“You’re the most important person in my life, mom. That’s not going to change.”
“Well … At least find someone who can give me grandchildren then,” her mom teased, trying to relieve the tension.
Amanda laughed and dried her face. “Grandchildren, huh?”
“A boy and a girl … More is better.”
“Geez mom, you’d better stick around to help me with them then.”
She offered Amanda a warm, broad smile. “I intend to.”
Amanda was smiling and found it hard to stop. “You really think he likes me?”
“I do.”
“What if it doesn’t work?”
“It might not.”
“I guess that’s the whole point of dating, right?” Amanda reasoned.
“Exactly,” her mom agreed. “Enjoy your time with Viktor. Don’t be afraid to let him know you care.”
“Okay.”
“I’m sorry I made you cry.”
“It’s okay. I’ll return the favor someday,” Amanda warned.
Her mom laughed. “Keep me posted.”
“Will do. Night mom.”
“Goodnight sweetheart.”
Amanda splashed some water on her face before heading to Viktor’s room for tea. The conversation with her mother replayed in her mind as Viktor opened his door and invited her inside. There was a room service cart with a teakettle, fruit, cheese and a small assortment of pastries.
“You went all out,” Amanda observed, wondering why she was at all surprised.
“I was a little hungry,” Viktor tried to fluff it off.
Amanda picked up one of the pastries as she walked over to the table to sit down. Viktor brought over the plate of food and set it on the table. He then served Amanda tea before pouring some for himself. He sat down across from her and picked at the fruit.
“What should we do tomorrow?” Amanda asked.
Viktor smiled. “Whatever you want to do.”
With her mother’s words ringing in her head, she replied, “Surely there’s something you want to do.”
“Would you like to watch the sunrise again?”
“Is that what you want to do?” she asked.
Viktor found her questions curious. It almost felt like an interrogation and he wasn’t sure why that was. He leaned back in his chair and looked her over, trying to make sense of her demeanor which seemed … tense? No, guarded.
“We will do whatever you want to do,” he answered.
“You were already going to be here before you knew that I was. Surely you had some plans for this week before you met me?”
Her line of questioning began to worry him. He wasn’t sure where she was going with it and worried whether his response could be his undoing.
“Amanda. I have not been saving 3 years for this trip. I just happened to be here. This is not my first time in Italy, nor is it likely to be my last,” he replied calmly.
Amanda felt silly for trying to trip him up. His response made perfect sense and she berated herself for listening to her mother’s reasoning that he was only doing what she wanted to do because he liked her. “I’m sorry. I just thought maybe you had something you wanted to do.”
“If I’m being honest, everything you want to do, is what I also want to do,” he said.
She finally relaxed and leaned back in her seat. “I would love to watch the sunrise again.”
A wide smile grew on his face. “Good.”
“But I’ll be ready this time.”
“We’ll see,” he teased. “What kind of things do you want to do in Rome? Might be best to book any tours a few days in advance.”
"Do you think that's necessary?"
"I booked the gondola ride 3 days ago, or else we might not have been able to get one," he admitted.
"Oh … I guess some advance planning is necessary." She thought for a couple minutes and replied, “I want to see the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, Pantheon. And of course if you know of any good spots to catch the sunrise or sunset, I’m game for that.”
“Sounds perfect. Would you like me to book a few tours?”
"That would be nice, if you don't mind doing that," Amanda agreed.
"I will make the arrangements."
“Where are you off to after Rome?” she asked. “Do you get to go home?”
“Ah, no. My next stop is Germany. I have to close a deal there. Might take a week or two. There are a few things to work out in negotiations.”
“After that?”
“After that, I will fly home.”
“How long is the flight?”
“In the air, maybe 12 hours.”
“Ouch. With layover?”
“Usually adds a few hours. Sometimes overnight.”
“Where would that be?” she asked.
“Depends. Where would you like it to be?” he asked with a mischievous grin.
“Oh, like I have any control over your layover,” she laughed, trying still to deny that her mother was right.
His grin faded into a soft smile. “You could have a lot of control if you wanted.”
The tone of the conversation had suddenly turned serious and Amanda didn’t know how to respond. Her stomach was in knots and her hands started to shake. She could no longer say that her mother was wrong because his meaning was not unclear.
“What … What are you saying, Viktor?” she asked as she forced herself to look at him. He looked so confident and relaxed while she felt so nervous she feared she might pass out or throw up.
Viktor watched the change in her demeanor with avid fascination. She looked petrified and he wanted to put her at ease so he replied, “Are we not friends?”
“We are.”
“Can I not stop in Boston to see my friend?”
“Is that what I am? Your friend?”
“Yes,” he answered.
“Nothing more?” she then asked, leaving him no wriggle room.
Silence filled the room as Viktor tried to read her to know how he should respond. He couldn’t tell if the truth would please or terrify her.
“How should I answer that?” he asked.
“Truthfully,” she answered without hesitation.
“Truthfully …” he chuckled nervously as he looked away, trying to build the courage for his next words. He then looked her in the eyes and replied, “You are much more to
