Chapter 1 - Roman Holiday
Leah occupied the last remaining scrap of shadow cast by the cafe in Rome. The sun crept past the open toes of her shoes and began its ascent up her shin. She wouldn't normally avoid the rays, but it was July and the weather in the Italian city was sweltering. Her wide-brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses made an honest effort to keep her cool, but in the end, the heat, red wine, and her nerves won. She was sweating and if Ethan didn't get there soon she’d rather leave than have her face melt off in public.
She sipped the drink and checked the time. In the past, she wouldn't have minded waiting. She'd have happily downed bottles of Chianti and smoked cigarettes with leisure. Now, she lit one in frustration. The sun crept higher, broaching her thigh, and the smoke curled in slow, hot wisps as the minutes crept along.
Finally, she spotted his mop of dark hair. She watched him, sweating and rushing through the tourist-laden street. He matched her in white on top, but she didn't know how he could stand those jeans in the heat. She recalled summer festivals of the past. He still stood out to her among the throngs of people.
“Sorry I'm late.” She'd risen to meet him without thought and leaned into his embrace returning a kiss on each cheek. “Press ran long. Been a mess.”
Clipped words mumbled in a thick British accent brought a smile to her face no matter how late he arrived or how nervous she was about finally seeing him after so much time apart.
“Ethan.” Their eyes met for a moment in well-practiced, silent communication. They stood in a very public square in the birthplace of the paparazzi. So they sat, chairs adjacent around the minuscule table, and looked out toward the tourists admiring the statuesque fountain in the square. It was like nothing had changed between them.