~ FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019 ~ AROUND NOON ~

As we have already said, after leaving Lucida at the family home and spending some time with the others, Stefan has gone to Lila's house. But before we continue, let's look at what happened just before Stefan left the family home.

~ JACE's BEDROOM ~

Not wanting to be late, Stefan didn't go to his house at all. He took a quick shower at his parents' house and borrowed clean clothes from Jace. While he was getting ready, he was in a strange mood. He was happy, but he didn't even know why he was happy. After a very long time, he smiled for no reason at all. Of course, this didn't go unnoticed by his father, who kept him company while he got dressed, drinking coffee ...

Jace: What's up, Tiger?

Stefan: Nothing. Why do you ask?

Jace: Come on. You can't hide from me. You smile like an idiot all the time. Something happened in Paris.

Stefan: Nothing happened in Paris. At least not to me. It was a business trip like any other. I had a nice time with Jenny, but that was it.

Jace: What do you mean you had a nice time with Jenny?

Stefan: Not what you think, anyway.

Jace: She's resisting you, huh?

Stefan: Very much so.

Jace: Serves you right! You picked a hot lesbian for a secretary.

Stefan: Yeah. Big mistake.

They laugh.

Stefan: To tell you the truth, I don't know what's wrong with me. Ever since yesterday, ever since the moment I arranged this lunch, I've been feeling weird.

Jace: Weird in what way?

Stefan: I'm excited, but I don't know why. I don't have anything to wait for, but at the same time I feel like something is coming. Crazy stuff. Who knows? Maybe I just need a break or something.

Jace: I don't think so.

Stefan: What do you mean?

Jace: I've been where you are, too. I've felt like that before.

Stefan: When?

Jace: The day I met your mother. That day I woke up with a strange excitement for no apparent reason, and a few hours later Homer came to introduce me to my new maid.

Stefan: And your life changed forever, huh?

Jace: You can't even imagine.

Stefan: How did you feel when you first saw Mama?

Jace: I felt like lightning struck my insides. When she looked at me, her eyes captured me and the next second I knew that this woman was what I'd been looking for my whole life. My little brunette angel.

Stefan: Do you think the same thing will happen to me where I'm going?

Jace: You look like me in everything. Why not in this too?

Stefan: Nay. There's no chance. First of all, it's not the first time I've seen Lila and secondly, and most importantly, she has nothing to do with what I'm looking for.

Jace: What are you looking for?

Stefan: A beautiful, sexy, and brave woman like Mom, rebellious but at the same time obedient like Lois, sophisticated but also a bit of a slut like Izzy, spontaneous but also responsible like Chloe and above all, able to make me laugh without making a fool of herself.

Jace: In short, you are looking for the perfect woman.

Stefan: Do you think I'm asking too much?

Jace: After the fiasco with the slut, no, but ...

Stefan: But it's very hard to find her, isn't it?

Jace: No, Tiger. I'm not saying that. For every man, there's a woman. The ideal woman. And somewhere out there, there's yours. I'm sure of that. I'm just worried that you might be wasting valuable time looking for her.

Stefan: It doesn't matter, Dada. I'll wait as long as it takes. I'm not going to risk it again. I can't risk it again. I have no room in my heart for more disappointment.

Jace: I know, son. I know.

* ~ *

~ ENOUGH TIME LATER ~

Stefan arrives at Lila's house and parks the car. He takes the wine and candy he brought from Paris, as well as the flowers he bought on the way, and walks to the entrance of the apartment building. He rings the bell with Austin's name on it and a few seconds later Lila's sweet voice sounds from the intercom.

Lila: Yes?

Stefan: Lila? It's me, Stefan.

Lila: Yes, of course. I'll open the door for you.

Stefan: What floor?

Lila: Seventh. Apartment G4.

Stefan: Okay.

Lila pushes the button that opens the door and Stefan enters the apartment building. He walks to the elevator, where he wipes the smile off his face when he sees the sign with the horrible words "Out of Service" hanging on the door.

Stefan: You've got to be fucking kidding me!

Reluctantly, he takes the stairs and after far too many steps, he reaches the seventh floor completely out of breath.

Stefan: If her food is not worth it, I swear she'll pay dearly for it!

Trying to catch his breath, he goes to the door of apartment G4 and rings the bell. Lila, with a broad smile, immediately opens the door, as if she had been waiting behind it. Stefan looks at her with narrowed eyes.

Stefan: You picked a nice way to get back at me for firing you. You made me leave my lungs on your doorstep. Good job!

Lila: What? Oh! You mean the elevator. I'm sorry about that. The damn thing broke this morning.

Stefan: Lucky me!

Lila: Come on in. I think you need some water.

Stefan: That's what you think, huh?

Lila steps aside, laughing and Stefan enters the apartment. He gives her the things he brought and hunkers down on the couch.

Lila: Stefan, you shouldn't.

Stefan: Yes. Blah blah blah! Now water. Please!

Lila: Sure! I'll be right back.

Lila goes to the kitchen, sets things down on the counter and comes back with a glass of cold water, which she gives to Stefan, who drinks it in one go.

Stefan: Thank you very much.

Lila: You are welcome.

