Page 21 of The Tourist

Diego shrugs, a playful glint in his eyes. "There’s more to me than meets the eye. Besides, everyone needs a little escape from reality, now and then. And for me, it’s Marvel."

"Well, I could use an escape," I admit, the idea of losing myself in a movie sounding more appealing by the second. "Let’s do it."

We make our way to the cinema room in the basement, and Diego sets up the first movie on his massive screen. As the opening credits roll, I settle into the reclining sofa, feeling a sense of peace. Diego sits beside me, close enough so I feel his presence but still giving me space. I appreciate his thoughtfulness more than I can say.

The movie starts, and I find myself getting lost in the world of heroes and villains. Diego is right, escaping reality is a welcome break. It’s a way to forget for a little while. We watch movie after movie, laughing at the funny parts, gasping at the action scenes, and cheering for the heroes, especially when they defeat the bad guys.

Between movies, we talk about our favorite characters and scenes. Diego’s enthusiasm is infectious, and I find myself smiling more and more.

"Who’s your favorite Avenger?" Diego asks as he sets up the next movie.

"That’s a tough one," I reply, thinking it over. "Probably Black Widow. She’s strong, smart, and doesn’t take crap from anyone."

"Good choice." Diego nods appreciatively. "Mine’s Captain America. He’s got that whole noble, always-doing-the-right-thing vibe."

"I can see that," I say, giving him a teasing smile. "You do have a bit of a Captain America complex."

"Hey, I’ll take that as a compliment." He laughs.

The afternoon turns into evening, and we keep on watching. It’s the most relaxed I’ve felt in a long time. Diego’s company, the enjoyment of watching the movies, and the delicious meal all combine to create a sense of normalcy I’ve been craving.

When we get too tired to watch any more, Diego turns to me with a smile. "So, what did you think?"

"I’m a Marvel series convert. I’ve really enjoyed today," I respond, feeling genuinely happy. "Thank you. For everything."

"Anytime," he replies. "I’m glad you enjoyed it. We’ll keep doing things like this. Remember, you’re not alone."

We set up a regular time each week to watch the rest of the series before I head to bed, feeling a sense of hope. The nightmares may still come, and the memories will always be with me, but I know I’m not alone. With Diego by my side, I’m finding the strength to move forward.

Before I was taken, Diego was simply my best friend’s brother, but he’s more than that to me now. I have complete faith and trust in him. He’s my friend and protector, and I know I’m beginning to feel attracted to him, but a relationship is not something I can consider right now. Maybe never.

As I lie in bed, the events of the day replay in my mind. The shared meal, the easy conversation, and our escape into the world of Marvel. Closing my eyes with a smile on my lips, a sense of peace washes over me. But as the darkness closes in, the doubts return. The bed feels cold without Diego’s presence.

I toss and turn for a while, hoping sleep will find me, but it doesn't. Eventually, I throw the sheets aside and clamber out of bed, knowing there’s only one solution to my restlessness.

CHAPTER14

Diego

The house is silent. I’ve spent the last hour or so in my office, trying to keep myself busy. I know I should be catching up on the work I set aside so I could spend the day with Chloe, but the gnawing worry about Serena combined with my concern for her best friend is never far from my thoughts.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve found myself caring for Chloe more than just as my sister’s friend, and there are moments when it seems she feels the same way about me. But knowing she’s not ready for any kind of relationship, maybe never, I push my feelings aside and get ready for bed.

Just as I’m about to turn off the bedside light, my phone rings, the sound jarring in the quiet of the room, and the screen displays Eaton's name.

I answer immediately. “Eaton.”

“I’ve got another possible lead on Serena,” he replies. “I’ll get back to you with more details, but I wanted to let you know now because we may need to leave tomorrow.”

“Anotherpossiblelead?” I snap, my frustration bubbling at the number of times I’ve had calls like this one over the last six months, and they’ve all come to nothing. My sister is still missing. “You better have something solid this time. Time is running out for Serena and for us to prove to our competitors and enemies that we’re in charge. We can’t afford any more dead ends.”

“I know,” Eaton responds with an edge of apology in his tone. “I’m doing everything I can. I’ll call you as soon as I have more.”

“All right,” I respond, “Just make sure it’s something real this time.”

I hang up.

The brief flicker of hope from Eaton's call quickly gives way to the familiar dread. I check my messages and toss the phone aside. Lying back on my bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind starts racing again, tiredness refusing to claim me.

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