“I probably should have called first. But I needed to do this before I lost my nerve.”
Chase couldn’t imagine what she meant. He led her to the twin chairs by the floor-to-ceiling bookcase. The view ofChicago from his office was impressive, although he barely paid attention to it most days.
“What is it?” he said, continuing to hold on to her hands, which were cold. She looked serious, so unlike her usual self. He’d never known Astrid not to greet him with a smile as if to say she’d been waiting all day to see him. Little in life appeared to faze her. Astrid had the unique ability to make troubles appear to slide off her back. She was by far the calmest, most centered woman he’d ever known.
“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about our discussion over dinner last week,” she said, lowering her eyes. “We’re at a crossroads.”
“We are,” he agreed.
“We both recognize we aren’t in love.”
“Right.” He wasn’t sure what more there was to say on his end. For his part, Chase’s mind was made up when it came to them moving forward. Because of his affection for Astrid, he’d agreed to try again, although as far as he was concerned it was a lost cause.
She seemed uncomfortable, looking out the window at the stunning view of the Chicago River. It felt like she wanted to say more, but she hesitated.
“I’ve tried, Chase, and I know you have, too. I thought a lot about our last conversation,” she continued.
He had, too.
“In retrospect, as much as I wish it was different, I don’t think anything is going to change.”
Relief flooded Chase. She had the courage to say what he’d been reluctant to admit.
“I would so like it if we could have made this work.”
Chase felt the same but wasn’t sure it was possible. “We’ve known each other a long time.” They’d been in the same social circle for years and had become good friends.
“We have,” she agreed. “Clearly, we’re fond of each other. I’d hoped, and I know you did, too, that we could be together.”
“I did,” he agreed.
“I hate to give up on us, Chase, I really do, but for now I think it would be for the best for us to part. We need a break from each other, a time to decide if this is what we want. I’m going to be leaving town for a while, which I hope will give us each the perspective to decide what we truly want. Perhaps when I return, we’ll feel differently. Who knows? While I’m gone you could meet someone, and for that matter so could I. My hope is that with time and distance we’ll know for sure. If nothing changes, then we’ll know breaking up was the right decision.”
“Where will you go?”
“Mom signed us up for a world cruise,” she explained. Her eyes brightened as she spoke about the upcoming adventure. “It started in January, so we’ll be picking up the next segment. Mom has always wanted to do an extensive tour in the South Pacific, and you know Daddy. He refuses to take any time away from the office, so three months is out of the question. Mom suggested we go together, and I thought it might be the perfect solution.”
Chase didn’t know what more there was to say.
“I hope you have a marvelous time.”
“I’m sure we will,” Astrid said. “Mom loves cruising, and so do I. Sailing through the waters of the South Pacific is going to be amazing,”
“Will you be able to keep in touch?”
“I’d like to, but from what I understand, the Internet is spottyon board the ship. But I’m sure there will be times when we can talk or email or whatever.”
“When do you leave?” he asked.
“Early tomorrow morning. Mom and I are catching a flight to Sydney and will board the ship the following day.”
“That soon?”
“I’m afraid so. I wouldn’t show up here unannounced if we had more time. The decision was made quickly. I have a million things to do to get ready, but I couldn’t leave without settling matters with you first.”
“I’m grateful you did.”
Astrid stood to leave. They hugged, and for the first time since she entered his office her smile was wide and genuine. His own smile was equally big.