After recovering a bit from the climb, he looks around the apartment. It's a small, but quite modern and very, very neat apartment. There are vases with flowers everywhere and there is a colorful and cheerful cover on the big sofa. But the most impressive thing is the huge windows that fill the room with bright sunlight.

Stefan: You have a beautiful place here.

Lila: Yes. Right! It's like ... what? Your bathroom?

Stefan: If you are talking about my parents' house, yeah. Their bathroom is really bigger, but my place is not much bigger than yours.

Lila: Do you live by yourself? I didn't even know that.

Stefan: Not really. When I turned eighteen, I moved in with ... Whatever! I live with my best friend Jason now.

Lila: Oh! Jason. I'd seen him around the company a couple of times.

Stefan: Yeah. That's him but now come on ... Sit down and tell me all about your brother.

Lila sits down next to Stefan on the couch and explains to him exactly what happened during her brother's operation.

Stefan: And he's fine now, right? I mean, he's never going to get sick again or anything.

Lila: No. No. The doctor assured us of that. The leukemia is definitely a thing of the past. He's going to have a long and good life ... Thanks to you.

Stefan: Please, Lila. Not again.

Lila: But I have to tell you.

Stefan: You don't have to. You really don't.

Lila: You are so good.

Stefan: Not as much as you think.

Lila: Wrong. You are the best.

Stefan: What about you? Does it still hurt you?

Lila: A little. The first few days were a little difficult, but it doesn't matter. All the pain in the world is nothing compared to Nic's smile. I would do it again a thousand times without hesitation.

He bends down to her and brushes the hair out of her eyes with his fingers.

Stefan: I know what you mean.

She lifts her head and looks him straight in the eyes.

Lila: Why did you come here, Stefan?

Stefan: To have lunch. Isn't that what we talked about?

Lila: Now come on. I'm not a little girl. I know that a man never goes to a woman's house just for lunch unless he's her friend and you are not my friend.

Stefan: And what? Would you have a problem with me coming here for something more?

Lila: If you really liked me, I wouldn't have one, but you don't like me, Stefan.

Stefan: How would you know?

Lila: It's obvious, Stefan. I'm not your type. You prefer other women.

Stefan leans back on the couch and runs his hands through his hair.

Stefan: You are right, Lila. You are not my type. Please don't get me wrong. You are very beautiful and sweet. You are cute and kind and I'm sure you can make a man very happy. Only ... that man is not me.

Lila: I understand that and of course I don't get you wrong. What I don't understand is why you came here, since you had no intention of getting involved with me.

Stefan: Honestly, I have no idea. It's true that I came here for something else and not just for lunch. The thing is, I don't know what the hell that something else is.

Suddenly, Lila's eyes light up as an idea forms in her head.

Lila: Tell me something, Stefan.

Stefan: What?

Lila: Do you believe in fate?

Stefan looks at Lila in confusion, but before he can open his mouth, a noise from inside makes them both jump.

Stefan: What was that?

Lila: The fate I told you about. Give me a minute.

Lila gets up and walks to the door in the hallway that leads to the other rooms, leaving Stefan looking at her like an idiot.

Lila: Artemis? What was that noise?

Stefan, hearing that strange name, thinks how beautiful it sounds and right after, when a female voice comes from inside, he thinks that the voice to which that name belongs is even more beautiful.

Artemis: It was nothing, Lila. My nightgown fell on the floor.

Lila: Are you kidding me? Was that the reason for the noise?

Artemis: Yes, because I was wearing it!

At that moment Stefan, who can't control himself, starts laughing hysterically.

Lila: Oh, God! Did you have a fall? Are you all right?

Artemis: I think so. I'm checking right now, but it seemed like I heard a man laughing. Tell me you have a man in there and that my ears weren't damaged from my fall.

Lila rolls her eyes and Stefan laughs even harder.

Lila: Come and see for yourself.

Artemis: Is he worth it?

Lila: More than you can even imagine.

Artemis: I'm coming.

Lila returns to the couch where Stefan is wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.

Lila: I'm sorry about that.

Stefan: Are you kidding me? That was hilarious.

Lila: Yeah. My cousin has this gift. She can make others laugh without being ridiculous. Maybe it's the blood that runs through her veins.

Stefan: What do you mean?

Lila: She's half Greek. Her father is Greek. My mother's sister met him on a trip to Greece and immediately fell in love with him. They got married within a week and nine months later Artemis was born. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about her before you came. She came quite suddenly this morning. I tried to call you, but your phone was off.

Stefan: Yes. The battery was dead, but you asked me something about fate before. And why?

Lila: It doesn't matter anymore. Forget it. I thought of something, but I don't know. Time will tell. Anyway. If you have a problem with the fact that we won't be alone, you can leave.

Stefan: I'm sorry, but I'm not going anywhere without meeting your cousin. I'm very curious.

Lila: It's not curiosity that's keeping you here, Stefan.

Stefan: Then what is it? Fate?

Lila: Turn around and you'll see for yourself.

Stefan turns around and a bolt of lightning strikes him in the core of his being. A goddess appears before his eyes. A true goddess with a statuesque body, black long straight hair, and big light gray eyes.

