(POV: Leo)
The funny thing about traveling is that no matter how much I try to make it a quiet, uneventful experience, something always happens.
The airport terminal was quieter than expected. It was late evening, and the steady hum of conversations blended with the occasional announcement over the speakers. I had already checked in, my carry-on resting by my feet as I scrolled through my phone, waiting for boarding to start.
The rhythmic hum of the airplane engines had always been something of a comfort. A low, steady sound that signified movement, distance, a shift in scenery. As I gazed out the window at the endless sky, a familiar thought crossed my mind—how different the world looked when you weren't bound to a single place. The soft chime of the intercom brought me out of my thoughts.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we'll be landing shortly. Please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for arrival."
Another trip, another place. This time, it was Florence.
The airport was busy as always, filled with the usual mix of weary travelers and excited tourists. I navigated through the crowd with practiced ease, retrieving my bag and stepping outside into the cool afternoon air. There was something refreshing about arriving in a city where no one knew you. A different rhythm, a different set of sounds—horns honking in the distance, snippets of conversation in Italian, the subtle aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread from a nearby café.
Then, my phone buzzed. A familiar name flashed on the screen.
Sophia Calling…
I sighed and picked up.
"Where are you?"
A direct interrogation, as expected.
"Outside."
"We KNOW that. Where exactly are you right now, and don't bother responding vaguely with 'Somewhere'. We know you are not in city." Ava jabbed.
Well not much I can do, so I just gave up and answered honestly."Florence."
There was silence. Then, an exaggerated gasp, followed by frantic whispering. In the background, Ava's voice could be heard. "Did he just say Florence? As in, Italy?"
Sophia was back. "Why are you in Florence?"
"Visiting."
"Visiting who?"
"No one in particular."
Ethan's voice chimed in this time. "You don't just 'casually' visit Florence, Leo."
I glanced around the lively streets. "Apparently, I do."
More whispering. Then, Ava sighed. "At this point, I don't know why I even ask."
"Want a tour?" I offered lazily.
A collective "Yes!" rang through the phone.
I switched to video call and angled my camera to show the city around me. The warm hues of old buildings, the stone-paved streets, the lively chatter of people passing by. I turned towards a nearby café, its outdoor seating filled with locals enjoying their afternoon espresso.
Then, I heard footsteps approaching.
"Leo?"
A familiar voice. I turned my head. And there, standing just a few feet away, was Lena Hartley.
The actress. The same one from months ago.
I blinked. "Oh. Hey."
On the screen, my friends had frozen. I could see their expressions shifting from confusion to disbelief.
"Wait. Wait. WAIT." Sophia practically shrieked. "IS THAT LENA HARTLEY?"
Ava was already screaming. Ethan, meanwhile, simply gawked. "What. The. Hell."
Lena, now thoroughly amused, glanced at my phone. "Are those your friends?"
"Unfortunately."
"Excuse you!" Sophia shouted. "Explain! Right now!"
Lena smirked. "Leo and I met before. Small world, huh?"
Ava was still shrieking. "YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT YOU MEANT THAT COMMENT?!"
Leo sighed and turned the camera back to the scenery, ignoring their breakdowns. "Moving on."
Lena chuckled. "You're as unbothered as ever. Are you touring the city?"
"Something like that."
She glanced at her watch. "I just wrapped up my shoot. If you don't mind company, I'd love to explore a bit."
I shrugged. "Fine by me."
Ava let out another dramatic gasp. "THIS ISN'T NORMAL."
I ignored them and ended the call.
After that I got a text. 'Don't forget to send pictures later.'
---
We strolled through the cobblestone streets, the city buzzing with energy. The warm afternoon light bathed the old buildings in a golden hue, the scent of baked pastries lingering in the air. Florence had a way of making time feel slower, yet alive.
"So, do you travel often?" Lena asked, sipping on an espresso from a small café we had stopped by.
I nodded. "Every now and then."
She studied me for a moment. "You don't seem like the type to randomly get involved in things, but somehow, you do."
I gave a noncommittal shrug. "Coincidence."
She laughed. "Right. Just like how you 'accidentally' ended up advising actors on a script?"
I took a sip of my coffee. "They asked. I answered."
Lena shook her head in amusement. "Well, you certainly have a way of standing out while acting like you're blending in."
We wandered toward the Ponte Vecchio, the famed bridge lined with jewelry shops. It was crowded, tourists admiring the view of the Arno River below.
Lena leaned against the stone railing, looking out at the water. "You know, people would probably kill to travel as often as you do."
I hummed in response.
"You don't post anything about it, though." She tilted her head. "You don't really like attention, do you?"
I glanced at the river, the reflection of the sky shimmering on its surface. "Not particularly."
She smirked. "And yet, attention seems to find you."
I didn't bother arguing. She wasn't wrong.
By the time we reached the piazza, the sun had begun to set, casting the city in deep amber tones. We found a small trattoria tucked away in a quieter street. The kind of place that didn't make it onto tourist lists but was filled with locals, a sure sign of authenticity.
The waiter brought out a selection of dishes—pasta, grilled meats, fresh bread with olive oil.
Lena took a bite and let out a pleased sigh. "This is incredible."
I nodded, already savoring the rich flavors.
"So, what's the best meal you've had while traveling?" she asked.
I considered for a moment. "There was this one street vendor in Vietnam. Made the best pho I've ever had."
She leaned in with interest. "Really? What made it so good?"
"The broth. Perfect balance of flavors. You could tell it had been simmered for hours."
She grinned. "You really know your food."
I simply nodded.
We continued talking, the conversation flowing with ease. It was strange, how natural it felt—just enjoying a meal, sharing stories. The world felt distant yet close in moments like these.
As we walked back toward the main streets, the city lights flickering on, Lena suddenly glanced at me. "You ever think about settling in one place?"
I thought about it. "Not really."
She nodded as if she understood. "Well, if you ever do, let me know."
We parted ways near the plaza. As she walked off, she turned back briefly. "See you around, traveler."
I watched her disappear into the crowd before turning back to the city, the night settling in around me.
Another place, another memory. And somehow, I knew this wouldn't be the last.
With a quiet exhale, I walked forward, disappearing into the streets of Florence.
___
End of Chapter 10.