Teach a Teacher a Lesson
Chapter 16

"Let's go rent a car and then I'll take you to my favorite place in Corfu. You will love the Asian Art Museum," Sam said, once they disembarked. "Asian Art in Greece?"

"Yeah, I wondered the same thing the first time I came to the island. It is the only museum of this kind in the whole country apparently." "Interesting!"

"I am not much of the museum type and I love this place, so trust me, you will like it."

"I love museums anyway. So many things to learn."

Sam held her hand as they were crossing the road toward the rental agency. "I am afraid we won't have time to see much of the city, though. My friend Spyro is waiting for us in an hour or so. I've made a reservation for lunch at his restaurant." "That's okay! I'd rather spend my time with you than walk around in these heels."

Sam kissed her hand lightly. "Come," he said and ushered her in the agency.

"Sam!" the young assistant exclaimed. "How lovely to see you again!"

"Hey, Julia. It's been a while, huh?"

"Yeah, honey. I thought you had forgotten all about me. When are you taking me out again?"

Sam smiled. "I am afraid I will have to give you a rain check. I am kinda otherwise occupied now," he said and motioned toward Rita with a slight move of his head.

"Yeah, I see," she said, disappointed. "Anyway, what can I do for you now?"

"What can I rent for a couple of hours? Nothing fancy. You know what I like."

"I have the perfect car for you. It was just returned." She opened a drawer and handed him the keys and the car's papers. "You have your license with you, right?"

"Yeah, in my wallet as always. I'll pay you when we return, okay?"

"That will be fine. You are no stranger, Sam." She winked at him.

Sam laughed. "See you later, Julia."

"You seem to be quite popular here," Rita said, once they boarded the car.

"I've been coming to Corfu three times a month ever since I started working on the cruiser. I know a lot of people here."

"I wonder how well," she remarked, buckling her seatbelt.

"Not as well as you imagine." Sam turned the ignition and drove off. He focused on the road, careful not to run over any of the numerous tourists roaming the streets without paying much attention to the traffic. Soon enough they reached the museum parking area.

"Here we are. The Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George."

"What an impressive building!" Rita exclaimed in awe.

"Wait till you see the exhibits inside," Sam said, as he was locking the doors.

He paid for admission. Rita took a few leaflets from the counter. "Okay, let me show you around," he said. "I'll be your guide today."

They entered the first hall. "The Palace has been used as an office for the King, but it was also the seat of the Ionian Senate and as you can see, here on the ground floor, there are portraits of the Senate's presidents."

"You are very good, Sam. That's exactly what the leaflet says." Rita smiled at him. "How many times have you been here?"

"More than I can recall."

"Does that mean you can answer any question I might have?"

"Test me, teach!"

"Ok then. Where are the exhibits from?"

"Hmm. Nine countries, I remember that. Now let me see if I can recall which ones."

"Otherwise, you won't get full points on that question."

"Well, I can always make up for all the lost points during a more hands-on examination later tonight." He patted her backside to demonstrate what he had in mind.

"Sam!" Rita said, in mock horror.

"Back to your question then. China, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Tibet... what else?" He looked around him for clues. "Definitely India," he said, seeing a sculpture. "Eh, I don't remember the rest."

"Ah, pretty close then. But you did well. Nepal, Cambodia and Thailand according to the leaflet."

"Yeah, that's right. Let's go to the second floor. I love the throne room."

They climbed the majestic staircase. Entering the room, Rita stopped to admire a suit of Samurai armor and the weapons displayed beside it. She took her cell phone out of her bag and photographed everything around the room. Sam moved toward the throne.

"Shall I sit in it?" he joked.

"Don't you dare! They'll kick us out, and I want to see the rest of the place."

In the ballroom and dining room, they saw Chinese porcelains and bronzes, and pieces of sculpture and ceramics, but what impressed Rita most were the masks of the 'No' theatre and the medals of the Chivalric order painted on the walls. She took pictures of all the paintings, making sure not to use the flash as the museum assistant had instructed.

"Let's take a stroll in the gardens too," Sam said.

A fountain right in the middle of the place was the perfect spot to stop for a moment. Rita sat on the surrounding wall and put her hand in the cool water. She threw some on her neck to freshen up. The day was getting hotter and hotter. Sam looked at his watch. "We should probably get going. Spyro will be wondering where we are."

