Chapter 8

“I want to be a cosmetic surgeon specializing in facial reconstructive surgery in children. I’m hoping to travel and help children born with birth defects and disfigurements due to injuries or medical issues.”

After twenty-plus years of introverted behavior spent watching and observing, Katie was pretty good at reading people. The love that showed on Alex’s face when he spoke about helping disadvantaged children seemed very real. “Okay. You’re either a total saint or you’re super creepy but just a fantastic liar.”

Alex let go of Cynthia’s hand. “Come. I’ll show you.” He began walking away. The girls paused for a second, then Katie, making the decision to at least continue, nudged Cynthia forward. They followed him down a corridor, then went through the exit door that he held open for them.

“That is my van,” Alex said, pointing to a white van with “Alexopoulos and Sons - Florist” on the side.

“Your name is Alex Alexopoulos?” Katie asked.

“No. That is my maternal grandparents. My last name is Florakis.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a slim, but expensive-looking wallet. Opening it, he retrieved a laminated card and handed it to Cynthia.

Katie plucked it from Cynthia’s hand. It was an ID card from a prestigious medical school about thirty miles away. “So, you’re Florakis the florist?”

Alex smiled. “Not much better, is it?”

Handing the card back to Alex, Katie put her hands on Cynthia’s waist and gave her a gentle push towards the van. Cynthia looked back at her, questioning. “Go ahead. This is what you want,” Katie urged.

“Is this what you want, Calista?” Alex asked, gently taking her hand again. “You are very beautiful, and as attracted to you as I am, I would never do anything against your will.”

Cynthia looked into Alex’s dark eyes. She turned and took the plastic bag containing the box of condoms from Katie, and then turned back to the handsome mall Santa on lunch break. “Let’s go.”

She reached for the van door, but Alex beat her to it. Holding the door open for her, he offered his other hand to help her step up and into the shadowy back of the van. The door closed gently and Katie sat on the bumper to wait. She wished that she had brought a book. She would have to remember that tomorrow.

Inside the van, Greek Alex – as Cynthia had begun to think of him – slid a couple of boxes to the side, then laid a thick moving quilt down on the floor. “I apologize for the accommodations,” he said. “I was not expecting to entertain such a pretty woman on my lunch break.”

“This is fine,” Cynthia reassured him.

“I also apologize for being so forward, but I only have a short amount of time,” Greek Alex told her. “Would you like me to undress you or would you like to undress me, first?”

“Uh...” Cynthia thought for a moment.

“Or we could each undress ourselves. I – I –” Greek Alex stammered. “I am a little unsure.”

Nervous herself, Cynthia asked, “What are you unsure about?”

“I have never done this sort of thing before. I don’t even know you...” He looked down at his feet. “And you are so very beautiful.”