by Gabriela Paz
CHAPTER 9
You Again
Never expecting to be this busy, Leo found himself working more than ever. His mentor kept giving him a bunch of different tasks to complete daily, and although he always came through, it sometimes seemed nearly impossible. The work was tedious for the most part. He had to proofread a lot of the numbers and help Anton with financial operations and transactions. He was also in charge of setting up and rescheduling appointments. Only a few times did he get to actually assist clients with paperwork, which he liked much better. It was clear that he was at the bottom of the pyramid and was going to have to suck it up for now. There was still no sign of appreciation from Anton, no matter how hard he tried to please him, and he was starting to give up.
Though Leo was content and looking forward to learning more about his job every day, he felt hopeless at times. He never imagined work becoming his whole life. Even when his goals seemed were clear, he missed the person he used to be. His father used to say, “Success comes to those who try hard and don’t give up,” and that’s all he kept telling himself right now. Don’t give up. Not now. He was determined to achieve success in the company, and he knew that he was more than capable of it. It was just becoming more challenging than expected, and it was going to require lots of time and effort.
Sometimes, before he went to sleep, he worried that he’d end up losing that part of himself that was free and adventurous solely because of ambition. He had always enjoyed hanging out with friends and doing simple things back home. For him, Palermo in the warm summer was glorious. The cobblestoned streets were a roadmap on his way to the beach; he could have walked with his eyes closed. He would pass the old, familiar architecture to find his best friends by the main square playing football or heading down to the beach.
That is how Leo spent most of his summer days back home, playing ball, running around chasing girls, and sailing. He would never forget what it felt like to sail with his friends and family. He absolutely loved it. Sailing with his best friend or with his family throughout the Tyrrhenian Sea was the pleasure of his life, and he cherished it as much as he could.
Those were the days. Back then, he really did believe that was to be his life forever. Life was simple and uncomplicated. But no matter how much his life kept changing, forgetting who he was and where he came from wasn’t an option for him. He was going to make sure he remained true to himself no matter what that meant.
It was a Saturday morning, and Leo made sure to finish up the few things he had to do for work so he could have the afternoon free to do whatever he liked. He wanted to hang out with his little brother since he was leaving for college that August. He hadn’t spent much time with him since he had started his new job - and he missed him.
Stefano had adapted really well to the island. He had made good friends at school and was going out a lot, something his parents didn’t love. Stefano’s personality was different from his. He was much harder to read and very unpredictable. Sometimes it was difficult for Leo to understand how they grew up in the same household and turned out so different. He always tried to be a good influence on his brother, but since they moved to the States, he hadn’t had much of a break to do so; first college and now his job.
Unfortunately, he was running out of time at this point. There were only two months left until his little brother left for college, and the thought of it made Leo extremely sad. He wished he could have spent more time getting to know him as a grown-up. But it wasn’t too late yet. So he decided to take Stefano for a nice lunch by the beach boardwalk that afternoon.
“So where do you feel like eating, bro?” Leo asked him.
“I don’t know, wherever you want.”
“Do you feel like eating anything specific?”
“Nah, anything will do.”
“Okay then, I know you like Luziano’s, and I feel like eating some good old pasta. What do you say?”
“Cool,” Stefano said as they walked their way to the restaurant.
Luziano’s was an exquisite Italian restaurant where people had the choice of sitting inside or outside by the water. It was Leo’s favorite because it was the closest restaurant to the beach, and though it wasn’t authentic Italian food, it was close enough for it to remind him of home. When they finally arrived, Stefano’s mood improved. They sat down at the table closest to the beach and glanced at the menus, wondering what to order.
It was a beautiful day out. Many people were on the beach playing, exercising, tanning, and enjoying the cold and salty beach water. Leo kept glancing at Stefano to try to figure what he was thinking, but he really couldn’t tell. Is he having a good time? Is he comfortable? What is his deal?
“So, how has your summer been? Any new girlfriends you haven’t told me about?”
“There are always girls. But girls in my school are easy and lame, so I rather hang out with friends lately.”
“Yeah, I feel you. I was the same at your age. Unfortunately, I’ve become a boring old man lately, but I promise I used to be more fun.”
“I know you were; I remember, I don’t know what you did with your friends, but I remember you sneaking out all the time.”
“Wow, you remember that, huh? I’m a bit embarrassed now. I thought I was discreet,” he chortled.
“You were good. Mom and Dad never noticed.”
“Do you ever sneak out?” Leo asked curiously.
“I guess you will need to catch me to find out.”
“Very funny. I’m going to keep an eye out for you, bro. Don’t you give Mom and Dad a hard time. They are getting old.”
“Dude, of course. I’m just messing around. Plus, I’m leaving for college soon, and I will be out of their hair.”
As Leo continued to listen to his brother speak, a gorgeous girl running on the sand caught his attention. He noticed her familiar face, but he couldn’t be sure. It had been over two weeks since their previous encounter, and he had lost any hope to see her again.
Is it her? Could it be?
