Second Chances and Then Some: A Novel by G.T. London

Author:G.T. London [London, G.T.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mavitae Publishing
Published: 2023-08-29T16:00:00+00:00

When the meeting ends, it’s almost 4:00 p.m. Luke and I are exhausted from the energy spent but also exhilarated by the successful outcome. When we reach King’s Cross, Luke says, “Let’s get out of here and get a celebratory drink.”

And so, we step out of the train and walk through the busy tunnels to St. Pancras.

“The drink’s on me,” he says.

We take the escalator up, and I gasp at the scene. Every time, whichever entrance I use, the main area of the station never fails to take my breath away. It’s crowded with people saying their hellos and goodbyes. Someone plays the piano, and there are art installations, buzzing shops, and cafés. We take the glass elevator up a floor and pass a bronze sculpture of a tall couple embracing each other.

“We’re going to have a glass of champagne at the longest champagne bar in Europe,” Luke says.

What I wished for only a few hours ago is now happening. Every day brings a new surprise.

“Sure,” I manage to say.

We make our way to the bar. In this moment, I’m reminded that life is full of mysterious and powerful forces working together to bring our dreams into reality in ways that are beyond our understanding.

We sit at a table at the bar and order two Bellinis—champagne with fresh peach juice.

“Thank you, Luke. This is an unexpected treat.” I frown a little. “But it’s only four, which means we’re still on the clock.”

“Celebrating success is part of the project. We’ve had a heck of a day, and now we celebrate it.”

I tuck my chin and toss my hair a bit. What am I doing? I must stop this flirting, as I’m still not sure I can trust him.

“Are you okay?” he asks, his tone spicy.

“I’m wonderful, thank you.”

“That’s for sure.”

“Huh?”

Luke smiles and turns toward the bronze statue of the lovers embracing. “That statue is called the Meeting Place.”

“When I see this statue, I think of the romance of travel,” I remark.

“What do you like about the romance of travel?”

His enquiring eyes make me uneasy. It’s as if he can see right through me. Warmth spreads through my body. For a moment, I fear he can sense that my heart is beating faster. His gaze lingers before he breaks the stare, and I take a sip of my champagne, relieved. But this is a peculiar moment—savoring champagne with Luke.

“So, tell me. What do you like about the romance of travel?”

I fix my eyes on the statue. “I love the hugs, goodbye tears, adventure, excitement, rough roads, ups and downs, journeys—and the companionship.”

“Someone likes traveling.” He has a soft expression.

“I love traveling, but I never really got around to doing much of it, aside from moving to the UK. So I guess life didn’t turn out as I’d hoped.”

The hint of disappointment in my voice surprises me. Luke isn’t exactly the type of person I typically have heart-to-heart conversations with.

Luke looks lost in thought, inspecting his glass. “What did you think of our session today?” he asks.

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