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"Let's make it work," I echo, sealing our pact with a kiss that speaks of promises and a future filled with laughter, love, and the occasional long-distance hiccup.
I watch Julia heft her suitcase onto the scale, a frown tugging at her lips—a silent testament to the heaviness weighing on both our hearts. The airport buzzes around us, but at this moment, it's just background noise.
"Two weeks," she says, more to herself than me, as the attendant slaps a tag on her bag and sends it down the conveyor belt. "Meetings back-to-back."
"Sounds exhausting," I reply, trying to keep the mood light. The thought of her tackling that alone knots my gut.
"Part of the grind, Ry." She gives me a half-smile, all businesswoman armor with that hint of vulnerability she rarely lets slip.
"Hey," I start, pausing until her green eyes lock with mine. "You ever need a break, you call me, okay? I'll be your five-minute vacation."
Her laughter is low and warm. "Deal."
"Let's head to your gate." I steer us towards security, my hand finding the small of her back, guiding her forward.
"Ryan, wait. You can't..." She stops short when I flash my boarding pass.
"Got myself a ticket. Figured I could use a little more time with you." My heart hammers, hoping she sees this for what it is, a promise that distance won't dull what we have.
"Ry, that's... incredibly sweet." Her eyes soften, and I swear I see the shimmer of tears she quickly blinks away.
"Nothing's too much if it means being with you." I shrug, trying to play it cool, even though inside I'm anything but.
We shuffle through the security line, an awkward dance of shoes off, laptops out. On the other side, I pull my boots back on and catch Julia watching me, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.
"Something funny?"
"Never took you for the type to endure TSA for anyone. Guess I should feel special."
"More than special," I grumble, not quite meeting her gaze. It's easier to focus on retying my laces than admit how deep I'm in already.
"Come on, cowboy. Let's find that quiet corner you promised." Her hand slips into mine, an anchor amidst the chaos.
"Lead the way, sweetheart." I let her pull me along, knowing whatever comes next, it starts with her and ends with us making it work, no matter the miles between.
We stake out a pair of seats at the far end of the gate, away from the buzz and clamor that fills the terminal. The hum of conversations and the clatter of suitcase wheels fade into the background, giving us a bubble of privacy in the public space.
"Feels like we're the only two people in the world, doesn't it?" Julia's voice is low, intimate as she leans in close.
"Almost," I agree, my voice barely above a whisper. "Could do without the announcements every five minutes, though." I nod toward the loudspeakers overhead.
Julia chuckles, and it's a sound that stirs something deep inside me. "I'll miss that laugh," I say before I can stop myself.
"Then we'll just have to make sure you don't go too long without hearing it." She reaches over, lacing her fingers through mine. "FaceTime, texts, calls… I'm going to be on your screen so much you'll get sick of me."
"Impossible," I counter, squeezing her hand. "But speaking of screens, aren't you supposed to be some hotshot business owner? How are you going to handle all this with your company?"
"I don’t know yet," she says matter-of-factly. "But I’ll make it work. Maybe this distance will teach me that there's more to life than work."
"Look at you, getting all enlightened on me," I tease, but there's admiration in my voice. Her strength, her drive, it's part of what drew me to her.
"Guess you're rubbing off on me." Her green eyes twinkle with mirth.
"Flight 1143 to Houston now boarding," crackles the announcement, slicing through our moment.
"Guess that's my cue," Julia says reluctantly, her grip tightening for an instant before she lets go.
"Call me when you land, okay?" I stand, help her gather her things, and walk her to the boarding line.
