A Second Chance at First Love - Chapter 16

When Gemma returned several moments later, she appeared to be deep in thought.

"Everything all right?" Louis asked. "You appear somewhat dazed."

"I guess I am," she answered, retaking the chair she'd left moments ago.

"What did your mom have to say?" Even as he asked, Louis wasn't entirely sure he wanted to know the answer. By the expression on Gemma's face, something had significantly changed since she'd spoken to her mom.

Gemma blinked twice before refocusing on him. "It appears she's been in touch with one of my old professors from Berklee."

"Oh?"

"Ma says he's agreed to work with me one-on-one in Boston until I reach the level I was at before the accident. He's predicting it will take months. If not even longer."

Louis felt his gut tightening as he listened. He couldn't remain in New England indefinitely. He had hundreds of employees back home who depended on him for their livelihood.

He should have seen this coming, should have known that Addie wouldn't be sitting around patiently waiting for nature to take its course with her daughter's predicament. Still, he felt blindsided. Maybe it had been wishful thinking on his part, but this entire time he'd thought he and Gemma were moving closer together toward a path back home as a couple.

He realized now just how much he'd taken for granted.

Gemma sounded nervous when she spoke. "Ma also mentioned informing my manager about the development.”

Louis did his best not to react.

Gemma continued, “Apparently, she was very surprised that I was thinking of studying again. It appears that I told her I would be taking a break from music altogether.” She paused, bit her bottom lip. “You never mentioned that.”

Louis released a deep sigh. “I had to make sure that if you made the same decision again, it wouldn’t be due to any influence on my part. You were already so confused after the accident.” She had to understand. Such a monumental decision had to be hers alone to make. Just as with the current choice.

Gemma nodded slowly. “I see. Then I guess I’d just like to know what you think I should do now.”

What he thought was that accepting this offer would be the first step toward the dissolution of their marriage. That even if he flew up to see her as often as feasibly possible, they were bound to drift apart if they had to spend most of their days on separate continents. Even strong, established unions often didn't survive long-distance scenarios. Gemma didn't even remember who her husband was, for heaven's sake.

But he couldn't say any of those things. Because one main question hammered in his brain: Would he be able to live with himself if he denied her this opportunity for his own selfish reasons?

But how was he supposed to live without her back home?

"Louis?" she asked after he remained silent at her question.

He took her hand in his and began to tell her the last words he wanted to say. "I think it's too good an opportunity to pass up if you want to regain your full musical abilities."