Chapter 8: The Friends

"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."- Walter Winchell

.......

Athens, Greece

Stavros' POV

As soon as we landed, I fish out my phone from my pocket and dialed Ali's number as I disembarked from the plane. I just nod my head when Jude and the rest of the attendant said their goodbyes.

"Alessandra's Speaking." I heard her voice from the other line.

"Hey, baby, it's me!" I exclaimed excitedly. I terribly missed her. I was walking to the car. Taylor was waiting for me.

"Ohh hi, Stav! Did you just land?" She asked in her happy tone.

"Yes, As of a matter of fact I'm about to get in the car. Taylor my driver here in Greece picked me up. He's driving me home now," I smiled.

Listening to her voice makes me happy and all that exhausting feelings evaporates into the air.

"I'm glad you arrived safely., then she paused. "I already miss you," she breathed, then she sighed.

"I miss you, too, baby! So did you change your mind?" I asked hopefully.

"No, no," she objected too quickly. "I can't," in her reluctant voice.

"I understand," I said as I looked out the window. The leaves of the trees are turning into fall colors. I changed the topic.

"What are you doing right now?" I inquired as I leaned on my seat.

"Still in bed," she replied lazily.

Three words, but it gave me a lot of meanings. My thoughts went haywire. I don't even know if she knows what those words had done in my already sleeping system. I wish I was there, lying beside her. Her soft body pressed against mine. I felt a stir down my pants. I shake off the thoughts. I'm going to need a cold shower in no time.

"Do you have any plans for today?"

"I don't know what would Lucy want to do today. It's Saturday. I was thinking I'll bring her at that Spanish Restaurant you brought me last time. For sure she misses our food," she said excitedly.

"Let me know if you are going or not."

"Yes, I will," she replied. "Are you home?" she asked.

"Almost," I replied. "I will let you go then, baby, so you can sleep more. I'll call you later. Bye for now. Miss you!" I reluctantly said with a heavy hurt. Then, I waited for her, to end the line.

"Bye. Miss you too!" she replied almost a whisper to my ears. I waited until she hangs up, but she was waiting for me, too. I could still hear her breathing through the speaker.

"Hang up the phone, babe," I murmured not knowing my voice came out husky.

"No. You do!" she replied in her low voice. I felt that strong feelings enveloping me as I was hearing her harsh breathings. I was so happy that she misses me as much as I do.

"Hang up, babe, or we will be on the phone for the whole day," I said in my most sensual tone.

"Fine. Bye, Stav, Please come back soon!" she murmured softly. And finally, she hangs up.

"I will, baby!" I uttered into the air.

I was smiling like crazy and I saw Taylor's eyes in the rear mirror, who's looking at me with surprised. I just ignored him. I browse my contact list and dialed Nicolas. Taylor pulled the car in the driveway and I jumped out of the car before he reached the rear door.

"Petropoulis," he snapped. I could hear a girl's sleepy voice in the background.

"Nicolas Petropoulis, why being so snappy, manka (dude)?" I said grinning as I walked in the house.

"Hey, Stavros! It's good to hear from you, evil! Where are you? Are you back home?" he ranted ceremoniously, with his cheerful tone.

"Yes. I just got here."

"Great! We should hang out tonight. I'll call Demetrio and Zandros," he exclaimed excitedly! "It's perfect timing, Zandros just came back from Russia," he added.

They are all my closest friends. We just separate ways when we went to University. But all of us were engaged in business. Nicolas Petropoulis was running a chain of hotels, restaurants and resorts all over the world and partnered with Demetrio Pallos. While Zandros Mailov, His dad is a Russian, though they live in Athens Greece. His mom is a Greek.

He runs an oil company that based here, the Christou-Mailov SA oil company and is one of the largest exports companies in Greece and one of the biggest refineries of olive oils in Europe specializes in refining, packing, exporting of Greek Olive oils.

We used to be the black sheep kids of Billionaires. Never failed to be on the Magazines as we grow up, bringing troubles to our family, but always got away! Money works in all ways! Who would have known we followed our Family's footstep?

"Ok great, I'll see you then tonight. Let me know where?" I agreed toothily as I headed to my room.

"Ok. See you tonight!" he replied, then he hangs up.

I called my dad after, to inform them that I'm home and so as my Grandpa.

"Your parents are coming tomorrow night for dinner here, Stavros," my Grandpa announced.

