Page 26 of Love Again

"Great, let me grab my sweater and we can go."

It was nice being able to walk to the restaurant. In Porto, I'd walked to most places and only driven when it was necessary. With the slight spring chill in the air, it was a perfect evening for a stroll.

The restaurant was on the riverside, so we followed the pedestrian path between the buildings toward the river. I hadn't had a chance to explore the surroundings yet and look at the architecture of this newly developed part of the city.

"This area has changed so much. I still remember when it was an old shipyard, and look at it now, full of homes and green areas. The Expo '98 was the best thing that happened to Lisbon."

"I agree. I remember seeing it on TV. The first time I visited this area was just after I moved to Lisbon."

"You're not from here?"

"No."

The question flew out of my mouth before I had a chance to censor myself, but now I had no doubt that whatever put all the sadness in Tiago's eyes had to do with his family, and fuck if I couldn't relate to that.

He stayed silent as we walked by the river, and it wasn't until we arrived at the restaurant that some light returned to his eyes.

"You're going to love this place."

"I know."

He looked at me, surprise written all over his face.

"I'm here for the company," I said.

A small blush appeared under the collar of his shirt. I wanted nothing more than to kiss that neck and see how far down the shade of pink went.

It was becoming harder and harder to deny my attraction to Tiago, and it would only be a matter of time until I did something about it.

The Vasco Da Gama Bridge in my line of sight reminded me of the wise words Sebastião left me with. There was nothing stopping me from visiting the old side of the bridge while I figured out why I was so attracted to the new side.

Tiago's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Vítor?"

"Yes?"

"When was the last time you went to the zoo?"