For the first time in his life, Stefan can see nothing but her. He can't see or hear anything else. He can't even think. All he can do is smell the perfume that emanates from her body as she approaches him ... Gardenia. They look deep into each other's eyes. You could say it's like in the movies, except the bubble bursts when the expression on her beautiful face changes as she recognizes him. She gets a strange, suspicious expression that makes Stefan take a step back.

Artemis: I know you. I have seen you before. You are the man ... In the photo on the wall. In my grandfather's tavern.

Stefan: Me?

Lila: What are you trying to say, Artemis?

Artemis: I know very well what I'm saying, Lila. I can't be wrong. No. I grew up with him.

Lila: Wait! You mean ... the Blond Prince?

Artemis: Yes.

Stefan: The Blond Prince, huh? That sounds familiar. You were talking about a tavern.

Artemis: Yes. It belonged to my grandfather.

Stefan: Where exactly is this taverna?

Artemis: On a Greek island. Santorini.

Stefan: I see.

Lila: Unbelievable! I always believed that the Blond Prince was a figment of your imagination, that he didn't exist.

Artemis: First, thank you for that, cousin, and second, don't take account of what I say. It can't be him. That photo has been on the wall for more than twenty years. He must be in his fifties now.

Stefan: Fifty-one, to be exact.

The two girls turn their heads in surprise and look at him.

Lila: What?

Artemis: What did you say?

Stefan: I said that he, the Blond Prince from your childhood, really exists and that he is now fifty-one years old. I can't believe it! The second time in a few days. Damn resemblance.

Artemis: Resemblance? What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Stefan: It means you are talking about my father. The photo you are referring to ... There's an identical one in the living room of my parents' house. I grew up with that photo, too.

Lila: You've got to be kidding me! What kind of coincidence is that?

Stefan: It's not a coincidence, Lila. You said it yourself. It's fate.

Artemis: Do you believe in such a thing? In fate, I mean.

Stefan: To be honest, not so much, although there are many examples in my family. But ...

Artemis: But what?

Stefan: But I'm willing to change my mind. But first we should introduce ourselves properly.

Stefan holds out his hand and Artemis puts hers in it.

Stefan: Stefan Harronate.

Artemis: Artemis Avgerinou.

Stefan: You can't even imagine how happy I am to meet you, Artemis Avgerinou.

Artemis: Me too, Stefan Harronate, and I'm really sorry for the attack earlier. You can understand. Seeing your childhood hero in the flesh is a bit strange. I was surprised.

Stefan: That's all right, but what do you mean by your childhood hero? I've never heard a girl say that about her teenage crush.

Artemis: Teenage crush? Oh, no. You've got it all wrong. I didn't have a crush on the Blond Prince. I admired him and sometimes I helped him.

Stefan: Did you help him? And how?

Artemis: You see ... My late grandfather was a wonderful man. He told me stories. Not the usual namby-pamby fairy tales, but his own stories that he had made up, with monsters and dragons and ghosts, and in each of them the hero who saved the day was the Blond Prince in the photo.

Stefan: That's fantastic! And how did you help him?

Artemis: I fought side by side with him. I was the goddess with the bow who helped the Prince defeat the bad guys.

Stefan: I would love to hear those stories.

Artemis: I would love to tell you about them, too.

All this time, none of them have pulled their hands. They are talking, holding hands, and looking into each other's eyes, completely forgetting about Lila, who is coughing to get their attention.

Lila: Ahem! Sorry to interrupt, but I'm going to go in and set the table. You don't need me anymore after all.

They pull their hands. Stefan looks awkwardly at his shoes and Artemis runs a hand through her hair and bites her lips.

Artemis: I'm coming to help you.

Stefan: I can help, too.

Lila: No. No. It's okay. I've got everything ready. I don't need any help. You'd better sit here and keep each other company.

Stefan: You've been cooking, Lila.

Artemis: Right. Let us do something too.

Lila: My dear cousin and my dear ex-boss, with all the love and respect I have for you, shut up and sit down!

Stefan: I think we have to obey.

Artemis: Yes. She may be tiny, but she can be really dangerous when she wants to be.

Stefan: I'll definitely keep that in mind.

Lila walks into the kitchen, rolling her eyes and Stefan with Artemis sit on the couch, laughing. Before we see what happens next, what would you say now to get a little deeper into their minds to see what exactly these two are thinking?

