Page 59 of Troy Story
But was that what she wanted? Most of her flings had lasted the length of a dig season. Whereas he’d spent far too long tied up in a lengthy relationship that had shattered his self-confidence.
Maybe he needed to start slowly. Instead of worrying about the future, he could take a small first step.
If he recalled correctly, Dusty was spending a week in Istanbul after the dig ended. She loved exploring the older parts of the city, checking out the flea markets, and indulging in her passion for street food.
While he couldn’t commit to a full week there, he could spend three or four days with her. Knowing her, she was probably saving money by staying in one of the student rooms at the American Research Institute. But what if he rented a place for them instead? Somewhere small and cozy where they could make love every night with no one else around.
While mulling over the idea, he remembered a conversation with his friend Olivia. Over the past few weeks, he’d been texting her off and on. As a fellow archaeologist, she’d been eager to hear about his experiences at Troy. At one point, she’d asked if he’d be staying in Istanbul after the dig ended since she’d visited the city last fall.
He grabbed his phone and sent her a text.When you were in Istanbul with Rick, where did you stay?
When no text bubbles appeared, he tried to recall what time it was in California. Eight p.m.? Nine? If it was later than that, he didn’t want to disturb her. A minute later, his phone buzzed with an incoming call from her. He answered it in a hushed voice. “Olivia?”
“Hey, Stu. I’m driving right now, but Rick saw your text. He said you were asking about Istanbul?”
“Yeah. What’s the name of the place you stayed after you guys finished working in Bodrum?”
“Let me think a minute.” He heard her talking to Rick, and then she came back on the line. “I booked it through Airbnb but can’t remember what it was called. Rick can send you the link. It wasn’t super cheap, but it was totally worth it. In the heart of the Old City, near the monuments in Sultanahmet Square. Lots of light, a big kitchen, a rooftop patio overlooking the Sea of Marmara.”
Rick’s voice chimed in. “Don’t forget the king bed.”
Olivia snorted. “Right, because that’s just what Stuart needs. He’s not planning a romantic getaway.” She paused, then addressed Stuart. “Wait.Isthis a romantic getaway?”
No sense in hiding the truth from Olivia. If he didn’t tell her, then Dusty would. Heat crept into his cheeks. “Uh…yeah. I thought I’d book it and surprise Dusty.”
“You two are together? Yes! About time!”
“You knew?”
“Of course, you goofball. Last year, when we were in Cyprus and I was pining for Rick, she told me in solidarity. She wanted you to stop treating her like a sister.”
He chuckled. “Definitely not treating her that way now.”
“I’m gonna need more details than that,” Olivia said. “How long has this been going on? Is this a summer thing or a legit relationship?”
“It’s only been a few weeks, but I’m hoping we can stay together once we’re back in Boston. Right now, I’m taking it one step at a time.”
“Good plan. Spending a few days in Istanbul would be perfect. Dusty’ll love that place, too. The light is fantastic. Just right for drawing.” Olivia gave a dramatic sigh. “I’m so happy for you. Dig romances are the best.”
No doubt she was remembering her own experience last summer when she and Rick had fallen in love while working at a field school in Cyprus. By now, they’d been together for almost a year. If Stuart was lucky, maybe he and Dusty could follow in their footsteps. “Thanks. I’m trying not to blow it.”
“You won’t. I have total faith in you. I’ve got to go, but Rick will text you that link.”
A few minutes after she ended the call, Stuart’s phone buzzed with a link to the Airbnb listing. To his immense luck, it was free on the dates he wanted.
For once in his life, he didn’t overthink his decision or make a mental list of pros and cons.
Instead, he booked it immediately.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
After sneaking back to her bed without waking her roommates, Dusty closed her eyes and curled up under the sheets. Given her blissful state of contentment, she expected to drift back to sleep immediately. But her mind insisted on replaying every detail of her night with Stuart. When she’d told him about their drunken hookup in Boston, she had feared it would drive a wedge between them. Instead, it had brought them closer than ever. So much that when they’d had sex, it had been more than just a fun romp in bed. They’d shared a real connection. But allowing herself to feel this way had left her strangely vulnerable.
Easing out of bed quietly, she grabbed her towel and headed off to the shower. As usual, the water turned from comfortably warm to arctic within minutes, making her teeth chatter. She finished up quickly, then changed into a tank top and shorts.
With everyone sleeping off last night’s bar crawl, the field house was silent, save for the ticking of the ceramic-tile clock on the kitchen wall. After starting a pot of coffee, she retrieved her sketch pad and pencils from the library. Last night’s antics had left her with an irresistible urge to doodle.
Once the coffee was done, she poured some into a mug and took it over to the table in the common room. Outside the window to the east, the sun was rising, bathing the sky in a pinkish glow. She took a sip of coffee, then turned to a fresh page in her sketch pad.
