Page 132 of Cerulean Truth
James nodded. "Yeah, the Diamond City is actually the capital of the whole magi world. It's where the United Chiefs and the Board of Directors reside, so I've been there a few times since..." His voice trailed off. "Anyway, Antwerp has a gorgeous railway station. It's a stunning blend of styles, with Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau elements, and that massive dome over the waiting hall is just breathtaking."
He paused when he noticed me smiling. "What? Shocked this airhead loves architecture?"
I let out a snort. "Not at all... I've actually been to Antwerp a few times myself. Aside from their amazing railway station, they sell the most incredible cookies in the shape of?—"
"A hand," James finished my sentence.
I grinned. "Guess we have more in common than just steak, Scotch, and cigars."
"I can't believe you've been to Antwerp. It's not like it's a famous city or anything."
"What it lacks in fame, it makes up for in beauty." I winked.
James remained silent for a second. "Maybe one day I can take you there," he mused.
"I'd like that," I said, feeling warmth spread through me.
We continued walking. It was a perfect day, and for the first time in a long time, I felt truly happy.
"So, what did you like most about Antwerp?" James asked, breaking the comfortable silence.
"I liked the people actually," I confessed, surprising even myself.
James raised an eyebrow. "The people? Aren’t they considered mostly vulgar and arrogant?"
"Not in my experience," I said, shrugging. "I found them warm and welcoming."
"That's surprising," James admitted. "I've always heard the opposite."
I hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I used to be like that, you know? People often thought I was arrogant."
James’s demeanor turned serious; his brow furrowed, and his mouth set into a firm line. “Ambition and success are often labeled as ‘arrogant’ by those who fail at both.”
“That might be true, but I was still lonely.” I smiled sadly. "I didn’t even have many friends back home. I mean, I had a few—mainly Lisa, my best friend, and Martin, my childhood friend who moved away before I hit puberty. I loved them both, but besides them, I never made any really good friends."
"I understand," James said softly, his expression sympathetic.
"We're not so different, you and I," I said, realizing the connection. "Both distrustful of others, in our own ways."
"Seems like you might have a point there," James said, his tone pensive.
"Wait a minute... Did you just admit I'm right?" I feigned shock.
He arched a brow.
"That's got to be a first for you, right?" I teased.
"It is," he replied gruffly, "Which makes you right again. That's twice in under sixty seconds. A personal best?"
"Well," I huffed, "I did try to make a career out of it."
He laughed. Loud. Then, an expression of shock crossed his face, as if he hadn't expected his own body to produce such a sound.
"Yeah... sorry about ruining that."
I shrugged. "It's fine. If you hadn't, I wouldn't have met you."
I’d intended it to sound all breezy and teasing, but it came out heavy and honest.