"Okay. I really liked the museum, Sam. Thank you for showing it to me."

***

Leaving behind the densely built old town with the majestic historical buildings and the bustling streets, they came across the peacefulness of hilly expanses and lush vegetation. Rita rolled her window down to breathe in the fresh air carrying the essence of the island, a mixture of sea and earth in perfect balance.

After a while, Sam took a turn on to a bypass, heading for a beach. When they reached Spyro's restaurant, Sam pulled over and got out quickly to open the door for Rita. She looked around her. The car park was full, which indicated how popular this place was. A cobblestone path led to the building. Rose beds adorned the sides. Rita bent to sniff the flowers. Sam reached to cut one and offer it to her.

"Are you sure you are allowed to do that?" "Spyro won't mind." Sam picked a red rose.

"Thank you," she said and brought the flower to her nose.

Sam held her hand as they walked to the entrance. They climbed the few steps leading to the front patio. Rita was surprised at the number of people already at the tables there. They stood for a moment, watching the waiters hurrying from one table to the other serving the customers. She liked the décor. It was simple but fitting for a seafood restaurant. Pieces of fishing nets were hanging on the wall and a huge lobster was right above the door. "Let's go in," Sam said and pulled her along.

"Spyro!" Sam called out the minute they entered the main building. A few older men turned their heads to look at him.

"It's me he wants," a young man behind the register counter said, and the old men returned to their meals. Spyro walked toward Sam and Rita, still standing by the door.

"Where the heck have you been, you ass?" Spyro said and gave Sam a hug, patting him on the back.

"Glad to see you too." Sam laughed and hugged his friend back.

"So, who's the lucky lady?" Spyro asked and winked conspiringly at Sam.

"Well, this is my Rita if you must know."

Rita liked the sound of that and cast a brilliant grin at Sam.

"What does a beautiful lady like yourself do with a bum like him?" Spyro said. He took hold of her hand and kissed it lightly.

"Hey, I am standing right here, you know!" Sam said with fake indignation.

"He's not that bad," Rita joked.

"See? She likes me better than you," Sam said and punched Spyro in the shoulder playfully.

"Of course. It would have been awkward if it was the other way around."

Sam laughed with his friend's joke.

"Anyway, let me show you to your table. Follow me!" Spyro said.

"Aren't we sitting here?" Rita asked, seeing the empty tables around them.

"No, I asked Spyro to give us some privacy," Sam replied.

They followed the proprietor outside to the back patio of the restaurant.

"Wow," Rita exclaimed once she saw the small private beach waiting for them.

"I think you should remove your high heels before we descend to the beach. You'll ruin them in the sand," Sam said.

"Yeah, probably," Rita replied, still in awe with the environment. She put her hand on Sam's shoulder to prop herself up.

"Better yet," Sam said, and before she could react, he scooped her up in his arms and walked toward the beach, followed by a laughing Spyro.

"You're making us a spectacle, Sam," Rita said. "I could have walked just fine."

"True, but then I would have missed the chance to take you into my arms."

"He's right, you know," Spyro interjected.

"Men!" Rita said and rolled her eyes, which only made Sam laugh more loudly and bob her up and down as he was walking.

"Sam, put me down now," Rita ordered.

"Just a few more steps."

"I hope you like what I've prepared. Specially for you two," Spyro said and stepped in front of Sam. There on a wooden platform stood four columns made from white flowers and blue ribbons, forming a canopy. White transparent curtains were hanging from all four sides of the canopy, slightly blocking the sunlight. Spyro pulled the front curtain to reveal a table set for two. Sam stepped on the platform and let Rita stand on her feet again.

She admired the beautiful setting. It reminded her of a beach wedding.

"Are you sure these were not set for a wedding reception?" Rita asked suspiciously. Now that she paid a little more attention, the flowers on the columns did seem to be perhaps a day or two old.

Spyro ignored her question and proceeded to lift the lids off the trays placed on the table, revealing a meal of seafood.

"You are not allergic to sea urchins or mussels, are you?" Sam asked.

"I am not allergic to mussels, but I can't say the same for sea urchins. I've never tried them."

