Lines of Love; Chapter 5/ Pt 2

Lines of Love; Chapter 5/ Pt 2

Jean/

When we arrived at our hotel it was a breath of relief, the long travel Is over. But not the work I was here for that still lingered on the horizon. Dan seemed fine with everything but I still feel a level of guilt for dragging him here with me, we could have figured us out at any time. And yet I know if he hadn't come with me it would have ended everything for me. Tomorrow's the meetings I had arranged beforehand I just hope Travis will keep his word. To not be consumed by what-ifs and the like, I decide to go out for our dinner tonight. Plus I think Dan will like the food here a lot, it's the least I could do.

Everything felt normal to me like nothing changed by us coming here, we are still distant. Certainly, we have some form of feelings and yet we have a barrier or something we both acknowledge but never cross. I don't mind it but I feel like there's more we could gain if we didn't have such a thing between us. We spent so much time supporting the younger generation that one would think we learned something. The bit we have yet to move from this starting point, how long will this be okay though.

" Deep thinking again, Jean... Thought we were getting away from that."

" Could we even if we wanted, with so many back home waiting. I doubt it would be so simple, but we never cared for simple things."

" You feel it to like some terrible is happening back home... I have been worrying the moment we got on the plane."

" You was more of a father figure than me, at most I was a brother to them... But you are right it feels strange."

Dinner went by casually but we both seemed to have a one-track mind, the ones left back home. What is happening I wonder, will we return to have everything melting down. Neither of us could dismiss those terrible feelings no matter how hard we tried. However, when we got back to our room it was time to call it a day so we can be ready for tomorrow. Another thing that worries me, unknown meeting how do you even prepare for it.

It took some time to sleep but when I did it wouldn't be for long, I was up before five and hours before the scheduled times. Luckily Dan could find sleep he would need it when Travis comes to pick him up for the day. I warned Fan as best I can but I made sure Travis understood clearly. I never trusted that man for all his clever and deceptive talking he was far too smooth. I doubt anything between us was more than sex, but I have been surprised before I guess. After showering I collected my documents and dressed as best I could, I hated this part most. Dressing to impress strangers I'll never know or even care about beyond business. I managed to slip out while Dan was still asleep thankfully I'm hoping to resolve this matter quickly. The sooner we go home the better we both will feel.

Arriving at a large building I could feel how underprepared I was for this situation. But I had no options left before me if I wanted to make my parents proud of what I have accomplished. Since I arrived early I had to wait but it gave me time to review things and reach out. The group chat we all used was dead silent so I posted hoping everything was okay at home. But no response which made me worry so I tried them individually, to my surprise only one responded. Gina sounded fine but was clearly under stress but she was trying so hard not to show it, so I got lost in conversation with her. After an hour or so I heard my name called so it was finally time, I told her ill respond after this.

The meeting room was as expected older gentlemen with an exhausted expression. None of them were happy to see me either way, but that's fine I'm not bothered. I was here by recommendation of Travis anyway so I just needed to present everything I had and hope for a miracle.

"Mr. Jean Estoria is that correct.?"

" Just, Jean please."

" Well, Jean we reviewed everything that Travis sent over. It's a lot more extensive than we were lead to believe... But let's see what we can figure out going forward."

This was business in a pool of sharks I know that but I can't help feeling defeated before we even begin. How far do I go to protect my families legacy and my pride.