"I'll come tomorrow night, Papou, I'll be meeting up my friends tonight Pap," I suggest, as I walked in my bedroom. I sat on one of the armchairs facing the big glass window as I watched the big park where the kids are playing.

"Petropoulis?" he confirmed with fond in his tone.

"Nai(Yes), papou. With Demetrio and Zandros." I agreed, smiling cheekily.

Those boys I never thought would be as successful as they are now, he remarked in an awe-stricken voice.

"I know, papou, it's not us anymore," I remarked recalling about the old days.

"Yes, I know, agapo. And I'm so proud you've become and what I expect you to be," he proclaimed proudly.

"I have to go, pap, I'll see you tomorrow," and hang it up before he's going to recall the past. It's going to be a long talk which isn't intended. I love him, but sometimes he's like a scratched disk who kept on replaying.

I decided to sleep, for now. I know we will be staying late tonight for sure. I needed the energy. I will call Alessandra later! I tossed my phone on my bed as I stood up from the chair and started unbuttoning my shirt. I made my way to my drawers and pulled out a white shirt and left just my boxer shorts.

I crawled onto my bed. I picked up my phone again and checked my email, and saw three emails. All from Andrea. It's all the documents I needed. I decided to check it later. I was about to place my phone on the bedside table when it vibrated. I checked it, it's a message from Alessandra. I quickly read it with excitement.

Hi. Just want to let you know that we decided to have lunch at the Spanish place. Lucy wants to check it out. She's so excited!

I hope all is well there. I'm missing you terribly!

Talk to you soon. Miss you.

Ali.

I tap on the reply button.

Hey, Babe.That's great. I hope you won't talk to that waiter guy! I hope you both have a nice lunch. Missing you badly.

And, by the way, I'll be seeing my Childhood friends tonight. Just for a few drinks. Missing you more. TTYL.

Stavros.

I waited for her reply as I tucked myself inside the bed covers. Momentarily, my phone vibrated.

You're so unbelievable sometimes!

What if he was assigned to our table? How am I gonna tell him my orders?

Ggrrrrrr......

Ali.

Ok. Don't be mad at me Babe!. Forget I said it.

Miss you!

Stavros.

I can't afford her to get mad at me. Although it's hard to think she's going to talk to that fucking guy!

Jeezzz..I felt my phone vibrated again.

He's not our waiter. So set your mind at peace. I just don't understand! I hope you will have fun with your friends! Drink moderately...

Ali.

PS. NO GIRLS ALLOWED!!

I felt relieved. I can't stop grinning again like a fool! I should stop doing that.

Yes, Babe. NO GIRLS ALLOWED ... I'm all yours! Kisses...

Stavros.

I waited for her response. Five minutes, no reply. I guess they're busy eating now. So, I decided to doze off.

................

Alessandra's POV.

Two hours ago...

I was eating my breakfast at the kitchen table while Lucy sat eating too. I didn't sleep back after I talked to Stavros on the phone. I felt relieved, I am so worried about him. Knowing he's safe, I feel better now.

"Are busy today, Lu? I asked Lucy who's been so quiet.

"No," she muffled looking at me curiously. "Do you have plans?" she queried nonchalantly.

"Would you like to try that Spanish restaurant I went with Stavros? They have a really good Paella," I smiled cheekily. I know she'll drool just by the sound of it. It's one of our favorites.

"Really?" she exclaimed looking excited. Now we're talking.

"Yep. I think the place called EL Pote Espanyol," I recalled, my smile never left my face.

"I heard that from Alex, but we didn't get a chance to go there," she uttered with a low voice. There again that said look.

"Are you OK?" I can't contain my curiosity anymore.

"Yeah," she confirmed, but with no conviction. She doesn't look like she wanted to discuss it so I stayed quiet.

"Ok, it's settled then. It's just 10:25," I realized. "We can go later," I decided.

"Sure." She replied curtly.

I need to call my family. It's been a week since I talked to them. They probably are worried by now. I took my empty plate to the sink, runs it with water and put it in the dishwater.

"I'll just call my mom Lu, I'll be in my room. Would you be alright here?" I asked looking at her with worry. I'm not used to her being this quiet.

"Yes .. sure," she said giving me her reassuring smile. I nod and headed to my room.

