Chapter 15
Chapter 15: A Heartfelt Conversation
Lisa brought Emma to an American restaurant, fully aware that Emma had a preference for American cuisine. They settled into a cory booth with a good view and ordered enough food for three people.
As they waited for their meal, Lisa shared her amusing experiences from her recent vacation to a tropical island. Emma raised an eyebrow and asked. “When are you going to introduce me to that mysterious boyfriend of yours?”
“What boyfriend? I don’t have a boyfriend” Liss replied, slightly bewildered. What was Emma talking about?
Emma narrowed her eyes, giving Lisa a knowing look that hinted at trouble. Come on, stop pretending. Didn’t you go to the island to meet your first love? Don’t tell me you rekindled an old famel Why else would you stay there so long?”
Feeling the weight of Emma’s gaze, Lisa quickly changed the subject. “Let’s just enjoy our coffee
Emma wasn’t buying it. She could see through Lisa’s nervousness. Tell me, who took all those romantic photos you posted online, especially that beach shot? Was it your first love?”
“Um. A stranger on the beach helped me with that. It’s nothing “Lisa replied, trying to brush it off. In truth, she had asked a girl on the beach to take the photo. She hadn’t found Jason Watson but had encountered another man instead. After drinking too much, she had almost mistaken him for Jason Thankfully, she had sobered up before doing anything rash.
Emma’s expression shifted slightly. Was it possible that this mysterious man had a hidden agenda?
Lisa, is he hiding something? Emma probed
“What do you mean? What are you thinking?” Lisa asked, feigning ignorance
of involved with someone
1 went to the island to find Jason, but it was a dead end. The hotel address was wing, and to make matters worse, I nearly got i
else
A flicker of sadness crossed Lisa’s face as she spoke.
“Did you go looking for Jason? Didn’t you break up. with him? Are you having second thoughts?” Emma pressed
Emma had always known that Lisa held a special place in her heart for Jason. Though Lisa appeared carefree and dated various men, those relationships were often superficial. Deep down, she hadn’t truly moved on from Jason, despite the two years and multiple brief flings.
Both women shared a deep commitment to love, experiencing similar heartaches. Lisa was tough on the outside but vulnerable within, strong and independent, yet unable to shake her feelings for Jason even after all this time.
Emma, on the other hand, was softer on the outside but steely inside. When she liked someone, it was endent in her demeanor–her heart was fully invested She pursued her affections openly, believing that with time, love would blossom. Yet, her genuine feelings often went unreciprocated.
“Let’s not dwell on the past, Emma. I didn’t dump him; he was always so cold to me. I couldn’t take it anymore, so I left.”
“Why did you go looking for him again?” Emma asked
“Well, it seems he’s been in contact with my parents behind my back, even sending them money. I wanted to understand what was going on, so I went to find him.”
If you can’t let go, then stop pretending! Emma thought to herself, comparing Jason to the other man Lisa had mentioned. Jason had always been patient with Lisa’s whims, while she had taken him for granted. Misunderstandings had piled up, leading to their breakup
In contrast, the man Lisa dated now was cold and unfaithful, a true jerk
Emma sighed internally, wondering why their love lives were so tumultuous
“What do you mean by the other man‘ you mentioned?” she asked.
Lisa took a sip of her juice and sighed. “I met a stranger who probably thought I was drunk I mistook him for Jason’s friend and ended up confronting him about Jason’s whereabouts I might have even hurt him a little.”
Emma’s eyes widened. “Walt, you hurt someone? Seriously, can’t you be more careful? Did he call the police?
Lisa’s reckless behavior shocked Emms. She recalled the first time Lisa had met Jason, mistaking him for a peeping tom and giving him a lesson he wouldn’t forget.
No, he was quite gentlemanly and didn’t retaliate. We ended up having dricks together afterward, but nothing else happened.”
“Sounds like you’re having another romantic encounter Isn’t it funny how you attract men in similar ways?” Emma teased.
“Emma, are you making fun of me again? Lisa laughed.
Jason was a man she loved and hated in equal measure. Even after their breakup, he seemed unwilling to let her go, subtly influencing her parents to favor him as their future son–in-law. The thought of her parents‘ words made Lisa grit her teeth in frustration
“You attract men wherever you go! No wonder Jason…”
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With a playful smirk, Emma continued to tease. Despite nearing sixty, their banter felt youthful and lighthearted. The hours flew by, and it wasn’t until the
clock struck eight that they settled the bill and left
Lisa offered to drive Emma home, but Emma mentioned wanting to visit her parents instead, leaving Lisa puzzled. “Why are you going back to the Beacon
Hill community? Aren’t you going to the Back Bay district?”
Emma’s eyes reflected a hidden sadness. I haven’t been home in weeks. I miss Mom and Dad. Plus, I’m leaving with a medical team to support the
western region in a couple of weeks for about a month or two.”
“What? You’re going away for one or two months? Is there no one else at your hospital? Why did they choose you?”