"Oh, you'll love them," Sam said. "My favorite seafood."

"And very aphrodisiac," Spyro added, with a wicked smile.

Rita looked at Sam, and he shrugged. It was obvious what he had in mind for the rest of their day, and she was looking forward to it as well.

Sam pulled a chair back for her, and she took her seat. "Everything looks great, Spyro," Sam said to his friend. "Thank you."

"I'll send someone for your drinks in a bit. Enjoy your meal!" he replied.

"Thank you," Rita told him.

Spyro smiled at her. He pulled one of the curtains and tied it to a column so that they could have a view to the sea. "I will see you later," he said and left.

Rita watched how wave after wave splashed on the rocks on their left, leaving a trail of froth behind. The sea was not as calm as it was in the port since it was a lot windier on this side of the island but not so much as to ruin their meal outside. She could enjoy the warmth of the sun and yet avoid a burn, protected under the canopy.

Anchored in the distance but not too far out from the beach, she could see a fishing boat and a man sitting there. She couldn't see a rod in his hands and assumed he was using a net or some other technique to lure his catch. "Beautiful scenery, isn't it?" she observed.

"Yes, it is," Sam replied. He got up and walked behind her. "You are beautiful too," he added and caressed her cheek.

Rita turned her head to look at him and smiled.

"And I will make you even more beautiful now." Sam pulled a lily out of the column next to him and tried to tuck it in her hair. It was difficult for him to make it stay in place as she wore her hair in a tight bun and the flower didn't seem to want to stick anywhere no matter how many times he tried.

"Why don't I just hold it?" Rita finally said, feeling her bun ready to unravel after all the mishandling.

"Yeah, that might be a good idea," Sam said, defeated, and handed her the lily.

Rita brought the flower to her nose to take a sniff. On closer inspection, she saw the edges of the flower had withered, which only proved her earlier assumption that the setting was not for them but a leftover from a wedding reception. "Thank you," she said to him. "It was a nice thought, anyway."

Sam leaned in and gave her a tender kiss. "That was an even nicer thought, right?" he said, with a contented smile.

"Sam, you old dog," a female voice shouted, interrupting their moment.

Sam straightened at once, and they both turned to see the incomer.

"Tereza! Wow, don't you look gorgeous today!" Sam exclaimed.

Rita frowned, something that Sam didn't notice of course as his gaze was glued to the scantily dressed young woman heading their way. Rita watched as Tereza put extra effort to sway her hips and flick her hair back a couple of times. Experienced waitress, Rita thought, as Tereza did that while also holding a tray with their drinks in one hand.

When she reached them, she placed the tray on the table and then threw herself into Sam's waiting arms. She plopped a kiss on his lips, and gave Rita a once-over, before turning her focus back to Sam.

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Rita touched her hair involuntarily to ensure everything was still in place. Tereza's derogatory stare made her feel as if she was lacking in every possible way, as though that twenty-something was wondering what Sam had even seen in her. Tereza brushed her ready-to-pop-out-of-her-tight-top breasts over Sam's chest, and she took a step back to check him out closely. She touched his bicep. "Have you been working out again, Sam? My God, don't you look lickable!" "Eh... I... yeah, I have a little," he replied awkwardly.

"I've missed you so much," she said, and pouted. "You should have called me, not to mention come and see me."

Rita could swear she saw the young woman batting her eyelashes. Sam seemed to be lost in a lust haze the way he was staring at Tereza.

"Oh, come on, babe," Sam complained, "you know how work is."

Tereza drew lazy circles with her finger over his chest. "Yeah, I know, but we always have a good time when we are alone," she said, casting a quick glance at Rita.

Rita cleared her throat. She had been ignored long enough.

Sam turned his head toward her and took a step back, away from Tereza's fumbling hands, bumping into the table and knocking a glass off it. The look on his face told Rita he had been so caught in the moment that he had completely forgotten she was still there with them.

"Eh... right..." he stuttered. "Let me introduce you to my... eh..."

"To your what, Sam?" the women asked in chorus.

"Tereza, this is my date, Rita. And Rita, this is Spyro's sister Tereza."

The two ladies shook hands without exchanging a word, but the animosity between them was intense.

