From Rome with love

3: Seeing each other again

Departure day

*Bren*

 "Thanks for driving me to the airport and waiting with me". I say to Joel. We are sitting in a quiet corner of the airport Starbucks, waiting for Dahlia to show up.

 Joel takes a sip of his coffee smiling. "Well I got to see this woman. I have heard so much about her, back then and those last couple of days, but I never actually met her, so I need to make sure she isn't a figment of your imagination".

 "Well I haven't seen her in a long time, she could have changed.. she might have put on a lot of weight or shaved her head or something. But back then.. she was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, but it's not just that.. She is sweet, funny, kind.. Well she was perfect". I can't help smiling.

 "Okay if she is or was this perfect, why didn't you.. you and her were never a couple right ?" He looks at me curiously.

 I sip my coffee. "You are not saying a word when she arrives.. not hinting anything.. got it ?". He nods and I continue. 

 "I used to have such a crush on her, but she was way out of my league. I saw her turn down a Prince, like a real freaking prince once".

 "And ? If you liked her you should have made a move. I mean I get that she is gorgeous, but.. come on out of Your league ?" He shakes his head slowly.

 "It wasn't only that". I say softly. "She actually kissed me once.. I let myself get lost in the kiss. But after I realised she was drunk, so I walked her to her room and said goodnight. After I.. Well the kiss was something Colin had dared her to do.. Colin also had a serious crush on her so.. Well I decided to not pursue her.. He never got anywhere with her, how would I stand a chance if Colin didn't ? And then well Mitsy came back, Dahlia dated some guy too for a while and then she left.. so guess it just wasn't in the cards".

 Before he can answer it is like the whole airport parts as someone walks towards the starbucks. Joel swallows hard. "Let me guess, that has to be Dahlia… s**t you were not exaggerating, if anything you were playing her beauty down".

 I watch her, well everyone is watching her. And as always she is not even trying. She is wearing tight black pants, a grey knitted crop top and a white and black flannel shirt. Her shiny brown hair is pulled into a ponytail and she seems to be wearing no make-up beside a bit of mascara, still she makes everyone stop and stare.

 "Dahlia darling, you look absolutely ravishing". I get up smiling as she approaches, pulling her into a warm hug.

 She hugs me closely, and I know I get so many jealous glares right now. "Hi Bren, Thank you. It's so great to see you again and damn you have bulked up, was it for the role ?" She squeezes my bicep slightly.

 "Well yeah it was for the role, but.. well I feel better like this, so I am going to keep it up". I tell her, flexing my arm just slightly.

 "You definitely should, I mean you are so tall, you can carry it". She says with a small giggle.

 Someone clears their throat, and I remember Joel is here. "Oh sorry, Dahlia, this is Joel, he was sweet enough to drive me here.. Joel, this is Dahlia".

*Dahlia*

"Nice to meet you Joel.. I have heard a lot about you actually". I tell him. Giving him a hug. I like him, he has a friendly, warm smile and nice eyes. And if he is one of Bren's best friends, he has to be a good guy.

 He hugs me back. "A pleasure meeting you too. And believe me, I have heard a lot about you too".

 "Only good things I hope ?" I say, smiling at Joel, casting a quick glance at Bren, who suddenly looks rather nervous.

 "Uhh Joel, don't you have to get back home, I mean Your beautiful girlfriend and son might be missing you". Bren cuts in.

 I look at Joel. "Oh you have a son ? How old is he ? Do you have a picture ?"

 "Sure". He pulls out his phone. Showing me the different pictures, beaming with pride as he does.

 "He is so precious Joel, thank you for letting me see him". I smile at him. "And you got a beautiful girlfriend, you are definitely a lucky man".

 He smiles. "Thank you.. Well I better get going now. Have a nice holiday both of you and behave.. I hope to see you again when you return, Dahlia".

 "Thank you Joel and give that little munchkin a hug from me". I say, giving him a small wave as he walks away.

Bren grabs my suitcase. "Come let's go check you in and head for the lounge".

 I follow him to the check in desk and notice that he goes to the first class desk, he hands me my boarding pass, before lifting my suitcase up on the conveyor belt. I show it with my passport to the lady behind the desk.

 "First class ?" I look at him as we walk to the first class security check.

 He shrugs slightly, sending me a small smile. "Well I kind of wanted to make the whole trip special, so for ones I splurged on first class".

 "Bren you need to let me pay some of it, this has to be very expensive, I really can't accept such a big thing". I place my hand gently on his arm.

 "Darling, you are doing me a favour, the money would have been lost elseway and honestly, walking around Rome alone for 3 weeks would have been depressing". He smiles at me. "So I am just happy that you are coming".

 I stretch up to kiss his cheek. "You are such a great guy Bren, you know that right ? Always giving, never asking for anything".

 "Oh stop it, you are making me blush". He says, chuckling softly. "Come let's go to the lounge, I've heard it's awesome and there is free food".