Page 87 of The Leaves In Autumn
I wave her off.
“Semantics. Should have said relationship.”
“Uh huh.”
“Stop. That’s all I have to report and say about the subject. Oh! Here’s our food!”
Layla knows when to back off. Subtle signs, body language clues, tell us both when the conversation needs to move to a new subject.
The server sets the plates down and I imagine little golden stars sparkle in my eyes.
“Look at this!”
“I’ll be back with your coffee. Sorry. I should have brought that first. I’m new.”
“No worries. All I care about is this beautiful thing,” Layla says, pointing to her plate.
“You’re doing a great job. Good luck.”
As the server walks away, I’m into the first bite of heaven.
“Oh God! I’ll miss this.”
“So tell me about your plans. I know nothing is set in stone.”
I feel the excitement rise.
“I’m going to be in Paris for six months. I have that lease.”
“You may end up staying there. It’s so beautiful.”
“I don’t think I will. I’m going to find something to rent in Italy, for the other six months I’ve planned. Like a little cottage that I can afford. My main aim would be to have a view. Ocean, or hillside. But I have no idea yet which city. I am going to do some exploring.”
“How do you pack for an entire year?”
“Lightly as possible. I’m taking basics as far as clothes go. I’ll pick up whatever I need at the outdoor markets. Aurora and Gaston guided me.”
“What about money?”
“I have enough to last me a year, before I need to find a job. I don’t want to go into my savings too deeply. That’s for if I find something to refurbish.”
“You have always been good with your money. I’m not afraid of that at all.”
“Thanks. I had that ten-year plan and it served me. Thanks to Silver Staging and you, I was able to meet my goal.”
“You’re about the most adventurous person I know. Must have got it from Mom.”
“Probably. I don’t see myself blowing in the wind like she does though. I want to build something on my own, that I can be proud of.”
“That would be awesome. I know it would. I’m just going to miss you.”
“This could all turn out to be something completely different from what I am imagining. That’s why I’m going to rent for the year.”
“Smart. You might decide to come back here and….”
“I see myself living somewhere other than Montana. I always have, Layla. You know that’s how it’s been. I followed you here with the boys. And it has been great. Wonderful. But it was never my intention to make it permanent.”
“I know, but it makes me sad to think you’ll be there, and I’ll be here. Really sad.”
