Bloodlines and Bullets

two

Luciano - a shiver of recognition snakes through me, curling in my stomach like a coiled serpent. The name pulls at a thread of a distant, unpleasant memory, but I force the feeling down, plastering on a polite smile.

"Nice to meet you," I manage, keeping my voice steady.

"You too. So, what's your travel plan?" he asks, his tone easygoing, yet there's an intensity in his eyes that makes me feel like I'm being analyzed, sized up.

"Supposed to fly from Malaga to Paris," I explain, the excitement I felt earlier now tinged with caution. "Starting with Europe and then seeing where the wind takes me."

His eyes light up with what seems like genuine interest. "Sounds like quite the adventure. Do you have any countries in mind?"

"To be honest, I'm keeping it spontaneous. Just seeing what opportunities come up."

"That's a great approach. If I may suggest, Italy's definitely worth a visit. The culture, the food, the history... you won't regret it."

I tilt my head, curious. "Let me guess, you're from there?"

"Esatto," he says with a small, amused smile, his accent thickening slightly. There's a practiced ease in his charm, but I can't shake the feeling that there's more to him.

"Cool, I'll take that as a yes," I reply with a grin, trying to ignore the way my nerves buzz under his scrutiny. His laughter is rich, resonating in the quiet lounge.

"Yeah, I'm originally from Italy, but I've been living in Canada for a while now," he adds, the warmth in his voice almost convincing me to relax. Almost.

"Canada, really? Me too!" I say, feeling a strange connection form, though I can't tell if it's genuine or just part of his act. "My parents and I moved around a lot, so I don't have a specific place I call home."

He smiles, and for a moment, the tension eases. "Small world, huh? I've been based in British Columbia for the past few years. It's a great place, beautiful and peaceful."

I'd never thought that this day could turn in a good day after the suitcase fiasco. The pastries in front of me catch my attention again, and I buy a selection with the remainder of my voucher.

Luciano gestures to the plate, a teasing smile on his lips. "So, treating yourself to some comfort food after the delay?"

I offer a small laugh, trying to keep the conversation light. "Yeah, might as well enjoy the perks while I can. Plus, I've got a sweet tooth that won't quit."

He leans back, his gaze sharp but friendly. "The lounge didn't give me a voucher. Must've been a rougher day for you, huh?"

Let's be honest, would he even need one?

He practically screams rich.

I pause, choosing my words carefully. "Something like that. I think they just felt bad for me. I had a bit of a mix-up with my flight and ended up stuck here longer than expected." I shrug, hoping my casual tone covers the unease I feel about revealing too much.

He nods, a look of sympathy crossing his face. "That sucks. I guess they figured pastries could make up for it?"

I smile, feeling the tension ease a bit. "Yeah, I guess. Can't really complain if it means free food, right?"

He chuckles, shaking his head. "True, true. Though I'd trade a voucher for a smooth flight any day."

I nod, taking a sip of my drink. "Same here. But at least we're both stuck in a place with good coffee and comfy chairs. Could be worse."