Love on the Dotted Line

Chapter 23: Cash Me If You Can: Katherina's Big Ask

Lakis is still on the fence about whether to spill the beans on what he overheard during Katherina and Ginna's little gossip session. One thing's crystal clear, though: Rita isn't waving Katherina's flag. But as for her feelings toward Kostas? Lakis can't quite pin her down; she's always got that "perfect daughter" act going on.

"Lakis, what's with the long face?" Rita's voice jolts him, and he nearly jumps out of his skin. He's been sitting there, deep in thought.

"Oh, uh... so, when are we heading back home?" Lakis asks, trying to play it cool.

"I think we should stick around a few more days," Rita replies.

"And why's that? Is it because of Katherina?" he probes.

Rita drops into the chair next to him, crossing her arms. "Honestly, I wouldn't trust her as far as I could throw her. What if she's working her magic on Dad to get him to do something?"

"We talking about the inheritance here?" Lakis raises an eyebrow.

"Yes! She's totally up to something. She's never cared two hoots about Dad until now, and suddenly, she's glued to his side like static. And did you see her getup at Dion's wedding? She looked like she was ready for a nightclub instead of a family affair. Talk about cringeworthy!" Rita says, rolling her eyes.

"Okay, don't judge me, but... I kinda overheard Katherina and Ginna chatting," Lakis admits, side-eyeing her conspiratorially.

"Lakis, haven't you heard? Eavesdroppers never hear anything good about themselves," Rita says, giving him a mock-stern look. Lakis clams up, nearly biting his tongue.

"Alright then, out with it—spill the tea!" she says, eyes lighting up with curiosity.

"But you just said—"

"Lakis, don't make me drag it out of you. Give me the scoop!" Rita commands, crossing her arms.

With a sigh, Lakis finally spills what he overheard. Rita's jaw drops so fast it's like it's about to hit the floor. "Oh my gosh, that witch! How in the world are we supposed to go home now? No way am I letting Dad fork over a single dollar to her!" she fumes, looking ready to charge.

Lakis feels a rush of relief, glad they're in the same boat on this. "So, are we gonna do something about it?" he asks, leaning forward in his chair like he's got front-row seats to some big showdown.

"You bet your boots we are," Rita says, her eyes flashing with determination.

—---

Katherina glances around like a cat on a hot tin roof, making sure no one's watching before she tiptoes into Kostas' room. Just then, Kostas saunters in, whistling a tune like he's about to head out on a hot date, checking himself out in the mirror.

"Kostas, are you off somewhere special?" Katherina asks, trying to sound casual.

"Yep! I'm heading out with a lady for lunch," Kostas replies, his smile as bright as a sunny day.

"What lady?" Katherina feigns excitement, her eyes sparkling with faux glee.

"Karen. It's her last day at work, so I figured I'd treat her to lunch for all her hard work," Kostas says, his voice cheerful.

"Karen?" Katherina scoffs, scrunching her face like he just served her a plate of old leftovers.

"Why are you here, anyway? Need something?" Kostas shifts the conversation, picking up on Katherina's sour mood.

"Well, can we stay here for a few more days, brother?" Katherina says, trying to sound sweet as pie.

"What's the matter with your house?" Kostas asks, still checking himself out in the mirror. Something smells fishy, and he can sense it.

"Well, I've run into a bit of a money pickle. I have to sell the house. There are a ton of loans to pay off. You know how tough it is being a single woman. It's like juggling flaming swords," Katherina says, her voice quivering like she's about to burst into tears.

Kostas shoots a firm look at Katherina. "I knew Theo well. We worked together. He never borrowed money he couldn't pay back. The guy was as sharp as a tack."

Katherina's expression shifts like a light switch. She had planned to spin a tale about how, when Theo died, he left behind a mountain of loans she had to deal with. Now, that lie isn't going to fly.

"I... I know. I had to take some loans for the business, and... I messed up," Katherina stammers. "You know I'm a single woman. It's tough running a business all on my own. People tried to take advantage of me, cheat me out of what I have," she adds, feigning tears. But it's all an act.

"Why did you want to do this business alone? If you don't know the first thing about it, why dive in headfirst? Theo left you and Ginna a nice chunk of change. You could have lived the easy life! Don't tell me you blew through it all," Kostas says firmly, crossing his arms.

"Actually, now I only have a tiny house in the suburbs. That's all I've got," Katherina admits, and Kostas feels a wave of frustration wash over him.

"So, you come to my room to spill your guts about how foolish you are, or is there something else?" Kostas asks, arching an eyebrow.

"Please, Kostas, think about me. I'm getting up there in age. I'm single and broke. Have a heart!" Katherina begs, her voice dripping with desperation.

"I don't get what you're saying," Kostas replies, giving her a suspicious look, like he's trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces.

"Give me a slice of your inheritance. You've got loads of cash! What's the harm in sharing a little with your own sister?" Katherina says, and Kostas can feel his temper flaring.

"If you have nowhere to go, you can stay here. But don't even think about telling me what to do with my money. I earned every dime on my own, with my wife by my side. My kids? They don't even hold a candle to the hard work I put in. And you? You blew through your late husband's inheritance without a second thought. That man busted his chops to make sure you weren't left out in the cold, and you acted like a fool, throwing away all his hard work!" Kostas replies firmly, crossing his arms.

"So, is that a yes for my... my request?" Katherina mutters, a hint of desperation in her voice.

"No. It's a big, fat no. Now, do me a favor and leave my room," Kostas says, his tone as final as a judge's gavel.