"You thought you knew six months ago. But you've changed. It's okay to acknowledge that."
They finished dinner in heavy silence. Back at Jake's hotel, they made love slowly, savoring every touch, both knowing this might be the last time for a long while.
Afterwards, lying in the darkness, Lucy whispered, "I don't want to lose you."
"You won't lose me. But Lucy—you need to figure out what you want. Really want. Not what you think you should want. Not what makes me or Uncle Walter or anyone else happy. What makes you happy."
"What if I don't know?"
"Then take the time to figure it out. You have four months. Use them."
In the morning, Lucy went with Jake to the airport.
They stood at the security checkpoint, holding each other, both trying not to cry.
"I love you," Lucy said.
"I love you too. So much."
"What happens now?"
"Now you finish your program. You figure out what you want. And we see where we both are in four months."
"That's so vague."
"I know. But I think we need vague right now. We need space to grow without feeling like we're failing each other."
Lucy pulled back to look at him. "Are we breaking up?"
"I don't know. Maybe we're just—pausing. Taking a breath. Giving you room to become whoever you're supposed to be."
"What if who I'm supposed to be doesn't include you?"
Jake's face crumpled slightly. "Then I'll survive. And I'll be happy you figured it out. But Lucy—I hope it does include me. I really hope it does."
They kissed one more time, and then Jake was walking through security, and Lucy was watching him go.
She stood at the airport long after his flight departed, staring at the departure boards, trying to process what had just happened.
Had they broken up? Were they still together? She genuinely didn't know.
Lucy pulled out her phone and texted Uncle Walter.
Lucy:I think Jake and I just broke up. Maybe. I'm not sure.
Uncle Walter:What happened?
Lucy:He said I need space to figure out what I want. That I shouldn't feel obligated to come home in four months if Paris is where I should be.
Uncle Walter:And what do you want?
Lucy:I don't know anymore.
Uncle Walter:Then take the time to figure it out. Jake loves you enough to give you that space. That's a gift.
Lucy:It doesn't feel like a gift. It feels like losing him.
Uncle Walter:You can't lose something that's meant to be yours. If you and Jake are meant to be together, you will be. But first you need to know who you are. Separate from him, separate from Timber Falls, separate from all of us.