As soon as I got in my room, I dialed home. After a couple of rings "Hello!" I heard my mom. I smiled. Her Australian accent now mixed with Spanish sounded weird but cute.

"Mom, it's Ali."

"Sweetheart! How are you! And, why didn't you call for a week? I'm worried sick about you, I thought something happened!!" She chided subsequently not giving me a chance to utter a word.

"Mom, I'm perfectly fine. Relax! I was just too busy this past week," I chuckled as I stopped her from ranting.

"How are you, Mom?" I asked momentarily. I love my mom. She's the sweetest.

"I'm fine, sweety. I wish your home. But I know you're happy there." She heaved a heavy sighed before she replied. She sounded a bit relax now.

"Thanks, mom," I replied as I sighed.

"And, by the way, you're Abuelo and Abuela is very upset at you. You should call them Ali!" she admonished, Mom's strict tone is back.

I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to them since it was an abrupt decision and Abuelo and Abuela lived in the county. Abuelo retired from running our family business, then my father took over. He then decided to live on a ranch with Abuela. And they loved it there.

"I will, mom," I promised.

"Oh and your brother is going to New York, in a week. Your dad sent him to get that partnership with one of the companies there. It's a big market. It's going to be a huge deal. He might come and see you after," She announced happily.

"Ohh.." I softly uttered. "And who's coming here?"

"Carlos," she replied over too excitedly.

Of Course, he was the one who inherited the De La Vega's Brilliant mind.

"Great!" I blurted out excitedly.

I know my best friend used to have a crush with my brother. I'm not just sure with my brother, but he used to date one of the cheerleaders in high school. Then, they broke off.

Hmmm, This is perfect! I hope her attention will navigate back to my brother. Maybe, just maybe!

"Alessandraaaaa!!" My mom said out loud dragging me back to earth.

"Mom, still here! I'm sorry" I said in an apologetic tone as I cringed mentally. When mom is pissed her voice turned into screechy.

"Are you, OK?" She rather asked. "I kept on rambling here and I got no answer!" She sounds so annoyed.

"Sorry, mom. I just caught up on something," I lied, biting my bottom lip. I had to stop doing this or it will become my habit.

"I said sweetheart, it's your dad's 50th Birthday in five months. We were thinking of throwing a surprise party. Are you in?"

I forget about dad's birthday.

"Sure, mom! Please keep me posted," I said intently. "Will you let me know when exactly is the party? So, I can book a day off on that day."

"Sure, sweetheart! How's Lucy?" She asked after.

"She's fine, mom. She's downstairs watching TV," I replied.

"Bring her with you to the party, too," mom said fondly.

"I have to ask her."

"K. Let me know. I have to go, sweety! I'll talk to you soon. I love you!"

"Bye, mom. Love you too!" Then the line went dead. I ran downstairs. And, I saw Lucy watching a reality show. I sat beside her.

"How's your mom?" She asked without bothering to look at me.

"Sweet as ever," I replied as I looked on the TV. "I have good news!" My eyes dancing with joy as I looked at her.

"What?" She asked turning her gaze on me. She looks a bit interested.

"CARLOS IS COMING IN A WEEK TO VISIT!" I squealed in excitement.

I just realized, I missed him. Even though he's an asshole most of the time.

Lucy's eyes lit up." Does he? You're serious?" she inquired, looking confused? Or excited? I'm not sure. There are mixed emotions in her eyes, I can't pinpoint what it is.

"Do you still like him?" I asked eagerly eyeing her closely.

She reluctantly nods her head as she looked at me intently. There's something in her eyes that I wanted to know what exactly it is, but I held my tongue. Lucy is not the kind of girl who will tell you something right away.

And, I'm not as tenacious as she is.

"How about Alex?"

"I like him too. But not the same feelings I have for Carlos. You know that too, Right? But let's keep it that way!" she stressed out.

"May I ask why?" I inquired.

"I know, he doesn't love me, Ali. I'm just a little sister for him. Besides, he's still in love with Arabella." That cheerleader bitch who cheated on him! I never like her.

"How sure are you?" I raise my eyebrow. She just shrugged.

"But I thought they broke off since that incident?" I mumbled. And, since then my brother just focused on his studies and in our business. I don't know what else happened because I'm as well as focused on getting away from them. Hating their involvement in my life.

"Is that the reason, too, why you didn't show up on my birthday? And, why you always asked me to stay and hang out in your place instead of our place?" She nods in agreement.

