Chapter 20

Chapter Twenty

Raffa: I made it to Boston, how are you?

Meadow: I heard you left. You didn't even wait a day to do so.

Raffa: Listen, this is important. I know you don't understand why I'm doing it, but it has to be done.

Meadow: Sure, do what you've got to do, but I hope you don't come back because of a second heart attack or . . . you know.

Raffa: I'm going to maintain my healthy style.

Meadow: Not my problem anymore. In fact, I don't know why I care about your health. It's not like we're anything, we're not even friends.

Raffa: Ouch, that hurts.

Meadow: What do you want me to say?

Raffa: I thought we were friends. I care about you. Not, not only do I care about you. I'm falling in love with you, Meadow and you doing this . . . treating me like some stranger that's just bothering you is not sitting well with me.

Meadow: You're what?

Raffa: Hurt.

Meadow: No, that thing you said about more than caring?

Raffa: Falling in love?

Meadow: Yeah, that thing.

Raffa: Well, I do, I'm falling for you and that's why I'm here.

Meadow: Because you're trying to avoid another failed relationship?

Raffa: Funny, but no. I'm trying to put my old life in order so I can start a new one. I don't know where this, us, is going, but I'm going to try my damn best to make it work for us.

Meadow: By going back to Boston?

Raffa: Yes, I'm selling my firm, my properties and making sure that my parents are set before I leave.

Meadow: What do you mean set?

Raffa: They've been having financial issues. We bought Dad's company from him, but we never finished setting up a trust fund so they don't end up homeless because they have no idea how to budget.

Meadow: That's nice of you.

Raffa: It's the least I could do for them and I'm trying to get this done before Sinclair and Lavender go on another trip to God knows where to celebrate . . . I don't even know what they're up to this time but they're always out of town.

Meadow: Yeah, Lav is always posting about their trips. I envy her a little.

Raffa: You like to travel.

Meadow: Yeah, mostly to beaches but I enjoy traveling in general.

Raffa: Once I'm back we'll start planning trips.

Meadow: Don't make promises you can't keep.

Raffa: I'm not, I really want this—us—to work out. Please trust me.

Meadow: I . . .

Raffa: I know it's hard for you to trust others, but trust me.

Meadow: I'll try. But promise me you'll take it easy while you're there.

Raffa: Of course I will, not only for you but also for myself. I don't want to die or end up in the hospital with a weak heart again.

Meadow: Okay, when will you be back?

Raffa: I'm not sure but I'll be there soon, promise.