CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR What the Heart Knows
Maya and Julian did not rush.They also did not pretend time did not matter. After eleven months, they sat on Maya's balcony beside
the lemon tree, now taller and producing its first small fruit.Julian held a glass of wine.
Maya had tea."I got offered the New York project," he said.Maya looked at him.
"For how long?""Six months. Maybe eight.
"Her stomach tightened.Julian watched her carefully.
"I haven't answered.""Do you want it?""Yes.
"Maya nodded."Then you should take it.""That's not the only question.
""What's the other one?""What do we do?"The question was simple.No threat.No test.Just two adults deciding how to handle reality.Maya looked at the lemon tree.
"We talk about what we can actually handle," she said.
"Not what sounds romantic."Julian smiled.
"Very unromantic.""I have been romantic enough for one lifetime.
" He laughed.They discussed visits, work schedules, expectations, and the possibility that distance could reveal they wanted different things.Maya did not panic at the possibility.That surprised her.
"I love you," Julian said finally.The words were quiet.Maya looked at him.He had never said them before.For a second, Jalen's face flashed in memory.Then Andre's.The memories passed like people on the other side of a train window.Maya stayed where she was.
"I love you too," she said.Julian exhaled and smiled.Maya smiled back.Her heart did not race wildly.It opened.There was a difference.