"Ohhhhh Lucy!" I murmured. I felt remorseful. I was too fixed with my own self that I never saw how affected she is with my brother. I gave her a hug.

"You should have told me!" I realized she really does love my brother. I have to do something.

"Oopsies ... It's 12:20, Al," she feigned. "We should start getting ready," she suggested as she pulled herself away. I know she's trying to get away from the topic.

"Ok," I reluctantly agreed. I wanted to know more, but she looks determined to keep things the way it should be.

We both stood up and made our way to our own room. I was watching her on our way upstairs. Looks like her mood lightened up a bit. I'm feeling happy. I had to text Stavros when we get to the restaurant, I made a mental note. First, I had to get ready.

I decided to just put on a low waisted black shiny leather leggings and top it with white stripes top. Wore a black doll shoe. Just tied my hair in a messy bun. And, I walk out of my room. Just as I'm about to walk down the stairs I heard Lucy talking behind me.

"Whew! HOT LEGS!" I look at her, then glared.

"Stop messing with me!" I snapped.

"Hey, I mean it. Your legs are killers, Ali! I wish I had those too," She remarked.

"I may be taller than you, but you still have long legs as well, Lucy."

"Well, thank you Al. You sure know how to make me happy!" She exaggerated as she rolled her eyes.

"I'm serious Lu.!" but she just shrugged.

As soon as we got to the restaurant, I texted Stav. To let him know we decided to have lunch at the Spanish restaurant.

He responded immediately. And, he just told me not to talk to that waiter. "Great!" I mumbled. He is really something!.

Grrrrrrr......

"Hey, what's up?" Lucy asked. She noticed my mood changed.

"That ass just told me not to talk to the waiter here who served us before! He's really driving me crazy!" I huffed.

"Table for two," Lucy said to the host.

Lucy followed the lady to one of the tables in a corner overlooking the busy street from the glass window. I was trailing behind them as I'm texting Stavros, glancing once in a while on my steps. We seated across each other.

"Ms. Rian will be your server today. Enjoy your meal." The lady host said as she smiled and made her leave. I'm still texting Stav to let him know it's not the same waiter. He doesn't have to be an ass!

My 'over-possessive boyfriend'. What am I gonna do with him! I thought.

Yes, Babe. NO GIRLS ALLOWED .. I'm all yours!.

Kisses...

Stavros.

I was smiling and very happy. He could be really sweet! I was about to text him back when the waiter came. She's brown haired young girl. She's beautiful too. Deep-set eyes tanned skin.

"Hello, my name is Rian. And welcome to El Pote Espanyol. Here's the menu." Then she hands us each one. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"A glass of Rueda for me," I said. A very popular white wine in Spain.

"Same here," Lucy said smiling at her.

"I'll be back shortly with your drinks," she smiled and left. Soon enough she was making her way back to our table with two wine glasses.

"Here's your drinks," she said as she placed one in front of me and the other in front of Lucy.

"Thank you," we chorused.

"Do you need a little time to decide?" Rian asked.

"I know what I'm getting. I'll get the Paella combo," I smiled and hand her back the menu.

"I'll get the same," Lucy said smilingly as she hands her the menu as well.

"Awesome!" she exclaimed as she took the menu and she left to help the other table.

"So why were you mad by the way?" Lucy asked as she made a sip on her wine.

"Oh, it's Stavros. He's just being an ass," I fuzzed.

"I think that guy is head over heels in love with you Ali!" She remarked seriously, as she made another sip.

"Don't kid me Lu! He's not! I think he has trusts issue," I said as I grab my wine and took a sip. I missed this wine.

"Al, it is so obvious. I heard that he's often smiling to his secretary, which he never did since she started working with him. And, he never says thank you or, please. That's what I've heard."

"I wanted to believe he is. But my head doesn't believe in it. That day when I saw how he looked at that blonde lady, I felt a twitching pain in my heart. I don't know." I kept on rambling I didn't realize I spill it out that thing which I should not.

"Wait, what? You never told me about these." It's too late to deny it. I need to remind myself to put some filter in my mouth.

"Do you know who's the girl?" She asked with her forehead furrowed. I nodded my head in agreement.

"Her name is Georgia. Pretty name huh?" I laughed. Trying to lighten the mood. "She's his childhood friend, according to him. She is like his little sister he ever wanted," I continued.

