AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Corinth,” I say, glad to find some common ground with him. “And Zagoria and Larisa! I got to stay there a few months during my very first semester in a study abroad program.”
“Crete is beautiful. We visited the ruins,” he smiles, and I lean forward to touch the slight stubble of his jawline.
Our wine arrives, and right after, a plate of white cheese tartines is brought over as an appetizer. The first sips of alcohol are making me feel more comfortable, and I have the brilliant idea to put my newfound confidence into practice with my next question.
“Why is it so hard to talk about your wife?” I ask, as gently as possible.
He takes a tartine to his mouth and chews on it. He considers my question then asks, “Do you know what happened to her?”
I confirm with a nod, “Mrs. Ritz told me. Believe me, I know how hard it is.”
“I believe you.” He takes a sip of wine to wash down the food. “That’s why it’s so hard to talk about it.”
I continue, “I don’t like to talk about the bad things about mom’s journey with breast cancer, but I won’t let it erase the memories we have together.”
“She’s still alive, Joyce.” He swirls his wine in the glass. “Andrea isn’t.”
“Do you still love her?” I ask as carefully as I can.
“Will it bother you if I say yes?” he raises an eyebrow.
“No,” I say without hesitation. “I know you can love her memory, and love me — if it ever comes to that — at the same time.”
“Then I do,” he says, as if admitting a secret.
“You don’t have to hide it. Or the memories of her. If you cherish it all, you’ll be able to move on in life just the way Andrea would want for you.” I say my little sermon, then focus on the food and drink instead.
Logan sighs, his eyes looking sorrowful. He is sniffing the wine and poking at his food and stalling until finding the next thing to say.
“What you think about the food so far?” he finally says, looking at me with hopeful eyes.
“Delicious!” I reply, beaming.
“Next comes the main course, roasted duck breast with a honey sauce,” he says, making my mouth water.
“And how did you become such a connoisseurof French cuisine?” I ask, animated.
“Exchange studies too,” he shrugs as if it’s no big deal. “Two summers during high school.”
I nod, impressed. “Did you ever go backpacking?”
“In my gap year, but it was through Asia. I took a year off after high school and before college. I’m glad I did it, but I would never do it again,” he says, more laid back than before.
“Wow. Had no idea you were so…”
“Boring?”
“No, I meant interesting!” I slap his hand across the table.
“Good,” he smiles then sighs. “Those are some of my happiest memories actually. Back when things were normal. It was during my freshman year of college when my parents…”
My heart drops and I place my hand over his. When he doesn’t say anything, I say softly, “You have been through a lot. Jane doesn’t remember too much so I’m sure you feel like you don’t really have anyone to talk to about them.”
He looks up at me in surprise then nods. “I had to grow up fast. I transferred to a local college to take care of her. I’ve been going through therapy for years to deal with everything, but it’s nice to talk about it with someone other than my therapist.”
He smiles at me, and I smile back, my heart filling.
I clear my throat, “I understand a little bit because… Well, I lost my father.” I shut my eyes for a moment and feel his hands over mine this time.
