When we pulled apart, something flickered in his eyes, and I knew, instinctively, I shouldn’t ask. I cupped his cheek, and Luke closed his eyes, leaning into my touch with a quiet exhale. We kissed again, wrapped in each other’s arms for what felt like an eternity. Not because I didn’t enjoy it, but because I sensed he needed it. A body to get lost in. And though it could’ve been any woman, I was the one there. He needed it, and I felt grateful that I could give him that. However, a prickle of sadness crept inside, knowing that I was just a body.
Yesterday was similar. One moment, he was slipping away, whispering sweet nothings in my ear. Next, Luke was clutching me to his chest, his body tense, fingers digging into my skin. Whispering something about how he couldn’t get enough of me.
After a whole day of relaxing and reading together in each other’s laps, I hoped whatever was weighing on him had lifted. But now, in the car, the silence between us carried a vague awkwardness. Not just between me and him, but also Summer and Ethan. Weird, since a road trip should’ve been an excellent opportunity to clear his mind.
I decided not to offer advice or try to pull anything out of him. He needed to feel whatever he was feeling. However hardit was, it was also necessary in order to move forward. I think it was Frost who said,‘The best way out is always through.’
The car ride was filled with trivial games between Summer and me, which eventually morphed into me explaining the difference between the Portuguese words Pão and Pau. It was acheese dicksituation all over again.
Thankfully, we finally arrived in Lisbon. After checking into our hotel, we headed to Watson’s house. As we reached the door, Luke called my name.
“Hold on.” He turned to Ethan, taking a deep breath like they were bracing for a fight.
“You good?” Luke asked.
“Yeah, I’m good. You?” Ethan replied.
“Yeah.”
A weird double fist-bump turned into an explosion gesture, making Summer roll her eyes. I chuckled, appreciating the simplicity of this moment.
The door opened, and warm memories from my college years rushed in.
“As I live and breathe—Hazel Ridley,” Watson greeted, pulling me into a hug.
“Hi, professor.”
“Matthew to you.”
The truth was, Watson was the main reason my time in Portugal had been so great. He challenged me, made me want to read even more, if that was even humanly possible. The discussions in his classes were like Disneyland for me.
“Thank you for meeting us. I know you have a million other things to do,” I said as the guys shook hands.
“Of course. I’m usually extremely selective about my business endeavors, but I had to make an exception this time.” Matthew looked at me warmly. I suddenly felt exposed and hadthe urge to stand closer to Luke, but that seemed ridiculous. I noticed Luke’s jaw roll a little bit. Out of habit, I assumed.
“We appreciate your time,” Ethan chimed in.
“Come in, come in.”
After a quick chat about his new book and how European students listen more than Americans, we were finally approaching the real reason we were here.
“Hazel, tell me what you’ve been up to. Are you in publishing, or are you directly involved in today’s business? You were my favorite student after all. Even as a mere undergrad, your insights were remarkable. I always knew you’d do great things.” My cheeks warmed, palms dampening.
“No, no. Today is all about these smart gentlemen. Unfortunately, I had no input in their incredible work.” I said, feeling Luke’s eyes on me. “After my bachelor’s, I had some family stuff. I decided to take a little break from pursuing the future.”
“You can’t hide from the future forever.” A small sigh escaped me. He used to say that in class. We shared a knowing smile.
“Okay, okay, I’m not prying. Let’s hear what you have to offer.”
I smiled gratefully. “We’ll leave you gentlemen to it.”
I got up from the couch, and Summer followed me. I turned to Matthew.
“Thank you so much. It was great meeting you again. I hope to see you in the States sometime.” I said, hugging him goodbye.
“It’s possible. We’ll see,” he said, glancing at Ethan and Luke.
I mouthedGood luckand Luke’s lips twitched. He looked different today—tall and confident, even cocky. Not that he wasn’t before, but the past two weeks had softened him, made him relaxed and full of life. Maybe that’s what was underneath that daily suit all along. Today, though, he was back in his old skin. A reminder of the soon return to our old lives. But was Ireturning to my cozy, quiet life, or would it be ruined, sad, and empty?
