Page 82 of The Sweet Spot

Marvel Pies is a Santa Cruz hotspot, thanks to its sublime pizza and live music on the weekends. We weave our way through the loud, lively restaurant, following the hostess to our reserved table in the very middle.

“Luca, Wren tells me you have a bit of a second life over in São Paulo,” says Arlo, cocking his head as he leans forward. “I’ve spent some time out that way. It’s a beautiful city.”

Luca nods, also leaning forward. “My father lives there, so I’ve spent the past few years bouncing back and forth. Internships, that kind of thing.”

“Are you thinking of heading out that way after graduating?”

I look at Luca. He pauses, glancing my way before shaking his head. “Actually, I’m not sure. Things are up in the air right now.”

“You want to go to grad school, right?” I ask. I’d always assumed he’d be sticking around over the next few years, but now I realize that might not be the case.

He nods. “Maybe in a year or so. I’ve been either studying or working non-stop since I started college, so I need a break, even if that’s just for one summer.”

“That’s smart,” Mom says, nodding slowly. She’s mellow tonight, having stuck to club soda. “You’re young; you have time to figure these things out.”

“Yeah, that’s what my mom says.” Luca stirs his straw around his drink, shrugging. “I guess we’ll see.”

Conversation flows easily after that as we tuck into our pizza. Arlo and Luca chat like long lost friends, flitting from one topic (public transportation, airline mileage clubs, local weather patterns) to another (being bilingual, Manhattan in the spring, Luca’s surfing) with ease. Mom and I make eye contact at one point, and I can see she’s as amused by the burgeoning bromance as I am.

Afterward, in the parking lot, we pause to say our goodbyes. Mom’s still inside, catching up with someone she knows.

“Are we still on for tomorrow?” Arlo asks me, checking his phone.

“One o’clock sharp. I’ll be there, so be ready.”

“What’re you guys getting into?” Luca asks.

The wind picks up, tossing ribbons of my hair around my face. “I’m giving him the good old campus tour.”

He raises his eyebrows. “You’re in for a treat, Arlo—Wren knows all the good spots.”

“Excellent.” Arlo grins, raising his fist to Luca’s. “I really enjoyed getting to know you, Luca. Hopefully we’ll meet again.”

“Feeling’s mutual.” Luca shrugs. “Come down during the summer, we’ll show you how to surf.”

“I know how to surf,” Arlo says, eyes twinkling. “I spent a winter on Australia’s Gold Coast when I was in my late twenties. Fell in love with it. I surf whenever, and wherever, I can.”

“All right, my man.” Luca grins, warm with approval. “We’ll head out next time you’re down for sure, then.”

Arlo smacks his back. “Consider it done.”

Luca touches my hand as he passes. “I’ll be in the car, Wren. Take your time.”

Arlo watches him walk away, a faint smile on his face. “Now that is a kid who’s comfortable in his own skin. I like him.”

“So do I.”

He chuckles, his eyes crinkling the way mine do sometimes. They’re a different green than mine, deeper and more vivid. Mine have some gray. “I can see that.”

I continue, ignoring the warmth on my cheeks. “I’m glad you got to know each other a little bit.”

“Me too.”

Marvel’s door opens and Mom appears. She looks around, and then, spotting us, makes her way over. “Thanks for picking up the bill, by the way. You didn’t have to do that.”

“Don’t mention it.” He smiles, tugging my side braid. “It’s not every day I get to meet my daughter’s boyfriend.”

My heart squeezes every time he says something like that. Giving him a quick hug, I take a step back. “See you tomorrow.”

---