“He would have wanted you to do the same thing my mom wanted for me. Keep going. Keep dreaming. Don’t give up.”
He was right, and deep inside her soul, she knew it. Nicholas would have hated seeing her in this state three years later. But what that meant practically was what she was still working through.
She was glad that she invited Alex over for dinner. It was the polite thing to do, considering what he was doing for her. However, she needed to sort out her feelings before then, if that was possible.
She turned off the lamp in the living room and slowly headed toward her bedroom.
Aria stood in her bedroom doorway, thoughts of Alex flittering in her mind like butterflies.
That kiss, his arms around her as she cried. It was dangerous territory.
I shouldn’t feel this way. I shouldn’t think about how good it felt.
Walking into her closet, she slid clothes to one side where Nicholas’ favorite shirts still hung. Bringing a cream Henley to her nose, she inhaled sharply, desperately hoping that his unique smell had miraculously reappeared. But as always, she was left disappointed.
Letting go of the shirt, her eyes were drawn upwards. Standing on tiptoes, she moved things around until she found the shoebox she was looking for.
Placing it on her bed, she sat down with her legs crossed in front of her as she lifted off the pink lid.
Moving the old festival tickets, one earring she thought she had lost and funny pictures of her and Santo at Christmas, she found what she was looking for.
Picking up the picture, she laid back onto the pillows at her headboard.
She loved this picture of a graceful bird in flight. Nicholas had given it to her as a gift when she was still in school. She wrote a book report on a historical novel about a ship being led by an albatross to safety. The bird fascinated her. It was all she talked about well into her fifth year because it made her visualize all the places around the world that she wanted to visit.
Thinking back and remembering the enchanting story, she felt free, as if she too could take flight. She let herself wonder what it would be like to see the bird in person—a glorious, white sea bird with upwards of an eight-foot wingspan. It was amazing to know that those wings could ride the wind in such a way that it would glide through the air for months at a time.
They weathered so many storms but were never deterred, just like her. Resilient, strong, determined.
Then she remembered what she loved most about the albatross.
They mated for life.
Aria walked into the office the next morning humming a song she’d heard on her way into work. She usually listened to a business podcast on the drive, but today felt different. She’d put on her favorite playlist and sang along to every song.
Passing her assistant’s desk, Aria said cheerfully, “Good morning, Luna. How was your weekend?”
“Morning. It was great. Looks like yours was a good one,” Luna said, eyeing Aria's outfit. “Love the dress. Is it new?”
“Thanks, yeah just something I picked up,” she answered as she walked into her office, realizing Luna had followed her.
“Did anything interesting happen this weekend?” she prodded, her brows arched.
“No, no. Nothing new. I went to an art exhibit and hung out with the girls, then went to the beach for a bit,” Aria replied, hoping to get away from the interrogation.
“Hmm. I see. Well, let me know when you’re ready to go over the week’s schedule,” Luna answered as she left, passing Natalia on her way in.
“Aria, your text didn't say who you got to do the photoshoot tomorrow,” Natalia said.
“Oh, the photographer is Alex Rossi,” Aria replied as she looked up from her desk.
Silence followed.
“The Alex Rossi, the world-renowned photojournalist?” she asked, her coffee cup held up midway to her mouth.
“That’s the one.”
“You can't be serious. Alex Rossi does not do photoshoots for book covers,” Natalia answered incredulously.
