He glanced down. “Oh. This? It’s breakfast.”
“For six people, maybe.”
Brooke and Nathan appeared not long after, and within minutes the conversation had drifted toward flight times, post-Olympic plans and the universal problem of returning to normal life after spending almost four weeks inside an Olympic Village.
I found myself watching Mila as she listened to Ethan explain that airport food was inedible and vastly overpriced. Not that she was really paying attention, but then again, neither was Donna. Every so often they gazed at each other.
Luka was watching them too.
The announcement for one of the departing buses echoed through the lobby, and a handful of athletes stood and gathered their bags, a reminder that the departures were beginning.
Mila glanced toward the doors, then at Donna.
They both look as though they’re memorizing each other.
Luka
This wasn’t goingto be an easy morning.
Donna studied Mila for a second. “I still think you’re out of your mind.”
Mila laughed. “You think this is breaking news?”
“No, but usually you’re sensible enough to listen when I point it out.”
Mila’s eyes sparkled. “Have we met?”
The smile lingered on Donna’s face for a moment before she reached across and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Mila’s ear. The gesture seemed to catch both of them by surprise.
Mila’s laughter faded, but neither looked away.
A volunteer called out departure information in Italian and English.
Donna’s hand remained where it was. “I hate this.”
My throat tightened when Mila covered Donna’s hand with her own.
“I know.”
“You always do this,” Donna said with a sigh.
“Do what?”
“You decide something impossible and then somehow make it sound reasonable.”
Mila smiled. “That’s because I’m very persuasive. And part of you obviously likes this because it’s been three years and we’re still together.”
“Yeah, and this is the closest we’ve ever been to making it permanent, and yet you’re about to get on a plane.”
Mila winced. “Don’t. Please.”
Then Donna seized her in a tight hug, and I looked away.Everyone did, giving them a little space because some moments belonged to the people living them.
When I glanced back a few seconds later, Donna had reached for Mila’s hand.
Donna’s voice was quiet when she finally spoke.
“You call me the second you land, you hear?”