~ INSIDE STEFAN'S MIND ~

So, that's it. That's why my instincts told me to come here. To meet her. Artemis Avgerinou. Look at her! She's so damn beautiful. Her black hair is like the abyss. An abyss I'm dying to sink into. It looks so soft. Oh, God! I want to feel that hair fall heavily on my chest when she leans in to kiss me. Her eyes. Gray like the angry sky just before the storm. Her lips look like a juicy fruit. What will it be like to kiss those lips? Her white neck, like a beautiful swan. I want to hide my face in her curves and smell her scent. Gardenia. I have always liked gardenias. I need to tell mom to plant some. And as for her body. Wow! Look at all those curves! Her breasts smothered in her bra. Her round hips in her tight pants. Her long legs wrapping around my waist. Not to mention her tight, firm ass. Damn! I can play the drums on that ass. Shit! Now I understand what everyone is saying. My father, Sebastian, Simon, Jared, Jason, Johnny. Now I know what it's like to see a woman for the first time and lose your breath. To feel your heart pounding like crazy. To feel your hands sweat. To look into her eyes and just know she's the one. The woman you have been searching for all your life. But no. Not so fast. I have to stop. I have to wait until I get to know her a little better. I must be sure. I must not be seduced by her beauty. I have to protect my heart. I can't take another betrayal. But I like her so damn much. In these few minutes of knowing her, I have felt so many different emotions than I have felt for any other woman all these years. Not even for Aphrodite. Excuse me? What just happened? Fucking hell! That's so fucking funny! For four years I couldn't even think of her name without getting pain, and now ... Who exactly is Aphrodite, we said? Hahaha ... Fucking amazing! Just like that, in the blink of an eye, the goddess of the hunt has defeated the goddess of beauty! What the hell is wrong with me and the Olympic goddesses? But seriously now. I should take it easy. I'm going to let things go as fate has decided. Fate has brought me here and that's what pulls the strings, whatever we humans do. If this woman is really my destiny, then whatever I do, she will end up in my arms. Yes. Yes. That's it. Resign myself to fate and let the chips fall where they may.

~ INSIDE ARTEMIS' MIND ~

Can someone tell me why I didn't believe in psychics and fortune tellers all these years? Why did I make fun of my grandmother when she looked into my coffee cup or read my cards and told me that my destiny was a blond man with strange eyes? Why? How stupid was I? What God enlightened me and I decided to make this journey? Who should I thank? Which saint should I light a candle to? Seriously. Look at him! He is so beautiful. An ancient Olympian god. Hermes? Hmmm ... No. Ares? No. Maybe Apollo? No. No. No. He's Zeus! In his prime, of course, but yes ... definitely Zeus! Is he real? Can I pinch him to make sure, or will he think I'm crazy? His blond hair, bright as the sun. The wonderful sun of Greece. His lips, like a ripe, juicy strawberry and his eyes. Ah, those eyes! Two violets! His body ... All those muscles. The arms, the thighs. I bet my bottom dollar that under his shirt are tight pecs and a flat stomach with rock-hard abs. Not to mention his firm ass. Jesus Christ! I could play the drums on that ass! And what about that bulge in his pants? What treasure is hidden there? Please! And what the hell about the attraction I feel? What is it that draws me to him? It's like I am made of iron and he's the magnet. Who said that? But of course. My mother. She had the same feeling when she first saw Dad. The magnet and the iron. But my mother is crazy. Wonderful, but crazy. I'm not like that. I never was. I must be careful. I must not be seduced by his beauty. I must wait until I get to know him a little better. I'd better let fate decide what will happen. Fate has brought me here and that is what pulls the strings, whatever we humans do. If this man is really my destiny, then whatever I do, I will end up in his arms! As the song says ... We all have a destiny and no one can escape it!

* ~ *

At the same time that these thoughts were running through their minds, Stefan and Artemis were making small talk.

Stefan: Well, Artemis ... Lila told me that you are half Greek.

Artemis: Yes. From my father's side.

Stefan: Is that where you grew up? In Greece?

Artemis: Yes. When my mother met my father, she gave up everything and stayed with him. I was born in Athens. We lived there, but I spent all my summers in Santorini with my grandparents. Have you ever been to Greece?

Stefan: Not yet, but I definitely want to go. I heard so much from my parents.

Artemis: Greece is a magical place. It's, as they say, where God spends his summer vacations.

Stefan: Tell me something in Greek.

Artemis: What do you want me to tell you?

Stefan: Tell me how a man tells a woman that she is very beautiful.

Artemis: Εσύ είσαι πολύ όμορφη.

Stefan: Εσύ είσαι πολύ όμορφη.

Artemis: Well done. You have excellent pronunciation.

Stefan: I didn't say that so you could check my pronunciation.

Artemis: Then why did you say it?

Stefan: Because I mean it. Εσύ είσαι πολύ όμορφη.

Artemis: Uh ... Thank you.

The sparks between them are visible. The glances they exchange are so hot they could easily light up an entire candelabra of candles. I'm not sure what would have happened between them if Lila hadn't come in at that exact moment.

Lila: Hey, you two. Come on! Lunch is served!

Stefan and Artemis rise from the couch and follow Lila into the kitchen.

Artemis: What kind of delicacy are we eating, cousin?

Lila: It's a surprise.

Stefan: Weren't you here? How can you not know what she cooked?

Artemis: And yet, no, I don't know! Even though I came very early in the morning and was able to help her, my crazy cousin kicked me out of the kitchen. She didn't even tell me she was expecting a guest. If she wants it, she's an oyster! A stubborn oyster.

Lila: Yes. Said the pot to the kettle.

Artemis: Why did you say that now?

Lila: Because you are the one who stubbornly refuses to reveal why you dragged your ass into my house out of the blue.

Artemis: I told you. I came to see Nic. We were all sad that we didn't match him and couldn't help.

Stefan: Did you also do a compatibility test?

Artemis: Of course. How could we refuse? We are a family. One for all and all for one!

Stefan, hearing these words, smiles visibly happy and Artemis returns the smile.

Lila: Yes, you are right. I know that, but now it's time for you to tell me the real reason.

Artemis: What do you mean, Lila? That's the reason.

Stefan: You know what, Lila? Don't put your cousin in a difficult position. She might not want to tell the real reason because of me.

