Lisbon Escapades

Lisbon, Portugal Cleo lay curled against Max, her lover for 2 years, her back to his chest. He had one arm draped across her, holding her near, and she could feel the warmth and rhythm of his steady breathing against her bare shoulder. They dallied in the shower until they were both half-delirious with craving, then they wrapped themselves together in a towel, kissed and caressed their way into the bedroom. Max has always been a good, playful and considerate lover, just like how she liked it. Her body throbbed and hummed from his touch; a pleasant heat still warmed her most feminine parts. "What? " Cleo said groggily, raising herself up with one elbow. Max kissed her bare shoulder before he took something from a bedside table, a jewelry box. Before he could open the box, Cleo wrapped herself with the comforter and got herself out of bed. "Tell me that's not a ring because I'm not marrying you, Max." Max frowned. "Why not? We've been dating for two years, and we are both at marrying age. What's wrong? " Cleo sighed. And sat on the bed with Max. She could see the sincerity in his eyes. She knows that he loves her, and it scares her that she doesn't know how to love. She only lives for fun and for her restaurant. The only thing she and Max lasted for years was because he was fun. She thought he knew the score until today. "I'm sorry. "I just can't. " Then she got up to fix herself. She gave up on love and marriage a long time ago. Definitely, not a single piece of jewelry will change her mind. Not ever. "Why are you so reluctant to commit, Cleo? "he said, trying to stop her in her phase. His face was red, both mad and confused at this beautiful woman's action. He didn't see that rejection coming. He thought she would love it like every girl would. "You never told me your reasons." Cleo faced him just as after she had completely fixed herself. "Simple. Because all I want is fun and commitment. Marriage and relationships are no fun.not at all, darling." She sat on the bed and leaned towards him. " And you, my darling, are no fun at all. So I'm going out. Out of your life." She gave him a passionate kiss before he could even say a word. Then she stormed out of his place. "Ciao. " She was on her way to the elevator when her phone rang. It was her sister calling. She went inside the elevator and pushed the button to the parking lot before answering the call. "Good morning, Sissy!" "Where were you? I got a call that you had arrived in Lisbon last night, and you didn't even bother to see me nor call me, Plus that fact that you were not in your assigned room last night. I was worried sick,sissy." Her sister said straight on the phone. She wonders if she even blinked while having her piece. "I'm so sorry, Sissy. I didn't mean to worry you. I got bored last night so I decided to see what Lisbon has to offer. " Cleo said with a sweet voice. "See you at the hotel. I'm already on my way." Cleo took a last glance at Max Condo before starting the engine of her car. She shakes her head. He was a good lover and it was really a waste to let go of him but she would never allow herself to commit nor to be wed. Not in a million years. Not again.. Cleo drove through the streets of Lisbon, her heart a confusing mixture of guilt and relief. The sky was bright blue, the city bustling with life as the morning sun reflected off the cobblestone streets. She had been in Lisbon only a day, and already she had managed to make a mess of things. Max. She exhaled sharply at the thought of him, the heat of their shared moment still fresh on her skin. He was a good man, the best she’d been with in a long time. But commitment? Marriage? That wasn’t part of her plan. Not ever. Cleo had learned a long time ago that love and attachment only led to heartache. As she drove, her phone rang again. This time it was Crine, her sister. Cleo sighed and picked up. "Good morning, Sissy," Crine greeted her. Her voice was warmer now, less sharp than earlier. "Morning, Crine. Are you still mad?" Cleo asked, keeping her tone light as she navigated through the narrow streets. "Mad? No, just worried. You flew all the way to Lisbon and disappeared on me. What's going on with you? You were supposed to stay in the hotel, and instead, you're off. God knows where." “I told you, I needed a little distraction.” Cleo laughed softly, but her voice had a nervous edge. "And Lisbon is quite a city. You can’t believe how charming it can be.” "I know about Max." Crine was quiet for a second. “Cleo, you know what I’m going to say, right?” Cleo rolled her eyes. “Don’t start with the lecture, Crine. Please.” “You keep running from anything serious. Max is good for you—he’s a decent guy! What are you so afraid of? This isn’t the first time you’ve run from a relationship.” Cleo tightened her grip on the steering wheel. “I didn’t run. I just… I don't do relationships. You know that.” “And why not?” Crine pressed. “You deserve someone who loves you, someone who cares. But you keep pushing them away. What happened? Is this still about—” “No.” Cleo cut her off sharply, not wanting to revisit old wounds. “This isn’t about the past. I just prefer things casual. I don’t need all that emotional drama.” Crine sighed on the other end. “You’re going to end up alone if you keep doing this.” “Alone?” Cleo chuckled, trying to shake off the sting of her sister’s words. “I’m not alone." I have my freedom, my restaurant, my friends... I’m living life the way I want.” “Sure, but at what cost? Cleo, just think about it. Not everyone is out to hurt you.” Cleo pulled into the parking lot of the hotel, her mind buzzing. She loved her sister, but Crine never understood her stance on love and relationships. She never understood the fear that gripped Cleo whenever she got too close to someone. “Look, I’ll meet you in the hotel lobby in ten minutes, okay?” Cleo said, eager to end the conversation. “Fine,” Crine said, her voice softening. But we’re going to talk about this. You can’t keep running.” After hanging up, Cleo sat for a moment in the silence of the car, her thoughts drifting back to Max. She could still feel the tenderness of his touch, the warmth of his body pressed against hers. He was serious this morning. That proposal—it was real. He thought she was ready, that they were ready. But he had been wrong. She couldn’t give him what he wanted. Not now. Maybe not ever. Cleo sighed, stepping out of the car and into the crisp Lisbon air. She looked up at the grand façade of the hotel where her sister was waiting. Crine would be upset, but she would also understand, eventually. At least, Cleo hoped she would.