Tereza turned back to Sam. "So, will I see you later?"

Rita had had enough by now. She got up and cast a hard look at them. "All right, then. I'll just leave you two alone now to enjoy yourselves. Get a room." She threw the lily at Sam's feet and walked away.

Sam pushed Tereza, who had been trying to stall him in vain, and ran after Rita. He grabbed her arm from behind to stop her.

"Rita, please don't leave," he begged.

She didn't turn to face him. "You seem to have found better company," she said angrily and pulled her arm out of his reach. She took a few more steps, but Sam stopped her again. This time he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her as close to his body as possible.

"Don't leave me," he breathed in her ear.

She tried to free herself from his embrace, but he only tightened his hold.

"Sam, let me go," she said.

"Never!" he said with determination.

"I can't compete with all of them. The masseuse, the girl at the rentals earlier, the waitress now... and not to mention your ghost... the one I keep reminding you..." She tried to escape him again. "Let me go."

"No!" Sam said, and he stepped in front of her. He cupped her face and looked her straight in the eyes. "You don't have to compete with anyone. You beat them all hands-down. They mean nothing to me. None of them." Rita scoffed. "Yeah, I know what I just saw."

"Tereza is like a sister to me."

"Oh, really? So, your eyes popping out of their sockets the minute she showed up and you drooling all over the place was just a brotherly reaction? Yeah, I don't buy that," Rita replied, sarcasm coloring her voice.

"I'm sorry. She caught me off guard, but really... she means nothing to me," Sam said louder so that Tereza could also hear him. "There is no one else but you for me."

"Asshole," Tereza shouted and stormed past them, back inside the restaurant.

"I think you should go and talk to her," Rita said.

"I don't care," Sam said. "All I care about is that you stay with me. Forgive me, Rita. Let's forget about this and enjoy our day as we had planned. Please."

She closed her eyes for a moment and breathed deeply to decide what she wanted to do.

"Give me another chance," Sam said, invading her thoughts. "Besides where would you go? I have the car keys."

She opened her eyes. "I can always call for a taxi. There are plenty of them on the island, you know."

"Come on, babe. Let's not ruin our date!"

"Do you call them all 'babe'?" Rita fumed.

Sam put his arm around her shoulder and led the way back to their table. "I'll only call you babe from now on," he said and kissed the top of her head.

"I'd rather you didn't," Rita replied, making Sam laugh.

"I promise. Watch the broken glass," he said, when they had reached their table again.

"Great waitress. She didn't even pick that up," Rita said, as she was sitting down.

"Here, take my wine glass. I'll use the one for water. I don't mind. I don't drink a lot of water anyway," Sam said. He took the cork off the bottle and poured some into their glasses, serving her first.

"To you," he toasted. "My Rita." He clinked her glass. "May you have the best birthday of your life."

"Well, it has certainly been eventful so far, I'd say that," she replied and took a sip of her wine.

"I promise the rest of the surprises will be good ones."

"I hope so," Rita said.

"Let's eat then. I'm starving."

"I'm not sure how to eat those." Rita pointed to the sea urchins.

"I'll show you," Sam said and picked one up.

"Aren't they prickly?" she asked.

Sam laughed. "No, not at all. They clip them a bit before serving them at restaurants. So, you take the lemon and squeeze a little inside and then drink it," he said and demonstrated.

"Are you sure I will like this?" Rita asked, looking at the seafood in front of her.

"Yes. I am positive. But you can always use the spoon and scoop a bite to take a taste if you want to."

"That will be preferable, I think," she said. She took the urchin Sam prepared for her and scooped some of the meat out of the shell. She tentatively put the spoon in her mouth. Sam waited for her reaction. "Well?"

"I like it," she said, once the flavor had set on her tongue.

"I chose well then," Sam said happily.

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***

"We're out of wine," Sam said after a while. "Shall I tell Spyro to bring us a second one?"

"No, I'm tipsy already. That was enough wine for me, and we should probably get going, right? What time is it?"

"It's a little after five. The ferry doesn't leave until eight. Not that they will leave without me, don't worry. We have plenty of time and actually..."

"What?" Rita wondered.

