Lessons Learned, Healing Hearts

Un'avventura Italiana (Chapter 25)

"Why are you always falling for people who won't ever be there for you?" Sawyer asked, his voice low but steady.

Marlow blinked. "What do you mean?"

"You say you want love, real love—but then you choose people who don't show up for you. They are emotionally distant, unavailable when you need them, and now he's literally on another continent." Sawyer's hand slapped the desk, more in frustration with himself than her. "You're so damn independent, you've convinced yourself you only need part-time love. And what's worse, when you get hurt, you accept it...like that's all you deserve."

For a heartbeat, Marlow only stared at him.

"You don't know Piero, like I do," she said tightly, her stomach twisting. Then, her chair scraped loudly across the floor as she pushed away from the desk. Both angry, Sawyer didn't bother to stop her when she turned and left his office, the door clicking shut behind her.

Marlow sat in her car, gripping the steering wheel, knuckles white. Her chest was tight, each breath a tangled mix of anger and heartache. She was a grown woman and could do as she pleased. But Sawyer's comment had landed like a slap. She was stunned, offended and hurt. Why?

Beneath the indignant fury, a quieter voice whispered: He's not wrong. For six years, he has watched you settle for less than you deserved. But Piero... this felt completely different. She wasn't settling. She was choosing him.

Several long minutes passed as Marlow stared out the front windshield. In... hold and out...hold, the words looped through her mind. Eventually, the tension in her shoulders loosened enough for her to open the car door and step back outside again.

"Hey."

Sawyer looked up from a folder before setting it down.

Marlow's voice was softer now. "I wanted to apologize for how I reacted earlier. You are not just my boss but also a close friend, and I do appreciate that you're just trying to protect me."

Sawyer didn't say anything. He just watched as Marlow took a breath.

"You're right. I want someone who shows up for me. Every day. Not just when it is easy. Maybe I haven't always believed I deserved that, but I'm trying to now."

A slow, warm chuckle escaped from him, and she found herself smiling, just a little.

"Don't be so hard on yourself," Sawyer said, placing a protective arm around her shoulder. "You're still figuring it out. Hell, I'm old and still make questionable choices."

Marlow leaned into the hug.

"I don't doubt this Piero might be special," he added, more gently now. "But it pains me to see you get hurt."

"I know," she said quietly.

Sawyer looked at her, brows raised. "So... are you still going to go?"

Marlow hesitated, but only for a heartbeat. "Yes, I am. Maybe it's another mistake— but what if it's not? What if he's the one who finally shows up?"

***

Peering out the airplane window, Marlow watched as scattered towns and patchwork fields gave way to jagged rows of snow-capped mountain peaks. These had to be the Italian/Swiss Alps. And if they were, then in less than an hour, she would finally see the man she hadn't held in ten weeks.

Somewhere beyond those craggy summits, Piero was making his way to meet her. He had promised to show her places that would capture her mind, body, and soul—and she believed him. With each passing mile, with each soft roar of the engine outside, the ache of missing him gave way to something new: exhilaration. Italy was just ahead. And so was he.