The last word seems like a dagger that stab right through my heart. 'he ever wanted.'

Lucy is still staring at me intently while she's sipping her wine.

"How do you feel about it?" She asked out of curiosity.

"I believed him!" I uttered firmly.

"Yes my heart believed him, but my head does not. But I trust him! Like a Loving Girlfriend should do, should I?" I murmured, convincing myself mostly. Lucy was just nodding her head.

After like half hour our food arrived. Lucy's attention diverted to the food that was served in front of us.

"This is so mouth watering! I just realized I missed our food back home," she declared. She was savoring the first bite of her paella. I chuckled at her facial reactions.

.........

Stavros' POV.

I was awoken by a vibrating sound. I opened my eyes, and it's already dark outside. How long was I sleeping? I felt that vibration again. Then, I realized, it's my phone. Someone's calling me.

Before I could say something, Zandros is already rambling.

"Stavros Demakis, you evil! What took you so long to answer the damn phone?" Zandros ranted in an annoyed tone.

"Relax Mailov! I just woke up. So what made you call?" I snapped as I stifled a yawn.

"To tell you instead of a bar tonight, we decided to throw a party in my Villa. Mostly invited was an old high school mates man. Krystina is in town, as well! Remember old flings," he recalled teasingly.

I smirked. Krystina was really good in bed as far as I remember. But that's the past and I'm happy with my present, Alessandra.

"Krystina works as a model now? She's bringing some couple friends from her work and I invited some more models, too," he added pompously. "Maybe you two will rekindle?"

"That's not going to happen Mailov! There's nothing to rekindle since there's no love between us since the beginning! I don't believe in love man! So No!" I snapped.

"Well, at least, bed her tonight. She looks damn hot man. And, she was asking about you by the way. Looks like she's not over you yet!" he commented as he chuckled.

"Yeah..yeah.." was all I said to cut him off. He is the worst womanizer among us all. Knowing Zandros, he won't stop talking so I said goodbye and ended the call.

I remember to call Ali. Her phone rang a couple of times.."Stav? Oh.... Hi!"

"Hi, Baby! How's your lunch?" I inquired as I crawled out of my bed and stretch.

"It was great, as always. Lucy was so thrilled. She said we'll going to be a regular customer." Then she laughed. I missed her laughter.

"Aren't you supposed to meet your friends at the bar? Why is it so quiet in the background?"

"It's a changed plan, Babe. Zandros threw a party in their villa instead of going to a bar," I explained not really interested tonight. I'm more than interested in hanging out with her. I really missed her.

"That sounds a good plan. You can stay there the night instead of drive home drunk," She remarked worriedly. "And fewer girls," she quipped which made me laughed.

"Oh, my baby is jealous," I chuckled.

"No, I'm not! Just saying!" she snapped. I could imagine her face when she's pissed. She looks hotter that way.

"I'm all yours, baby!" I proclaimed with mischief.

"I have Taylor to come pick me up, babe."

"It's going to be late, let that poor man rest!" she exclaimed.

"OK .. OK, baby!"

"I miss you terribly," she murmured as she sighed heavily.

"Miss you so much, babe. After the Anniversary party, I might fly back to New York."

"Oh .. Lovely," she exclaimed.

"Babe, I want to talk to you more, but I have to go. Hope you had fun tonight! Miss you!"

"Bye, babe. Missed you too!" and she hung up.

It's 6:45 pm I made my way to the washroom and shave. And, quickly climbed in the shower. I turned the water on and adjusted it to warm water and wash my whole body. After several minutes, I climbed out of the shower and pulled out a towel from the closet.

I brushed my hair neatly while whistling with rhythm. I put on a white, long-sleeve shirt with the rolled up sleeve. Two buttons were undone and paired it with black pants. Tucked the shirt in and topped it with a black leather jacket. I wore my silver sleek watch.

I checked the time its 8 PM. I stuffed my phone in my pocket and made my way out of the house.

Taylor is busy wiping the windshield of my black BMW when I walked in the garage.

"Where to Sir?"

"Mailov's villa, Taylor." Been there many times so Taylor knows the place.

"Which car would like to ride in Mr. Demakis?" He asked as he stopped working and stood to face me.

"That BMW would do," I grinned as I skim down the black BMW I8. One of my favorites sports car. Taylor likes driving it too. He grinned when I said the BMW.

