Chapter 45

Incessantly, Luis watched the snow fall, though the frigid conditions didn't dampen the exhilaration. At long last, he'd spoken with Sabrina, and though brief, the conversation went well. Meanwhile, he tried to unwind, sifting photographs, until Sabrina's call came as promised.

"Hey there." she greeted, encased in a favored Afghan.

"I missed that smile."

Sniggering, she sheltered her face.

"I bet you did."

"A lot's happened."

Slowly, her eyes lifted.

"I know."

"I assume you know about Karen and Lyndsey?"

"Among other things."

Largely, Luis wasn't surprised, knowing she and Tatum spoke often. Except that Sabrina's expressions and tone of voice indicated more.

"Alex and Karen?"

"Uh-huh..." she murmured. "However, isn't that what you wanted?"

Settling, he hesitated.

"I'm happy for them, though it's not what matters."

"That doesn't sound like you."

Per usual, she didn't appear sheltered, but varying faces often revealed an inner angst. Nevertheless, he worked to keep Sabrina focused on the intimacies of their relationship.

"I can't stop thinking about you."

"Me either."

For the most part, sentiments felt genuine, so Sabrina frequently recalled their final moments together.

"I remember that kiss."

That said, Luis displayed the last picture of them taken together.

"I can't believe you have that."

Inevitably, he grinned.

"A reminder, hoping I'd see you again."

Suddenly, Sabrina pouted and recoiled.

"You won't..." she admitted. "Because it's better that way."

Out of thin air, Luis remembered Tatum's confession, and aimed to inquire about Jennifer, despite the repercussions.

"Who's Jennifer Brie?"

As expected, Sabrina cringed, knowing Tatum had talked. And yet, she wasn't furious, because now that he knew, they could discuss it.

"Someone I can't explain."

"Meaning?"

Uncertain, she cleared her throat.

"I don't know what's going on, but there's something between us..." she continued. "Something spiritual."

Luis adjusted and clasped his hands together.

"Sabrina, I need to know."

"If I'm telling the truth?"

"Yes."

Settling, she again paused.

"The truth is, I don't have an answer."

Time and again, he agonized, knowing she'd struggled with inexplicable moods and significant personal transitions. On that ground, he didn't push, believing it'd upset her.

"I left when things got heated..." she clarified. "It was me or you, who knows, but you deserve better."

"Are you sure about that?"

"I'm not sure about anything - except how much I care about you..." she added. "Secondly, that kiss meant a lot, and I haven't forgotten it."

"Me either..." Luis answered. "However, I'm surprised I did it, seeing how I'm not usually that forward."

Sabrina giggled.

"It's all right; I forgive you..." she joked. "As to the rest, things are different, and we have to accept it."

He smirked, pondering.

"If things could change, would you be receptive to it?"

Sure enough, she appeared baffled.

"I don't understand."

Eagerly, he smiled.

"You will."