"I think it's time for my next surprise." Sam pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed a number. "We are ready, Spyro," he said, once he was connected.

As though on cue, the minute Spyro stepped out of the restaurant carrying a two-tier cake, the man on the boat she had noticed earlier started lighting fireworks. The sky filled with colors, and though Rita wished it was night so that she could see them more clearly, she still enjoyed the spectacle and giggled like a little girl.

Sam stood up when Spyro placed the cake on the table. "Make a wish, Rita," he said.

She looked at Sam and grinned. He was her wish. Without her saying so, Sam walked to her and hugged her tightly.

"Your wish is my command, my lady," he said. He gently put his lips on hers and gave her a lingering kiss. He palmed her back and held her close to his body letting her feel his need for her growing. Sam left her lips and nibbled her neck making her moan silently. He returned to her lips for another hungry kiss.

If Spyro hadn't cleared his throat, Rita was sure that Sam wasn't going to end their embrace.

"Maybe you should just leave, Spyro," Sam joked.

"Are you going to cut and serve the cake yourself?" Spyro asked.

"Eh... okay, you can stay," Sam said.

"I thought so." Spyro laughed. "Come on then, let's cut this cake."

"What flavor is it?" Rita asked.

"Well, since I didn't know your taste, I went with the safest choice, so one tier is chocolate and the other is vanilla. You can choose whichever you like."

"Chocolate for me," Sam and Rita said in chorus. They looked at each other and laughed.

"Hey, I didn't know you liked chocolate too," Sam said.

"Who doesn't?" Rita replied.

Sam wrapped his arm around her and squeezed her. "That's my girl!"

"I guess vanilla will be all for me then," Spyro said.

"You can serve the rest of your customers a piece. I don't mind," Rita commented. "And thank you for going into so much trouble for me. Everything was wonderful."

"I am glad you enjoyed it," Spyro replied and smiled. He gave Rita and Sam a big piece each and then picked the rest of the cake up. "I'll take this inside. I'll pack the chocolate one for you to take it back to the ship. You might want to eat it

later. It's yours, after all."

"That would be great," Rita said.

Once they had finished eating their cake, Rita and Sam went back inside the restaurant. Spyro gave her a package and Rita shook his hand. "Thank you again for everything."

"It was my pleasure," he replied.

"Rita, would you like to take this to the car?" Sam asked.

"Eh, yes, sure," she replied.

He handed her the keys. "I'll be right there with you in a minute."

"My God, Spyro! You've outdone yourself this time," Sam said, when Rita was out of earshot.

"I am glad you liked it, and she seemed to enjoy it too."

"Tereza? What did she do now?" Spyro asked.

"She did. Well, your sister almost ruined everything for me, but it all went well in the end."

"Never mind. I'll tell you all about it next time I am here. I don't want to keep Rita waiting long."

"She seems nice, not like the others you usually bring here."

"I have real plans for her, my friend," Sam replied.

"I see. Well, you should go to her then. I'll send you the bill by email as always."

"Should I start regretting the whole thing already?" Sam joked.

"You'll weep, my friend." Spyro laughed. "She is worth it, though, isn't she?"

"Damn right she is!" Sam said. He gave Spyro a hug. "I'll see you soon, mate, and thanks for everything again."

"Don't be a stranger, Sam. See you soon!"

***

"So, ready to go?" Sam asked Rita.

"Here's your keys! Where are we going now?"

Sam checked his watch. "I think we should head back to the port. I know it is supposed to be my day off, but I would like to check with Jack before we depart." He opened the door for Rita and waited until she was seated. "Fasten your seatbelt," he said, before he closed the door.

"Can we stop at a shop and get more cake? Paul said we should have a party with the rest of the group for my birthday, and I didn't want to ask Spyro to pack the vanilla cake, as well."

"Yes, sure. I know a great confectioner's downtown."

"I hope not another one of your conquests," Rita remarked, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Oh, I don't know about that."

"There we go again!" Rita said.

Sam bent and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "George is really fond of me, you know," he said and burst into laughter.

"George? Oh, you!" Rita smacked his arm playfully and smiled. "Stop teasing me!"

"And you stop being so jealous. No one but you, baby! I already said so!" He gave her another quick peck on the cheek and started the engine.