The flight back was so different from the one that brought her to Madrid. Aria had grown so much in that short time, but she knew there was so much more to learn. Her heart beat faster at the thought of finally being able to allow Alex in and share that journey, if he could ever forgive her.
When her plane touched down in Naples, she sent a text to Corinna. She hurried off the plane, thanking the attendants, getting through customs quickly as she headed to the baggage claim area.
Aria called Corinna after she grabbed her suitcase, letting her know where she would be standing outside.
Seeing Corinna pulling up, she waved wildly, excited to see her friend.
Corrina quickly pulled over and jumped out of the car, nearly knocking Aria down with a hug.
“I missed you!” Corinna said excitedly. “You look amazing. Just promise me you’re not moving to Spain, though.”
“Missed you too. And no. You know Positano is home.”
They got her suitcase into the trunk and took off to the exit.
“I know we talked a lot while you were there, but I can’t wait to hear every little detail,” Corinna said, navigating the busy streets.
“It was amazing, Corinna. The people, the city, the architecture. I loved spending time with Santo. But the best part was the writing.”
“How is it going?”
“Well, I wanted to tell you in person. I finished it!”
“What? Aria! That is amazing. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks hon, but keep your eyes on the road,” Aria teased her when she swerved slightly at the news.
“And I want to talk to Alex. I want to see if maybe we can try again.”
Corinna’s smile dropped and she sighed.
“Aria, I talked to Adrian the other day, and he told me Alex took the assignment in Argentina the day you left. When you said you were coming home today, I thought I’d wait to tell you in person,” she said solemnly.
Aria knew she couldn’t be upset. This was what she told him to do.
“Is he coming back to Positano when he's done?” Aria asked, holding her breath.
“I don't think so, babe. Adrian said Alex told him he had nothing to stay here for. He’ll visit with Leonardo and Sofia again around the holidays most likely.”
Aria turned to look out the passenger window. What had she done?
He’s gone and he’s not coming back.
Shaking her head, Aria said, trying to seem braver than she felt, “Well, I’m happy for him. I’m sure he’s where he’s supposed to be.”
Corinna took one hand from the steering wheel and squeezed Aria’s.
“Don’t give up yet. Maybe he will change his mind. If he sees you, he will want to get back together.”
“Maybe,” Aria said softly.
The rest of the ride, Aria was quiet. Her friend knew her well enough not to push. When Corinna pulled into Aria’s neighborhood, she said, “Hey, I’ve got a late meeting to get to, but I can come over afterward if you’re still awake.”
Corinna got out of the car and popped her trunk when she parked in front of Aria’s house.
“No, you take care of work. I’ll see you this weekend. Thanks for coming to get me. I missed you so much,” Aria said as they hugged, pulling away and rolling her suitcase to the front porch.
“We can spend the whole weekend in our pajamas again.”
