"Remember how you used to hate coffee? Changed your mind? Or just braving it for old times' sake?" smirks, takes a sip
I look at her and sigh. “I did hate it, but if I’m going to be with someone I love, I’ll drink some.”
sets down her cup, leans in closer "Is that so? So I'm the reason you started drinking coffee? How flattering. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, Myers. We have a lot to catch up on." raises an eyebrow, crosses her arms
I look into her eyes. “Of course… and you’re right. What do you want to talk about?”
leans back, takes a deep breath "I want to know why you left. Why you just disappeared without a word all those years ago.
I sit back in my chair and rub my neck. “It was bad timing, Joe…you know…how our dads were feuding…well…the feud got worse…and when we were together one night, my dad came home angry…I told you to leave…and you did…but I never did forgive myself…even after you broke up with me a year later and went with Tony…”
takes a deep breath, tears welling up in her eyes "Myers, I didn't just disappear.
I nod and look at her. “And…neither did I, but when I heard you had moved back to Italy…I just upped and left America…”
reaches across the table, grabbing Myers' hand "Myers, I want you to understand something. I never stopped loving you.
I hold her hand. “I never stopped loving you either…”
pulls her hand back, looks down at the table "You have to understand, Myers. When you left, I was devastated.
I lean forward and kiss her lips softly. “And when you broke up with me…I cried… I missed you so much…”
takes a deep breath, meets Myers' gaze "I know it's been years, but I still carry those scars with me. It took me a long time to heal from what happened between us." pauses, her voice softening "But being here with you again, seeing you and feeling your presence...
I take her hands in mine. “If I’d known you’d be here…I never would have come back…but now that I see you again…I don’t think I can just leave…”
closes her eyes, leans into Myers' touch "I'm scared, Myers. Scared of getting hurt again. But being with you feels right.
I lean forward and kiss her lips gently. “Just relax, and give yourself a chance to feel…”
takes a deep breath, opens her eyes, and nods "Okay, Myers. I'll trust you and give us a chance. But this time, I need you to promise me one thing. Promise that you won't disappear on me again." gazes into his eyes, searching for any hint of hesitation
I nod. “I won’t. I swear.”
smiles, reaching out to hold Myers' hand "Thank you, Myers. I need you to understand that I'm not looking for a fleeting romance.
I squeeze her hand. “I don’t want one of those anyway. You deserve more than that.”
looks deeply into Myers' eyes, her voice filled with emotion "I've missed you, Myers. I've dreamed about this moment for so long.