"Coming home isn't giving up on my dreams. It's part of them."
"Is it? Or is it just the plan you made before you knew what Paris could offer?"
Lucy stopped walking. "I need to think."
"Okay."
"Can we—can we not talk about this right now? Can we just enjoy the rest of your visit?"
"Yeah. Of course."
But the conversation had opened something between them. A crack that couldn't be closed.
The rest of Jake's visit was tinged with unspoken tension.
They did tourist things—the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, a day trip to Versailles. They ate incredible food and took photos and held hands. But underneath it all was the question neither of them wanted to answer:
What happens in four months when Lucy's program ends?
On Jake's last night in Paris, they went to a Michelin-starred restaurant that Jake insisted on paying for despite Lucy's protests.
"It's too expensive—"
"It's our last night together for three months. Let me do this."
The meal was incredible—seven courses, each one a work of art. Lucy tried to pay attention, to appreciate the technique and presentation. But her mind kept drifting to tomorrow. To Jake leaving. To four more months apart.
"Tell me what you're thinking," Jake said over dessert.
"I'm thinking about what you said. About maybe staying in Paris."
"And?"
"And part of me knows you're right. I am happy here. I am learning and growing and becoming someone I couldn't be in Timber Falls." Lucy set down her fork. "But I also miss home. I miss Uncle Walter and Rei and Mae. I miss the bakery—even though it's not mine anymore. I miss Wednesday mornings and snow in Vermont and knowing everyone's name."
"You can have both. Visit Timber Falls a few times a year. Build your life here but keep connections there."
"That's not the same as coming home."
"I know."
"Jake—do you want me to stay in Paris? Is that what this is about?"
"I want you to choose what makes you happy. Without guilt, without feeling obligated to me or Timber Falls or any plan you made six months ago."
"But what about us?"
Jake reached across the table and took her hand. "I love you. That's not changing. But Lucy—I can't be the reason you limit your life. I can't be the guy who guilted you into coming home when you should have stayed. I care about you too much for that."
"So what? We just—what? Break up? Do long distance indefinitely? What are you suggesting?"
"I'm suggesting we give you space to figure out what you really want. Without the pressure of me waiting in Vermont."
Lucy felt tears start. "That sounds like a breakup."
"It's not a breakup. It's just—" Jake paused. "It's acknowledging that maybe our timeline needs to be flexible. That maybe four months isn't enough to know what you want to do with the rest of your life."
"I thought I knew."