CHAPTER 10
Butterflies Gone Wild
Am I actually going to college? Eva couldn’t quite process the news yet. August was right around the corner, and there was so much to plan in such little time. Where will I stay? Will I drive there every day from home? Could my mom really take care of tuition? The university was only twenty minutes away, and it was only rational to stay at home, but Cece had been pressuring her to room with her in a dorm.
Eva wanted to have the full college experience and especially since it was going to be with her best friend by her side. But just thinking of leaving her poor mother alone at home made her feel extremely guilty. She was also worried about the finances and wondered if her mother would be able to take care of everything. Right after Cece had spilled the news, she called her mother right back. “Mom! I got accepted. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.”
“Yes. Yes. Yes! I’m so happy for you, Eva. This wasn’t my idea, but I figured it couldn’t hurt. I’m so glad I helped Cece. You seem ecstatic.”
“I am. I truly am. Are you sure we can afford this, though?” she said in a concerned tone.
“Oh sweetie, of course, we can. I have some money saved, and we will apply for financial aid as soon as possible.”
“Thanks, Mom,” she replied, feeling sentimental.
Eva decided to put her sneakers on that Saturday afternoon to get ready for her usual run. It was a perfect day to be outdoors, and she was feeling motivated. She had her headphones on, listening to her favorite playlist from Maroon 5, with her hair tucked up high into a ponytail. Her goal that afternoon was to run over twenty-five minutes without stopping. She knew it wouldn’t be easy as part of the run would be on the sand, and her legs would burn like hell, but she was determined.
Eva ran past the residential homes in her neighborhood, the food store, and in a few more blocks, she arrived at the be
ach, the toughest part of her run. As she made the first step on the sand, she soon felt her legs making an extra effort to keep moving. She felt strong, however, and she was determined to complete her goal. She could feel the improvements she had made since the last time, and she felt proud of herself.
As she got a bit closer to the boardwalk, she noticed a familiar face, the one she had been cherishing in her mind. Oh my God. It was him, the guy from the beach. The guy she assumed she would never see again was right there, sitting by the boardwalk.
A million thoughts rushed through Eva’s mind. Should I wave? Should I keep going and pretend I haven’t seen him? It wasn’t like they knew each other; he probably didn’t even remember her. But Eva was wrong. As she ventured a few more steps, she noticed that he had seen her and was waving at her with a smile on his face. It was definitely too late to ignore him at this point. So, Eva gave him a hesitant smile and waved back as she continued running.
Oh, crap, should I keep going? Is that rude? This is so awkward. Suddenly she saw him stand up from his chair and walk towards her. He was saying something, but she couldn’t quite make it out. Ignoring him wasn’t an option anymore. She was going to have to go and say a proper hello.
It wasn’t that she didn’t want to, but she was all sweaty and gross—and being in her sports bra made her self-conscious. It wasn’t exactly ideal seeing someone so attractive when she was looking like a naked vagrant. Crap. He didn’t give her much of a choice, though, so she slowly walked towards their table while she tried to wipe the sweat off her face.
As Eva approached the table with an effort to hide her exposed abdomen, he quickly walked toward her to greet her. As he got close enough, he gave her two kisses on each cheek and said, “Hello again,” with a bright smile. He looked even more handsome. He was taller than she’d remembered, and he was very masculine in all the right ways.
“Hey!” Eva managed to say back.
“Wow, I can’t believe I just ran into you. It’s great to see you!” His smirk was wide and charismatic.
“You too! What a surprise.” Eva smiled back. Jesus, he’s so hot. She hadn’t felt this nervous around a guy ever since—. Never mind.
“Come! This is my brother Stefano.”
It was ironic; he was introducing her to someone else, and Eva didn’t even know his name.
“Nice to meet you, Stefano. I’m Eva.”
Stefano waved distantly and detached, “Hey,”
Eva then turned her gaze expectedly back to him.
“Oh, before I forget, I’m Leo,” he said, grinning as he courteously extended his hand out. Oh, he wants to touch again. I can do that.
Eva shook his hand shyly and answered, “I was beginning to think you didn’t have a name, stranger.” Leo. Finally, I can put a name to the mysterious face.
“Well, now we are officially introduced. Would you like to sit with us for a bit? I didn’t mean to interrupt your run, so I understand if you need to get going.” He was charmingly polite when he spoke, which made Eva feel at ease. Wait. Is he really asking me to join them? Like now? What is it about this guy putting me in strange situations?
She thought about it for a few seconds, and before she was ready to say no, he blurted, “We will treat you to a cold refreshing drink, come on,” Leo insisted. I suppose a drink with two handsome Italian brothers won’t kill me.
“Oh well, I guess that’s an offer I can’t refuse,” Eva joked as she proceeded to sit between the two brothers, who were still complete strangers to her. “I will just get some water, thanks,” she finished.
“Okay. Whatever you want,” Leo replied happily.
“So, where are you guys originally from?” she asked, uncertain at what brother to direct her gaze at.
“How do you know we are not Americans? Are we that obvious?” Leo asked, teasing.
Yes. Definitely obvious—but in a good way. “Well, your accent kind of gives it away,” she admitted.