Lila: That's what I'm afraid of right now, Stefan.

Artemis: No. It's not that. I'm not saying it just because there's no other reason.

Lila: Whatever! I'll leave it for now, but we will talk about it later. Also, we have to eat now so the food won't get cold. Take your seats.

Stefan pulls out the chair and helps Artemis sit down.

Artemis: Thank you.

Stefan sits down next to her and she leans over to him and whispers something in his ear.

Artemis: There is indeed another reason, but I can't tell you. At least not yet.

He leans towards her as well and whispers something to her.

Stefan: You just met me and you don't trust me. That makes sense. Trust has to be earned. I can wait until I earn yours.

Artemis: It won't take long but thank you.

He smiles at her and then takes a look at the table and what he sees he really likes.

Stefan: Mmmm ... Greek salad.

Artemis: You did mmm.

Stefan: Yes, I did.

Artemis: Does that mean you like this salad?

Stefan: Yes. I really like it. Actually, I like Greek cuisine in general. My mother cooks Greek food very often.

Artemis: The Brunette Angel.

Stefan: You know that too, right?

Artemis: In my grandfather's stories, I wasn't the only one who helped the Prince in his adventures. He always had an angel on his shoulder. A beautiful brunette angel.

At that moment, an idea is born in Stefan's head. The excuse he was looking for to ask her out.

Stefan: Tell me something, Artemis. Would you like to meet them?

Artemis: Who?

Stefan: The Prince and his Angel.

Artemis: May I?

Stefan: Very simply. With a simple yes to the date I'm asking you out on.

Artemis: You are asking me out on a date?

Stefan: Yes. Lunch at my parents and then we can go wherever you want.

Artemis: How could I say no to something so tempting?

Stefan: Give me a minute.

He pulls out his cell phone and dials Mary's number, who immediately picks up.

Mary: My baby ...

Stefan: Hey, Mama. I need you to do me a favor.

Mary: Hmmm ... Should I be worried?

Stefan: No, you suspicious mother.

Mary: You never know with the Harronate men.

Stefan: Hmmm ... Thank you for that.

Mary: As sensitive as your father. Anyway. Tell me what you want.

Stefan: A plus one for Sunday dinner.

Mary: Is that all? Of course, baby. You didn't even have to ask. Who's it for?

Stefan: It's going to be a surprise.

Mary: Oh, no! Don't do this to me!

Stefan: Now, come on. You can wait.

Mary: I can, but what about the others? Do you know what I'm going to go through with your godfather?

Stefan: You can handle G-man. Tell Dad to help you.

Mary: Yeah, yeah. That's a big help. Anyway. I hope you appreciate the sacrifice I'm making for you. The sacrifice of the mother!

Stefan: I appreciate it, Mama.

Mary: That's my boy!

Stefan: I'll see you on Sunday, Mama. I love you!

Mary: To the moon and back, baby. I'll see you on Sunday.

Stefan: Bye.

Mary: Take care.

Stefan ends the call and looks at Artemis with a smile.

Stefan: That's it! On Sunday at noon, you are officially invited to the Prince's Palace by the Brunette Angel herself.

Artemis: Stefan ... I ... I don't know what to say. I thank you.

Stefan: Don't thank me yet. Wait until Sunday.

Artemis: Why do you say that?

Stefan: Because my family ... How can I say this? It's a little intense. I have to warn you.

Stefan puts his hand on the table and Artemis covers it with hers.

Artemis: Don't worry about it, Stefan. I grew up in a Greek family. I'm sure I can handle yours as well.

Stefan: If you say so.

Once again, no one pulls the hand. They stay like that, enjoying the contact and looking at each other. They don't notice Lila until she puts the plate of good smelling and delicious food on the table in front of them.

Lila: Here we are! Spaghetti with minced meat. My ex-boss's favorite, but also my cousin's.

Stefan: Do you like spaghetti with minced meat?

Artemis: Are you kidding? I could live with just spaghetti. My dad calls me "my Sweet Bolognese".

Lila: My Sweet Bolognese, serve the food and you, mister, open the wine you brought us.

Stefan: And what are you going to do?

Lila: Nothing more. I have done enough already, don't you think?

Stefan looks at Artemis.

Stefan: More than you can even imagine, Lila.

Lila: I knew it.

Artemis serves the food on their plates and Stefan opens the wine and fills their glasses. Lila raises her glass.

Lila: So, Mr. Harronate? Would you do us the honor of making a toast?

Stefan raises his glass as well.

Stefan: As you wish, Miss Austin. To Nic's health and to new acquaintances.

Lila: To Nic's health.

Artemis: To new acquaintances.

They clink their glasses.

Lila: And now ... Let's eat!

They eat and drink, laughing and talking. After the meal, Stefan helps the girls clear the table and wash the dishes.

Lila: I never thought the CEO of Harronate Corp. knew how to do dishes.

Stefan: Very funny! For your information, I know how to do all the housework. All the men in my family do.

Artemis: My father does, too. He helps my mother a lot, although my grandmother, his mother, has a lot of objections. You know, a Greek mother with an only son and all.

Lila: Mine doesn't do anything. He thinks that the man has no obligation in the house except to bring the money.

