Page 68 of Luca

Ever since I returned from my trip to find my sister, there's been a shift stretching taut between us, a tension that feels like a storm building on the horizon.

He knows something.

I just don't know exactly what. Or I know and don’t want to face it yet.

"You seem nervous," he observes as we walk through Prague's old town toward the restaurant he selected for dinner.

"Do I? I’m excited to see more of the city."

Another lie. I'm truly scared now.

Every question he asked back at the hotel felt like a trap, each one designed to catch me in an inconsistency I didn't see coming. Questions about past relationships and where I would disappear to if I decided to flee.

As if I would tell him when he’s the one I would be running from.

We arrive at the restaurant and are immediately seated at a table with a view of the river, while all I can think about is how trapped I am.

"Would you care for wine?" Luca asks, already signaling the sommelier.

"Please."

I need a drink stronger than wine to steady my nerves, something to help me think clearly about how to navigate whatever game he's playing.

Because it is a game now, I'm sure of it.

A careful dance where he's trying to catch me in lies and I'm trying to maintain a fiction that's becoming harder to sustain with every passing hour.

"The Czech Republic has some excellent wines," the sommelier tells us. "Perhaps something local to enhance your Prague experience?"

"My wife has been looking forward to trying authentic Czech cuisine," Luca says. "She's very interested in experiencing local culture."

"Wonderful. We have several regional specialties that pair beautifully with our wine selection."

As the sommelier describes various options, I find myself nodding and smiling while my mind races. Luca's comment about experiencing local culture felt pointed, like he was referring to something specific. But what could he know about my afternoon? Could Luca have somehow tracked me down?

The thought makes my stomach clench with terror.

"You’re pale," Luca observes after the sommelier leaves. "Are you feeling all right?"

"Just a little tired. The traveling is catching up with me, I think."

"Of course. It's been quite a journey so far."

"But worth it. Prague is beautiful."

"It is. Very atmospheric. The kind of city that feels different depending on which neighborhoods you explore."

I nod, trying to look appropriately touristy and impressed. "I'd love to see more of the authentic areas tomorrow. Places where locals actually go, not just the tourist attractions."

"That's very adventurous of you. Most people prefer to stick to the safe, well-known areas when they're new in a foreign country."

"Well, I'm with you. I feel safe enough to explore."

The first course arrives, an elaborate soup that I'm sure is delicious but tastes like cardboard in my mouth. I'm too nervous to eat, too focused on monitoring every word that comes out of my mouth to enjoy the meal.

"Tell me about your day," I say, trying to shift the focus away from me. "How were your business calls?"

"Productive. I was able to resolve some issues with our shipping operations, confirm new partnerships."