That's How it Happens

36. Hard Drives and Hard Truths

Leo spotted him slouched in one of the molded plastic chairs near the gate, suitcase at his feet. Paul looked smaller than Leo remembered, but his eyes still carried that sharp, knowing glint.

"How's Lilly?" Leo asked, almost casually, easing into the seat across from him. He wasn't sure if the old man would recognize him.

Paul looked at him for a long beat, long enough that Leo felt the weight of the silence. Except it wasn't silent at all — the PA droned overhead, the smell of burnt coffee clung to the air, the shuffle of tired travelers filled the terminal. And still, between them, it was quiet. "I'm bringing her home."

Leo thought it was odd, then wondered if maybe the old man didn't remember him. After all, they'd only met the one time, and Leo hadn't said anything half as profound as Paul had.

Leo chuckled softly, trying to cut through the heaviness. "Still mad?"

Paul's mouth twitched. "No. She passed in her sleep." He gave a short, scoffing laugh, shaking his head. "Had a smile on her face, too. Stubborn woman. Went out before it got too bad."

Leo's Throat tightened. He didn't know what to say. He hated how easily death could slip into a conversation, how casually it could gut you. He wasn't ready to think about losing anyone, least of all her.

Paul saved him the trouble. "Don't look at me like that. She left before her mind was completely gone. She did it for me." He sighed, irritated by Leo's pity. "We lived, son. We loved. That's all anyone can ask for."

Silence stretched between them, heavy but uncomfortable.

"Where's your young lady?" Paul asked finally, eyeing him like he already knew the answer.

Leo forced a shrug. "Paul, my guy, she chose the other guy." He sat back like it was nothing, though saying the words out loud left a bitter taste in his mouth. They cut him. Deep.

Paul nodded with a huff. "Ah, I thought you were just friends."

Leo stayed quiet for a moment. "I guess that's out of the question now, too."

He leaned back, eyes distant. "I was overseas when I thought I lost her. Another fella was sniffing around. I wanted to tell her before I shipped out, but when I tried, she told me about him, and I kept my mouth shut. I wrote her letters every chance I got. When she didn't answer the last one, I figured she'd chosen him. Broke me clean in two."

Leo frowned. "But she hadn't?"

Paul chuckled. "Not even close. Turns out she'd written me back, but the letter never made it. I didn't know until she stormed into a bar one night while I was out with the boys. Caused a scene, threw a drink in my face, called me a coward in front of half the town." His eyes softened. "That's how our marriage began. Got married two weeks later."

Leo blinked. "From a drink in the face?"

"From the truth finally coming out." Paul's voice gentled. "We wasted months thinking the worst of each other. But she was mine, and I was hers. Always had been."

He fixed Leo with a steady look. "Don't make the mistake of letting silence, or pride, or some damn misunderstanding take what's yours. If it matters, fight for it. Even if you look like a fool."

Leo looked away, jaw tight. Friendship. Letters. Misunderstandings. And still, they found their way back. Could he and Ainsley? Or had he already let pride burn the bridge to ash?

He pushed to his feet, digging through his bag. "Paul, my ride's here. Take my card. If you need anything or if you're ever out this way again, let me know. These talks of ours are... enlightening."