Stefan: I don't agree with that at all. Men and women are equal.

Artemis: Do you really believe that?

Stefan: Of course, I do.

Lila: The woman you marry will be very lucky.

Stefan: That's what my mother always says.

They laugh.

Artemis: Well ... We are done here. How about we have a coffee and eat the delicious French desserts our guest brought us?

Stefan looks at his watch.

Stefan: I would love to ... You can't imagine how much ... But unfortunately, I can't. I have to go home. Someone is waiting for me.

Lila: A woman, I guess.

Stefan: You guessed wrong.

Artemis: Really? Eeeh ... I mean ... Holy shit!

Lila: My cousin means it's strange for a man like you not to have a girlfriend. Isn't that true, Artemis?

Artemis: Eeeh ... Yes. Yes.

Stefan: Listen, girls. First of all, thank you for the compliment and secondly, this is not weird at all. I mean, of course there are women in my life, but none of them are worthy of coming into my house. I let one in once and she almost destroyed me. Since then, only the women in my family have had access to my house.

Lila: And what makes a woman worthy of coming into your house?

Stefan: Many things, but the most important thing for me is honesty.

Artemis: Is that what you are asking for?

Stefan: Yes. What about you? What do you ask of a man?

Artemis: Devotion.

Lila: Then get a dog. It's the only male who can be completely devoted to you. I speak from experience.

Artemis: That's a bit cynical.

Lila: Maybe, but it's the truth.

Artemis: Your truth. I want to believe that there are still men, real men, who can be faithful to a woman.

Lila: This is a very long conversation and unfortunately our guest has to leave now.

Artemis: Yes. Unfortunately.

The girls escort Stefan to the door. He hugs Lila.

Stefan: Thank you very much for lunch. Everything was wonderful.

Lila: Don't say it again. My house will always be open for you.

He takes Artemis' hand.

Stefan: It was really nice to meet you, Artemis, and I'm looking forward to our date on Sunday.

Artemis: Me too, Stefan.

Stefan: I'll pick you up here. Be ready at eleven.

Artemis: What should I wear? I mean, is this lunch formal?

Stefan: Although I'd like to see you in a dress, no. You can wear whatever you want. You'll look stunning no matter what. It's a simple family lunch.

Artemis: Oh! Good. Thank you.

Stefan: Bye, girls, and thank you again.

Artemis: Bye.

Lila: Bye.

Stefan leaves, leaving the two girls alone. As soon as the door closes behind him, Lila turns to her cousin, a little wildly.

Lila: What the hell, Artemis?

Artemis: What?

Lila: Where are you going with him on Sunday?

Artemis: To his parents' house.

Lila: How?

Artemis: What do you mean by "how"?

Lila: You know very well what I mean. Are you going to go out with him as a friend or is it more?

Artemis: Would you have a problem with it being more than friendship?

Lila: No, Artemis. I'm not saying that. As strange as it may sound, I'm not in love with him. I never have been.

Artemis: Then why did you do what you did? The photographs, I mean.

Lila: I don't know. Maybe I wanted his attention, but after what he did for me, for Nic, I realized I didn't feel love. It was just a crush. You know, the untouchable man you want but can never have.

Artemis: Then why do you react that way?

Lila: Because I'm worried about you. You heard what he said. There are many women in his life, but none are worthy of being in his house. Do you really want to be one of those many?

Artemis: And what if I'm so worthy to be in his house?

Lila: Really, Artemis? He demands honesty and you haven't been so honest with him.

Artemis: Of course, I've been.

Lila: Oh, really? And what about Paul?

Artemis: There's nothing going on between me and Paul. There was never anything between us. It was all in his head.

Lila: That's why you came here, isn't it?

Artemis: I told you no. I came for Nic.

Lila: Cut the bullshit and tell me the truth.

Artemis: Okay. I'm going to tell you. You are right. Nic was just an excuse. I left to get away from Paul. He was getting too intense for me and I was scared. He was always after me. He even approached my father.

Lila: And what did your father do?

Artemis: He kicked him out of the house and threatened him to stop bothering me or he would kill him.

Lila: And he still insists on doing that? Strange. Your father is pretty scary when it comes to you.

Artemis: He's crazy. He thinks I belong to him. That something divine connects us. What nonsense!

Lila: Did you do anything else with him?

Artemis: No. He didn't even touch my hand.

Lila: Does he know you came here?

Artemis: No. Nobody knows. Just my parents and my grandmother. Nobody else.

Lila: Then there's no problem. He won't be able to find you here, but if things go well with Stefan, you should tell him everything before your relationship becomes known. He's famous, Artemis, and if you become his girl, the paparazzi will start chasing you, and then it will be very easy for Paul to find you. Stefan needs to know so he can protect you if he needs to.

Artemis: Do you think he can protect me?

Lila: Do a little research on him and his family and you'll understand.

Artemis: That's what I was planning to do anyway. I want to know everything about him.

Lila: Yes, but don't believe everything you read. Most of it is lies. Especially when it comes to his love life. You better wait for Stefan to tell you.

Artemis: Yeah, I know. I know how these things work. But tell me, do you really think things are going to work out?

Lila: Do you still have doubts?

Artemis: How could I not have any?

