Lessons Learned, Healing Hearts

Tutoring Session #2 (Chapter 37)

Up on deck, preparations for the day had begun. Aubrey was double-checking a grocery list Nicolo had handed her, while Franz leaned against the railing, sipping coffee and watching the quiet bustle of the marina. Coolers were being dragged out, towels shaken, and sunscreen passed around.

"Franz," Aubrey called, waving the folded list, "can you run ashore and grab a few things for the picnic?"

Franz nodded just as Marlow emerged from below deck, red dress swaying in the breeze.

"Where are you off to?" she asked him.

"To grab a few more items for the picnic."

"Can I go with you?"

"After you," he said, motioning with his arm out.

Marlow slipped on her sunglasses and fell into step beside Franz, the soft thud of the boat against the dock setting a calm rhythm.

"Franz, can I ask you something?" Marlow said, nudging his arm lightly.

"Of course."

She hesitated, then laughed softly and glanced down. "Do you think your mom and dad would like me?"

"Why do you ask?"

Marlow shrugged. "I don't know...you've gotten to know me a little better now, and, well, I guess I just wondered."

Franz looped his arm around Marlow's shoulder and gave her a squeeze.

"My parents are very loving to anyone who comes into the family. Anyone who matters to one of us kids already matter to them. And, believe me, Piero has told them a lot about you."

"That's good," Marlow said with a happy sigh.

They walked a few paces in silence before Franz added, "You know, you've been a tremendous change for him." A grin flickered across his face. "And though I hate to admit it, for me too."

She looked over, surprised. "You? How?"

Franz's smile grew bigger. "You've reminded me that my brother can actually be that goofy, romantic guy again. And compared to past girlfriends, you're..."

He cut himself off, noticing the suspicious squint in her eye.

Marlow lifted a brow. "Careful, what you say next."

"I was going to say you're refreshingly low maintenance."

"Excuse me."

Franz held up his hands in surrender. "No! It's a compliment. You're sweet. Real."

"And boring?" Marlow placed her hands on her hips in mock annoyance.

"No, no. Never boring."

Hearing Marlow giggle and watching as she skipped away from him, Franz understood why his brother loved this girl.

"So, now that I've answered your question, can I ask you something?" he asked, motioning for her to rejoin him.

"Sure, fire away."

"I was just wondering if you think you're ready for a long-distance relationship?"

Marlow slowed a little, considering. "I think so. I mean... Piero and I have been able to make it work so far."

Franz nodded, then said, "When Aubrey had to go home because her visa had run out, we were apart for six months."

"But you obviously got through it," Marlow said.

"We did, but it was really hard, and we almost didn't survive being apart for so long."

Marlow fell quiet. Caught up in being with each other—just like in Vancouver—she and Piero had forgotten to discuss in more detail how this relationship would work once she went home. It would be very hard to go back to just texts and video calls. With only two days left before she would head home, they would have to make time to have this discussion. But when? Chewing on the corner of her lip, she did not see Francesco studying her.