My Greek SEAL by Sabrina Devonshire

go whenever it suits my mood and go midday most of the winter since our pool is outside as well. There is an indoor facility a bit further from us where I sometimes swim when it gets too cold. It must be bloody freezing swimming outside all year.”
    “Arizona has a relatively mild climate. It’s only cold for a few months. But in the winter when it’s freezing and pitch dark, it’s hard to leave a warm bed to jump in cold water. Some of the gyms in our town have indoor pools, but they’re too crowded. Swimming outside in the summer is fabulous. It gets light at four AM. We see a lot of amazing sunrises.”
    Maryann shivered. “I don’t know how you can do any swimming outdoors in winter. We often travel during the Australian winter to Europe. Then I can take a dip in the ocean or pool.”
    Maryann directs her gaze toward Eros. “You’re a very fast swimmer, too. I can’t imagine they have an Olympic sized pool near here. And the ocean must be freezing in the winter. How do you keep in swimming shape?”
    “I live in Athens. There are many swimming pools there. Grocery stores, too,” he says as a sarcastic smile spreads over his face.
    I suppress a laugh.
    “Excuse me, I didn’t mean to offend you,” said Maryann. “I love how quiet and quaint it is here. That’s what drew us to the place.”
    “I wasn’t offended. But ever since the financial crisis, people act like they are shocked if anything is right with Greece. There is a lot of corruption in our government and people are worried and struggling to get by, but not everything about our country is in ruins.”
    “I understand that completely,” I said. “And every country has its problems. The United States has its issues. Almost anyone can buy a gun, even someone who is a suspected terrorist. Mass shootings happen all the time. I think people have forgotten how to be civil to one another. Just look who’s running for President.” I sigh. “Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live someplace like this where I can just have some peace.” I extend my hand toward the calm waters in the aquamarine bay.
    Eros looks at me with unblinking eyes and I detect connection and understanding there. “I have often wondered whether any of the people in America feel they are missing something when they are always running and working overtime and talking on cellulars.”
    “It’s not like we have much choice. That’s America today.”
    “Maybe you should live somewhere else for a while and see if it suits you better.”
    I don’t answer. But it’s not because I’m ruling out the idea. As a matter of fact, I’m thinking why the hell not?
    “Or maybe it isn’t possible because you have the house and car payment and the nine to five job and a very long list of other things you believe you must do.”
    “Actually, I have none of those things,” I burst out with, feeling suddenly free. “I could move to another country today if I wanted to.” If I had money, I don’t say.
    “You seem to be at an important place in your life. One where the decision you make will change your destiny.”
    “I don’t know that it’s as dramatic as all that.”
    “Isn’t it? It seems very dramatic to leave your birthplace to live in an alien land.”
    “Yes, that’s true. But thinking about it. It sounds amazing. I never considered running away from this mess that is my life now and trying to start over somewhere else. I was kind of thrown into these circumstances.”
    “What circumstances?”
    I want to kick myself for talking myself into this trap. “You know, I’d really rather not talk about it.”
    “Ah, yes. Americans tend to keep their emotions and problems deep inside I have heard. Your magazines warn readers to stay away from those toxic people who talk about their problems. I imagine people who are open and honest must have very few friends in your country.”
    I see his point, but feel compelled to resist admitting it. “Insulting my country