The Serpent Queen

The Moment of Truth | Part Three

Phoebe and Hawk walked hand in hand into the country club after letting the valet take the Sentra. For the sake of her own sanity, Phoebe turned her phone off.

She smiled as she saw her granddad in the foyer greeting what looked to be super rich businessmen and their wives, along with a few wealthy business women and other esteemed members of the club. Glancing to Hawk, she asked, "Ready for this?"

He nodded, "Yeah."

They walked up to Stavros and his face lit up as the sight of them.

"Φοίβη, πώς είσαι; Κοίτα σε, τόσο όμορφη." He greeted his granddaughter by hugging her.

"Thank you? Maybe? I think."

"Dad, she doesn't speak Greek, remember?" George said coming up to them.

"Oh, I remember. I was seeing if you taught her any."

"I didn't. Neither did Peter with Demetri." The former Cobra looked to his daughter. "He asked how you were and that you look beautiful."

"I'm doing well and thank you." She smiled:

Stavros looked to the other teenager, "Eli, how are you?"

"I'm good, sir." He shook the elder man's hand.

"Are you treating my granddaughter well?"

"Of course I am." He had known Stavros and his wife for years due to his friendship with Demetri. "I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you. Today is in honour of her."

"Aww. That's lovely." Phoebe remarked.

Stavros glanced to other people behind them, "Excuse me." He walked away and greeted more people.

"Hello, George." Hawk said to Phoebe's dad, now that it was just the three of them.

"Hawk. You might be the only one of us to actually enjoy this day."

He chuckled, "Yeah. Though I think you all should be able to lounge around the pool and relax."

"Trust me, I did that enough in my younger years. Drinks, food, spa facilities...everything here is free for us. Including you, Eli, since your Phoebe's boyfriend. You're on the list with the rest of us."

Hawk grinned at Phoebe. He got access to the club privellages.

"What is not available to you is alcohol, and use of the suites...should I say for obvious hormonal teenage reasons."

"We get it, Dad." Phoebe sighed.

"Come on, I'll show you both out to the pool. Everyone else is out there." George said wanting them to follow him.

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The couple walked through the club to the outside pool at the back. At the far side of the space was where the pool bar was located. Tables and chairs were scattered around the bar and the balconies. Deck chairs were dotted around the pool. Some were free and some were already taken by members.

They found Sophie, Peter, and Kate sitting at a table with a glass of wine each for the ladies and whiskey for Peter.

Demetri stood leaning against the balcony staring down at the patrons lounging by the pool. He wore his usual getup of jeans, converse, a T-shirt and a flannel shirt. He had the same band aid from earlier still on his face.

"Hey, Demetri." Phoebe smiled.

He turned around to face her, "Hey."

"What happened to your nose?"