"Hop in Sir," he said excitedly as he opened the car rear door. Not long, we are entering the driveway to the villa.

Paparazzis are swarming outside the gate trying to get some photos on what's going on inside. I hate this person.

I saw a Ferrari and a Porsche I believe my two friends owned just not sure, which is which!

Taylor parks in front of the Villa. There are a lot of cars already parked in the parking lot. They also have a big parking garage underground.

I've been here a lot of times and I always find myself fascinated with the architectural designs of the Villa. Its luxury really impresses the imagination.

The total area of the delightful dwelling is 660 square meters plus 4,000 square meters of garden surrounding it. Inside the three-storey-ed villa, you will find two swimming pools (one of which is the inside pool). The design is charming and stylish. It won't leave anyone indifferent. It's just beautiful.

Besides the architect tried to create such dwelling in which anyone would feel himself like at home. As for me, his attempt was successful, wasn't it? It's like a paradise on earth!

My family had a villa too, but the Mailov's Villa was way fascinating than ours. In my opinion. Maybe when I started a family with Ali, I'll buy a villa for us. Wait? Am I ready to settle down? But I just met her?

I felt my phone vibrated. "Mr. Demakis, you may come in dude. Why are you standing out front? You know your way right?" Zandros inquired chuckling.

They have a camera all over the place. So Zandros could see who came. He must be in his room, I thought. I heard two more voices bickering. I guess it's Nicolas and Demetrio. They always seem to argue about everything. I ended the call.

"Taylor, you can go home now. I'll be staying here tonight!"

"Have a good night Mr. Demakis. Please call me anytime if you need me," he said thoughtfully and soon, he's driving out of the driveway.

I turned on my heel and walked to the staircase to Mailov's room on the third floor. Just as I walk to the stairs heading the third floor, I saw Nicolas, Demetrio, and Zandros. Along with Krystina and another girl.

If I wouldn't know Krystina I would say she's Candice Swanepoel. She's still hot. The other girl looks beautiful too.

"STAVROS!" Zandros exclaimed while approaching me giving me a tight buddy hug. "Man, Matt Bomer obviously be intimidated with you! No wonder 80% of girls population in New York are going crazy over you!" He remarked as he pulled himself and looked at me obviously mocking me big time.

"Fool!" I said as I punched his shoulder lightly!

"Stavros, it's great to have you again buddy," Nicolas exclaimed. "Welcome back bud! The Ugly duckling had turned into a swan!" He jested. Which made everyone laughed.

I used to be the lean among us, not like now completely hard muscles in all the right places. They always make fun of me back then.

The reason, why they always bicker with Nicolas. Nicolas kind of serious one while Demetrio was the Joker. I've missed them. I gave them a buddy hug both."It's nice to be back!" I stated unconsciously.

"Zandross," Krystina purred. I used to get turned on when she gives me that voice.

And in an instant, she kissed me on the lips. I felt disgusted, but I shrugged it off because I don't want to embarrass her.

"Hello Krystina," I said nonchalantly.

"Oh, this is my friend Angela Smith. She's from New York too," she introduced her in her sexy voice.

"Stavros Demakis," I said extending my hand. Which she took it smiling broadly, batting her long false lashes.

"So the Famous Stavros Demakis, finally I met you!" She exclaimed, and she lightly squeezed my hand. You know what that does mean. Why all of a sudden I got scary with these hot chicks? Should I celebrate, right? My charms still working effectively.

"Famous huh?" I said. Trying to sound casual.

"Let's all go downstairs and have fun!" Zandros exclaimed.

"LETS THE PARTY BEGIN!!!!" Demetrio shouts out.

The villa has its own bar and it's spacious. As we entered the bar, the people are already having a good time. There's a DJ busy mixing music. And, the music is really loud.

More people, models or celebrity was invited I have no idea who they are. Though I recognized most of them. My Highschool classmate, there's Andrew, a lawyer's son, Thomas used to be nerdy. How he had transformed.

"Drinks?" Nicolas offered. Then, I saw a waiter walking by with a tray of champagne, White, and red wine, and beer. I grab a beer.

"Let's go to the balcony," Zandros suggested out loud so we can hear him. Truly it's hard to make a conversation inside. The music is too loud.

"Hot chicks are swimming in the pool," Demetrio chanted grinning. "It's a good view. Whew .." I just shake my head. But I followed them anyway.

