumed in two mouthfuls. He polished off the entire glass of water and pondered his next move. There was no point coming back here anymore. Papou had rejected him, and playing games with Papous wife was not much fun. He walked out with his bagged milk pie and bumped into a woman walking into the bakery.

Desi!

It was his pal from the plane, Despina.

What are you doing here? she asked him. I cant believe youre back here and didnt call me.

He shrugged. I just arrived. I was going to call, I promise.

Yeah, right. Her laughter was infectious. What are you doing here? she asked again.

I always come here for my galatouboureko.

Really? She peered inside. I like the loukoumathia myself. Hey, wait for me, I wont be long.

No, let me buy some for you.

She slapped his arm. Its going to take more than a few pastry puffs to make it up to me for not calling me.

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