The Greek Rule (The Greek Series) by Aleka Nakis Page A

Costa sat beside his mother and took her hand in his. “Giorgios began to whine and give me a story about his gambling debts. He had put his mother’s, Thea’s, house into the pot of a poker game and lost. He’ll never learn!”
    “ I will buy Thea’s house and pay his debt.” Alexandros’ voice boomed. “She can live out her old age there. He’s not to set foot in our homes again.”
    “He’s clearing out his office as we speak.”
    “Good riddance!”
    Costa raked his fingers through his blonde hair as he offered some clarification to Athena. “Giorgios is the son of Baba's late brother, Taso. When Theo Taso passed away, Baba felt responsible for his brother’s family. Thea and the children came to live with us in Athens. Our homes shared a backyard, and we all grew up together. Eleni was only a baby and we would fight to push her stroller around the yard.”
    The brothers took turns relating the history for Athena’s benefit. “We played on the same soccer teams,” Costas continued. “We had our first drinks together, and studied for the university entrance exams together.”
    “During university,” Alexandros said. “Giorgio developed a drinking problem. We searched the streets for him all hours of the night, not aware of his gambling until he went to Baba and asked him to pay his debt. That was the first time he’d wagered Thea’s island home.” His jaw squared, his Adam’s apple protruding, there was no mistaking the agitation growing in Alexandros’ voice as he relayed the history.
    “Baba gave him the money on the condition that Giorgio would enter a rehabilitation program. He did, and he completed it. After university, he worked in the accounting department of the company.”
    “He isn’t effective in a corporate environment, regardless of the help we all offer him.” Alexandros reached for his komboloi from the table. Flipping it over between his fingers, he shook his head, and looked out at the sea.
    Costas frowned. “He’s very good with numbers, but doesn’t have any people skills. He thinks he’s above others. We’ve kept him employed as an accountant for one of the ships. He can’t handle more than that.”
    “Now he has proven that he cannot do that either!” Alexandros’ voice flooded with fury.
    “It is so sad, paidi mou ,” Anna said. “Once you were like brothers. The three princes and princess Eleni. Why does he want to drive a wedge between you?” Tears rimmed the matriarch’s eyes. “Perhaps he can enter a rehabilitation program again.”
    “I told him that was the only way we wouldn’t press charges. He agreed,” Costa informed his older brother.
    “Thea and Eleni are, and always will be, welcomed. But not Giorgios. I’m done with him,” Alexandros proclaimed.
    Discussion closed.
    Suddenly Athena felt like she was eavesdropping and excused herself.
    “Please, kori mou , don’t feel awkward. Its better we resolve this issue before worse things happen. We have nothing to hide, and you’re definitely not intruding,” Anna insisted.
    “It’s okay. I just want to walk along the cliffs and watch the sunset,” she replied.
    “I will escort you,” Alexandros said. He stood, claiming he too needed a change of scenery.

 
     
     
     
    Chapter Eight
     
     
    Athena felt her stomach leap into her throat. She’d put herself in a more difficult predicament than she was in before. Being alone with Alexandros in the most romantic place on earth at dusk, and witnessing one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, was not what she’d had in mind.
    She was a rabbit placed on a dog track. What had she done?
    The walk began silently and continued casually with Alexandros asking about Athena’s family.
    “My parents, Nikos and Maria, are originally from Crete. They were childhood sweethearts who’d decided to move to New York as soon as they were married. It was difficult at first, because Dad couldn’t practice medicine until he passed the boards in the