Lila: My God! He's going to take you to see his family, what more do you want? I worked for his company for a whole year and never met his father, the Big Boss. And you are going to go to his house, even though you just met him today. What do you make of that?

Artemis: Now that you mention it ... Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Oh, my God! I'm going to meet the Blond Prince!

Lila: You crazy bitch! Come on. Let's get ready. Nic is looking forward to seeing you. We can talk more about your incredible future boyfriend later.

Artemis: Are you going to make fun of me for that much longer?

Lila: You are going to make me a cousin to Stefan Harronate, girl. I'm going to make fun of you for the rest of our lives!

Artemis: You, bitch!

* ~ *

~ A LITTLE LATER ~ STEFAN's HOUSE ~

Jason leans against the wall and talks to Cecilia on the phone.

Jason: Don't worry about it, baby. I'm not going to leave. I'm going to stay here until it's over. I won't leave your beloved brother alone for a minute. But just so you know ... If he throws me out the window, my blood will be on your hands!

Cecilia laughs.

Cecilia: You are a drama queen!

Jason: All joking aside, do you really think that bitch will dare to come here?

Cecilia: You've seen her on TV. We have to be ready for anything.

Jason: To be honest, I'm more afraid of what will happen when I tell Stefan about the kid.

Cecilia: Nothing is going to happen. You know how to deal with him.

Jason: I'm honored by your trust, but ...

Cecilia: I'm not the only one who trusts you.

Jason: Who else?

Cecilia: My father. He was the one who chose you to tell Stefan.

Jason: Really?

Cecilia: When are you going to realize that my father thinks of you as a son?

Jason: I know, baby, I'm just happy. That's all.

Cecilia: Do you really need his approval that much?

Jason: He's the only real father I've ever had, but ... Wait! I hear keys in the door. Stefan has just come in.

Sure enough, the door opens and Stefan enters the house in an unimaginably good mood.

Stefan: Good evening, buddy! I'm so glad to see you here. I've missed you so much!

Jason looks at Stefan a little suspiciously.

Jason: Baby, I have to go.

Cecilia: And why is that?

Jason: Because there's something going on here.

Cecilia: Something good?

Jason: Yeah, I think so. The other explanation would be that your brother started using drugs.

Cecilia: That much, huh? Okay. I'll let you figure it out. Give me a call later.

Jason: Sure, baby. Take care. I love you.

Cecilia: I love you too. See you soon.

Jason puts the phone down and walks towards Stefan.

Jason: Did you start taking drugs? What did you take? Coke, huh? I told you, Stef. There are other stimulants in nature.

Stefan: Shut up, you idiot! Of course, I didn't take anything. You know perfectly well that I don't take drugs. I'm the drug!

Jason: Wow! Wow! What the hell is this now? What the fuck is going on here?

Stefan: I don't understand what you mean. I'm just happy to see you after so many days and ...

Jason: Look at me.

Stefan looks at Jason.

Stefan: Here. I'm looking at you!

Jason: Damn it! You've met someone.

Stefan: How do you know ...?

Jason: I know that look. I see it every day in the mirror. You found her, right? The woman.

Stefan: I... I don't ... I don't know yet.

Jason: Tell me everything!

Stefan: Bring us something to drink and I will tell you.

Jason runs to the bar, gets a bottle of tequila and two glasses and the two friends sit down on the couch. Stefan opens his mouth and tells Jason everything that happened at Lila's house.

Jason: Artemis, huh? Nice name, but what the hell is going on between you and the Olympian goddesses?

Stefan: Yeah. Tell me about it.

Jason: So ... It's her!

Stefan: I think so. When I saw her, it was like lightning struck my insides.

Jason: She made you see stars, huh? I know what that feels like.

Stefan: And when I touched her hand ...

Jason: It was like electric current going through your whole body.

Stefan: Exactly.

Jason: That's it, man. Love at first sight. You have all the symptoms. You haven't escaped family's wonderful curse.

Stefan: Yeah, but you know what I think. That's what is holding me back.

Jason: Apples and oranges, man. You were not like that back then.

Stefan: Really? What was I like back then?

Jason: Colder. More indifferent. When you were talking about that bitch, your eyes didn't light up like they do now.

Stefan: I'm scared, damn it!

Jason: Of what?

Stefan: Of history repeating itself. What if Artemis is just like everyone else?

Jason: What does your heart say?

Stefan: That she is the one.

Jason: Then she is. The heart, my friend, never makes a mistake. The mind maybe, but the heart never!

Stefan: Let's hope so then. I'm definitely going to give her a try, because I like her a lot, but I'm also going to hedge my bets, just in case.

Jason: Hmmm ... Stefan?

Stefan: What?

Jason: Now that you are in such a good mood, I have to tell you something.

Stefan: I don't like this prologue at all.

Jason: You should because what I'm about to tell you is really ugly and very serious.

Stefan drinks the leftover tequila in his glass and looks at Jason.

Stefan: Shoot me!

Jason tells Stefan everything that has happened in the last few days with Aphrodite. He listens to him without interrupting him once.

Jason: That's all. That was the reason we were all acting so weird. Now you know everything.

Stefan leans back and looks at his friend, hoping that everything he just heard was just a joke. A joke he can laugh at.

Stefan: You know what? For a moment I really believed you. That was good! That was really good! Whose idea was that? G-man's, huh?

