Page 78 of Family Bonds- Gabriela & Luca

“I really am going to the gym, but you don’t have to.”

“I’ll go,” she said. “Though I need workout clothes. Why don’t you drop me at my place and I’ll get my car. As much fun as we’ve been having, I’m sure you need some space.”

He wasn’t sure if she needed it or was just being considerate enough to give it to him.

She’d be back to work in two days, then they wouldn’t see each other again for ten. He wouldn’t mind spending time with her today and tomorrow, but he was positive she had things to do.

“I’m good, but it might be smart.”

“No reason to rush. I don’t want you getting sick of me. But if we want to meet up for dinner later after the gym, I can return the favor and cook for you. I’ve got laundry to do.”

“Me too,” he said.

“And grocery shopping so I’ve got food before I go back on shift.”

“I get it,” he said. “I’m living the same life as you. Simple means not making these explanations.”

“I know that. I just wasn’t sure if you did or not.”

Because she was more used to the dating life than him.

He got it. He was fine with it too.

Maybe they both could learn from each other.

“Have you ever been in a serious long-term relationship?”

“I’ve been in a long-term relationship, but I’m sure Jack would tell you I wasn’t serious.”

It was the wiggle of her eyebrows that had him laughing. “I like your personality, but we both know you can be and are serious also.”

“True. Maybe I’m taking the easy light thing too far, but I think every relationship needs laughter.”

“Agreed.”

Something he didn’t always have in his marriage.

Thinking back, it wasn’t really his and Zoe’s dynamic.

Maybe early on, but slowly the fun was overtaken by responsibility, wants, dreams, and heartbreak when things didn’t work out the way they’d planned.

“So... are you good with my family knowing that maybe we aren’tonlyfriends?”

“I’m pretty sure the constant time we’ve spent together out in public the past few days gave it away, but sure, it’s all good. Are you thinking of telling people at work?”

“Nope.” She munched on her pancake some. “Like we said, we don’t work the same shifts. No one is going to see us together there. If it comes up, and it will, but we’ll see how long it takes, then we’ll deal with it. Simple, remember?”

“At some point it will stop being simple, Gabriela. Even I know that.”

“And we’ll deal with that when it happens.”

“You don’t have to be this way because of me. I can handle it,” he said, his eyes searching hers.

“Maybe I’m being this way because of me? Did you ever stop to think of that?”

She went back to eating and something told him he wasn’t going to get an explanation to her statement.

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