Lessons Learned, Healing Hearts

Only One (Chapter 24)

Marlow and Piero finally sauntered back to the car. As comforting as it was to know their night wasn't over, the countdown had begun. In less than fifteen hours, Piero would be on a plane, separating the two of them until who knew when.

Sliding into their familiar seats, Marlow hesitated before putting the key in the ignition.

"What's wrong?" Piero asked, his fingers brushing gently along her forearm.

Marlow stared out the windshield, then let out a soft laugh. "I don't know... I'm just not sure where to go."

With a boyish grin, he leaned over and gave her cheek a playful tweak. "Wherever you are, that's where I want to be."

She smirked. "That's sweet, but not at all helpful."

Piero leaned back thoughtfully. "Tell you what—we both know I'm leaving tomorrow. So instead of chasing some perfect last memory, let's pretend this isn't our last night. Let's just drive and see where we end up."

Marlow glanced over, her smile growing as Piero smiled back.

"Sounds good. Since I still have to get you back home, we'll just take a scenic route."

Slipping the key into the ignition, the engine hummed to life.

***

"Where are we?" Piero asked as Marlow pulled into a brightly lit parking lot.

"I was here earlier today, and I want to show you something. Are you ready to go for a walk?"

"Let's do it!"

The night was perfect for a walk along the same beach she had visited earlier—the surf was calm, the moon dancing like molten silver across the crests of the waves. Two days ago, her pulse raced from running beside him. Tonight, it raced for an entirely different reason. Stepping into the sand, Marlow once again sat down and peeled off her socks and shoes. Once Piero had done the same, she reached for his hand.

"I made something earlier today," she said, tugging him gently across the cool sand. Arriving, her shoulders slumped in disappointment. What once was her creation was now a mess of footprints.

"What was it?" Piero asked, tilting his head.

"It was supposed to be Italy," she said, annoyed that it was almost completely destroyed. Remembering that she had taken a selfie, her mood brightened. Pulling out her phone, she showed him the photo.

"You almost had it," Piero said, chuckling. "You missed one important piece."

"I did?"

Dropping onto his knees, Piero feverishly scooped sand into a small triangular mound. Grabbing a broken shell, he placed it proudly on top.

"There," he said, standing and wiping sand off his hands and knees. "You forgot the island of Sicily. That seashell is Naro."

Marlow laughed. Plucking a strand of leftover seaweed from her creation, she wrapped a heart shape around the shell. "Now it's perfect." Hugged tightly, she wrapped her arm around Piero's waist as they continued their way down the beach.

"Piero," she said softly, "can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"I haven't been in many relationships and never a long-distance one. I was just wondering... what would that even look like?"

He stopped walking. "Before I answer... let me ask you this. Are you willing to be in a relationship with me?"

"I am. But only if you are serious about being in a relationship with me. I don't want to be one of... I don't know, a thousand girlfriends."