Stefan starts to laugh, but his laughter is cut short when he looks at Jason, who has the ugly truth written all over his face.

Jason: I'm sorry, buddy. I'm really sorry, but this is not a joke.

Stefan: It's not?

Jason: No, man. This kid is real and she claims it's yours.

Stefan jumps up and starts screaming in rage.

Stefan: No. No. No! It's not mine! This child can't be mine! No! Damn, NO!

Jason: Are you sure about that? I mean, do you remember right? Are you sure you took precautions every time?

Stefan: Yes! Yes! I'm absolutely sure! I NEVER fucked her without a condom. Never! Can you hear me? NOT EVEN ONCE. This child is not mine!

Stefan runs his hands through his hair.

Stefan: You believe me, don't you? That this child is not mine. At least tell me that you believe me.

Jason stands up, walks towards his friend, and puts his hand on his shoulder.

Jason: Of course, I believe you. In fact, I was the first one to say it wasn't yours, and I'm not the only one.

Stefan: What are you talking about?

Jason: We all believe you, Stef. The whole pack knows that bitch is lying for some reason. We are all behind you and we are going to do everything we can to help you prove the truth.

Stefan is relieved.

Stefan: That's something, but why now, buddy? Damn. But why? Why now? Why is she doing this to me? Wasn't the pain she caused me back then enough?

Jason: I don't know what to tell you. I wish I knew, but ...

Stefan: THE FUCKING BITCH! I've given her everything, Jay, and yet she keeps asking for more. I can't do this anymore. I'm tired, man. I'm fucking tired.

Jason: Hey ! Don't start, please ! Don't give up. Not now. Not now that life is starting to smile back at you. Get up and fight. You have allies, buddy. Old ones and new ones.

Stefan: You mean ...?

Jason: Yes. I mean Artemis. Give her a chance, man. Maybe she can cure you once and for all.

Stefan: I don't know, Jay. Maybe it's better to forget about her now that nothing has happened yet.

Jason: Why are you saying this now?

Stefan: Because when she finds out about all this, she's going to run as far away from me as she can.

Jason: Bullshit! Can you hear me? FUCKING BULLSHIT! If she really is your other half, she will stay with you no matter what! Just like your mother, Lois and Izzy did. What would Chloe do if Jared couldn't have children. The way Lucy will wait for Johnny. Just like Ceci ...

The moment Jason says Cecilia's name, his cell phone rings with a song that makes Stefan smile in despair.

* 'Cause I'm your lady ... And you are my man.

Whenever you reach for me ... I'll do all that I can. *

Stefan: Really, Jay? Celine Dion?

Jason shrugs his shoulders.

Jason: That's Ceci's ringtone. I let her choose.

Stefan: Big mistake!

Jason: Yeah. Tell me about it!

Stefan: Come on. Pick it up.

Jason: No. I'm here for you now. I'll call her later. She'll understand because she's my other half. The other half always understands.

Stefan: I get your point and I'm not going to back down. With Artemis, I mean. Don't worry about it. Talk to Ceci. I'm fine and I do want to go to the bathroom.

Jason: Okay.

Stefan goes to the bathroom and Jason takes Cecilia's call.

Jason: Hey, baby. Why are you calling me when you know I'm talking to Stefan?

Cecilia: I'm really sorry, baby. I didn't mean to interrupt, but something serious happened. Kyle just called.

Jason: And?

Cecilia: And he found out something about that bitch.

Jason: Like what?

Cecilia: I don't know. He didn't say, but it must be something good because he asked us to wait for him. All of us, including Stefan. That's why I called you. Dad told me to tell you to take Stefan and both to come here right away.

Jason: Please, God. Let it be something really good.

Cecilia: He didn't take the news well, did he?

Jason: Not well at all.

Cecilia: Shit!

Jason: Whatever! We're going to talk face to face.

Cecilia: I'll wait for you. Don't be late.

Jason: I won't. Bye, baby.

Cecilia: Bye.

Jason hangs up the phone, goes to the bathroom and knocks on the door.

Stefan: What?

Jason: Are you staying in there long?

Stefan: Why?

Jason: Because we have to go now.

Stefan: Where to?

Jason: To the Palace.

Stefan: Why?

Jason: Remember I told you that Kyle was digging in bitch's life?

Stefan: Yeah.

Jason: He found something.

The bathroom door opens with a jerk and Stefan comes out in an almost-birthday suit.

Stefan: He found what?

Jason: He didn't say, but your dad wants us to go there as soon as possible.

Stefan: Let's go.

Stefan heads for the door just so, but luckily Jason is always there.

Jason: If you're going to go out without pants, at least take off those stupid boxers. What the hell is on them? Tacos?

Stefan looks down.

Stefan: Shit! Where are my pants?

Jason: Where you obviously took them off.

Stefan goes back into the bathroom and comes back with his pants.

Stefan: Move your ass, asshole, and don't hate my boxers. They're a gift from your girlfriend.

Jason: Did Ceci buy those?

Stefan: That and another one with donuts on it, so watch your mouth. You've got a birthday coming up.

Jason: God forbid!

Stefan: Exactly!

The two boys got dressed laughing and then headed off to family land.

* ~ *