Page 17 of When Love Is Unexpected

I try not to stare in their direction. I can hear them talking, but I can't make out what they're saying.

She reaches for his arm, but he jerks it away. His hand movements are animated, and his facial expression is angry.

I can't see her face, but her body language remains calm.

He's pointing at me now but still addressing her. Reading lips is not my forte, but I'm sure he just made a derogatory remark aimed at me. I want to walk over to them, but I have to respect Laila's wishes.

Watching them without being able to intervene is putting every single nerve in my body on edge.

As the minutes tick by, I wonder if I should walk away and let them hash it out in private or wait, if only to ensure things don't escalate.

A couple of minutes later, their conversation ends, and he takes off jogging in the opposite direction.

"Are you ok?" I ask as soon as Laila walks back.

"Yes, I'm fine," she says. "I hurt him, and he's angry."

"From the looks of it," I say, "he's angry at me too."

"He's under the impression that I broke up with him because you're back."

"He thinks there's something going on between us," I say.

She nods, looking sad and vulnerable. I reach for her arm and pull her in for a hug.

"I'm sorry I'm so sweaty," I say.

"It's okay," she says with a weak smile. "You still smell good."

We stand together in a sweaty embrace for a few seconds before we start running again.

***

When I get home, I check my cell and see that I have several missed calls. One was from Mom, and the other three were from my sister, Emma.

"Hi, Mom," I say as soon as she picks up.

"Hi, Son. Will you be here on Saturday, as planned?"

"Yes, don't worry, we'll be there."

"I know you mentioned a month ago that you might be bringing your girlfriend. Sounds like she's for sure coming."

"Yes," I say. "Laila is coming with me."

"Laila?" she asks, "Is this the same Laila you know in Cold Spring?"

"Yes," I say. "Why?"

"Well, I knew you two were friends, but you never mentioned you're in a relationship with her."

"It's new," I say.

"You've been in Greece, and she's been here. How did you manage that?"

Oh boy.

"Um, we realized we missed each other when we were apart," I say. "So, we started a long-distance relationship."

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