Stefano chortled. “Probably his accent as I don’t have much of one anymore.”
“Oh yeah, you are right. You pretty much sound American.”
“That’s because he was younger when we arrived,” Leo added, smirking with pride.
Eva kept turning her head back and forth, trying to keep up with the conversation. It was funny to hear them talk. They were so alike in their appearance but so different in the way they spoke and carried themselves.
Stefano seemed more American and laid back. Everything he said sounded relaxed and a bit careless. Leo, on the other hand, was very polite in the way he communicated, and his expressions were nice and warm. “How long ago was that?” Eva asked.
“Going to be five years soon. Time flies.” Leo sighed.
“It does. So, I guess you didn’t go to school here?”
“I graduated high school in Italy and studied at a college here in the states.”
Oh wow, he’s already done with college. I wonder how old he is. “Nice. So, what do you do now?” She asked, not being able to contain her curiosity.
“I’m a financial advisor,” Leo answered.
She felt a bit intimated that he already had a job and knew exactly what he was doing with his life. “Sounds important,” she uttered politely.
“I guess it sounds more important than it is. At the moment, I’m still learning a lot of things. So, I’m not really doing anything too significant just yet.”
“Well, I’m sure you are doing a good job. How about you, Stefano, do you go to school here?”
Stefano took his sight out of his phone for a second to meet her gaze. “Um, I graduated recently, and I leave for college in August.”
“Really? Which college are you going to?”
“Not too far, going to the same school Leo went to, Pensacola State, and you?”
What the—. Eva almost choked on her own drink, astonished that he was going to the same school she was. Seriously? What are the chances? There were many different college options nearby and though her school was one of the best in town, she still couldn’t believe it. “No way! I’m going there in August as well.”
Stefano didn’t seem all that impressed, but he actually smirked as he said, “Oh, that’s awesome. Guess we will be seeing each other around then.”
“Yes, for sure,” Eva said as she turned to look back at Leo, who all of a sudden seemed worried. Eva figured the college conversation must have set him off, so she decided to change the subject.
“So, what are your plans for the rest of the summer?” Eva asked, looking straight at Leo, trying to break the tension. She wanted to keep chatting with him, but unfortunately, Stefano answered before he could. “Well, I’m going to be going out quite a bit and enjoying the beach. How about you?”
“Yeah, I’m not sure yet, actually,” Eva said politely as she quickly turned her attention to Leo, anxiously waiting to hear what he had to say. She was expecting a similar answer. Isn’t that what everyone does during the summertime? But she had forgotten that he was an adult with a job and responsibilities.
Leo cleared his throat before he could answer, “I have to work a lot during the week, but I will most likely spend my weekends around the beach, sailing hopefully and trying to run into you.”
Eva went completely red when she heard his answer and blurted a dorky laugh. I guess he wasn’t angry after all. “Oh, you know how to sail?”
“Yes, it’s one of my favorite things to do. I don’t have my own sailboat here, but I’m planning to rent one out a couple of times this summer. You should join me sometime.”
Her heart stopped. He was undeniably charming, and he was asking her out. Am I really ready for this? Something inside her wanted to scream, “Yes! I will go out with you,” but then the thought of her last relationship would reenter her thoughts and make her want to avoid dating forever. “Umm, sure, why not?” were the only wo
rds she managed to say.
“Unless you have more interesting plans for this summer, of course.” Leo grinned.
“No, not really, I’m trying to get a job before I leave for college, but I’m not sure I will get hired at this point. There’s this opportunity at the art gallery by the mall, but it’s a long shot.”
“I’m sure you will get hired. Don’t sweat it. I hope you won’t be too busy for the rest of the summer, though.”
Eva chuckled. She had a hard time sustaining eye contact with Leo for more than a few seconds. He was too cute with those dimples. “I hope I won’t,” she said as she took the last sip of her water and looked back at him, “Anyways, it has been nice to hang out with you both, but I should get going.”
As she got up from the table quite suddenly, both brothers got up immediately to say their goodbyes.
“Nice to meet you, Eva. I will see you soon, I guess.” Stefano said as he gave her another two kisses on the cheek. She wasn’t used to this many kisses at all; she was used to hugging, but this was nice for a change.
“Yeah, you too, for sure,” Eva said as she quickly turned around and followed to give two kisses to Leo as well. Every time she got close to him or touched him, a shock of electricity quickly passed every nerve of her body, making her feel exposed and vulnerable. She didn’t know what to say to him, and she didn’t want things to be awkward, so she said, “Goodbye, Leo.”
As she started walking back toward the sand, Leo grabbed her arm, which made her turn around rapidly. He was quite close when she turned, and he was looking at her in a way she hadn’t seen him look at her before. Does he always look this good? “I would love to see you again, Eva.”
Blood began to rush quickly all over her body; she wanted to see him again too, but she didn’t want to make it too easy for him. She was still healing from her past relationship and definitely didn’t want to rush into anything. “I will be here next Saturday early afternoon, so maybe I will see you then,” she said with a flirty smile and left.