We sat on a white Muskoka chairs made with woods facing the pools. And, what a damn hot view indeed! Maybe seven of them in the pool. Wearing two-piece swimsuit. It's like a runway show of swimwear.

"Wipe that drool drippings in your mouth Nicolas." Demetrio jested as he pretended to wipe Nicolas' chin. Nicolas smacked his hand.

"Cut it out, Man!!" He snapped. Demetrio guffawed like a maniac.

"Jeez... Did your age doubled?" He kept teasing Nicolas. I laughed. He just glared at him.

"I didn't know you've got some girl's mouth!" Nicolas shot back.

Zandros and I laughed harder.

The bickering only stops when Krystina and her friends approached us. They all looked hot and sexy in their mid-thigh dress. The girls joined us. Krystina sat beside me. I cared less of her existence. Nicolas was sitting on the other side, beside me.

"So why all of a sudden you came to visit Greece Stavros?" Nicolas asked while sipping his beer.

"Papou has been bugging me to run the company. I decided to take it. Since my business in New York is stable now. I have a very efficient management team. Besides Dad will be helping me." I explained as I swigged my beer and I looked at him.

He is really a serious guy. If you don't know him you will be intimidated by his looks. He doesn't seem to know how to smile. Or does he even know what 'smile' is? He does remind me of Joe Manganillo, only he got green eyes.

Krystina was rubbing her finger on my shoulder, and I cringed at her touch. I tried hard not to yank her hand away from my shoulder. She's really getting on my nerves now and I don't want to make a scene here.

She's a sly cat! She doesn't stop until she gets what she wants. And, that's why they called her the "Sly Bitch" in our school.

Well, back then, she was popular and always on the go when my libido calls. And, that's all it is. She's not my girlfriend or anything. Let's just say it, a toy! She doesn't mind that anyway.

"That means, will we see you often?" I heard Nicolas inquired.

"Probably," I replied, as I made another swigged of my beer. I watched the girls swimming and chatting while they are eyeing us intently.

"To Stavros, and to our Old Times!!.." Nicolas proposed a toast raising his beer. Everyone raises their glasses and drinks, "To Stavros!" they said in unison. And, it made a lot of clicking sounds. I raised my beer and made a toast and hoisted my beer in my mouth and took a drink. We chatted. Dance. Non-stop drinking. And, I lost track of how much vodka's I had.

Laughing with the guys. Soon, Thomas, Andrew, and another guy joined in our conversation. Reminiscing the old time. How many troubles we were into? How many girls we banged?

Jeeezz..We remembered these two hot girls who go to a different school and at the same time, I and Zandros bedded. Then, they found out and they fought like a mad cow. Zandros was laughing. Don't blame us, you know we are still young and immature.

We used to compete how many girls we bedded in a week. Or compete who could bed the quickest on a certain girl.

Those times...

Some are already making out in every corner. While Krystina was still clinging like a leech.

My vision is becoming blur due to excessive vodka I had. It's starting to kick in the alcohol. My eyes are getting heavy and so my head.

My Ali!. I thought I've seen her.

I heard someone telling whoever is holding me to take me in one of the bedrooms upstairs. Party wild as I expected.

Then I heard a click of a doorknob.

"I'll see you tomorrow," I heard someone says, but hardly recognize whose voice is it. Then, a door closes.

I could hear someone is with me, and he's taking my shoes off. Soft hands. Then, unbuckled my belt, unbuttoned my pants and pulled it off.

I wanted to stop whoever that is, but it seems my hands are too heavy to move as well. And, I'm feeling sleepy. My head is getting heavier each second so as my eyes. Still struggling to open my eyes, trying to recognize who is with me? A silhouette of a girl. Then, she pulled up the blanket to cover me.

"Goodnight, Stavros," she sounded like Alessandra. My Alessandra! Then, she kissed me.

"My beautiful Alessandra," I mumbled. I deepened the kiss and she kissed me back, voraciously. And, I smiled.

Then I couldn't help it anymore, my eyes grew heavier, as I tried to battle with sleep. I heard her curse, my Alessandra never curse. I wanted to know who she is.

"Shittt! Loser!" and she said something more, but it's muffled. And, slowly darkness engulfed me and soon I dozed off.

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I wanna read your thoughts. Thanks for reading.