Love Without Borders Read online

  They arrived at the airport, and Val drove up to the departures area, avoiding the taxis and vans dropping off passengers. Adam seemed to be stalling before he got out. She could see the smile on his face as he talked about ESAG and how he started his work with them. Val was fine letting Adam lead the conversation; she wasn’t one to volunteer too much about herself to strangers anyway.

  After Val helped Adam with his bags, he paused and looked at her sincerely.

  “Thanks for the ride. I hope that you decide to come along with us on the May trip. I’m hoping John will come along, too. It will amaze you. Seeing the projects is always more exciting than it sounds,” said Adam.

  “I’m seriously considering it,” said Val.

  “Please do. If you have any questions, just let me know,” Adam said. He pulled a business card and pen out of his messenger bag. He started writing on the card. “You can email me, but I’m not as quick on email as I am on text. My cell phone number is on the back. Text me anytime.” He gave a little smile and walked into the terminal with his bags.

  Val looked at the card. Text him anytime? That sounded above and beyond normal business protocol, but she was pleased. She was quite taken with the idea of going to Rwanda on Adam’s trip. She was glad that she got to spend this little extra time driving him to the airport. She was interested in the trip, and to be honest, she was intrigued by Adam, too.

  Soon after Val returned to work, John popped his head into her office.

  “Did Adam get off to the airport ok?” John asked.

  “Yes. What a fascinating project,” said Val. “I admit that I’m quite curious about it. Adam mentioned you were thinking of going on the trip to Rwanda in May. Are you?”

  “Yes and no. I would love to go, but May is a bad time for me to travel, and it’s a long trip—two weeks. I’m not sure Laura would be happy about me going for that long,” said John. Oh yes, Laura. John’s new wife was quite the looker, but also quite emotionally needy. Blonde, young, and beautiful, she was the high-maintenance trophy wife that successful men seemed drawn to. Having just celebrated their one-year anniversary, John was still in the honeymoon phase of his marriage.

  “True. Adam suggested that I go on the trip. Frankly, I’m thinking about it,” said Val. “I’ve been looking for a new place to explore, and Adam’s presentation really grabbed me.”

  “That would be fantastic!” said John. “I’ve been looking to get more involved with the DC chapter of ESAG, and this could be helpful. It would be a big step for our business to send someone to Rwanda in support of this project. Let’s talk more about it later, okay?”

  “Sounds good,” said Val. John left her office, and she set about finishing her work for the day.

  That evening, Val called Bri to talk over this new development.

  “You’ll never believe what happened today, Bri,” said Val.

  “Did you meet someone?” she asked excitedly.

  “Sort of. You know how I’ve been going on and on about needing more adventure and excitement? I took your advice to heart and decided to make it happen. Just pick somewhere exotic and go,” said Val.

  “That’s great! I’m so glad. I think it will make you feel much better. Get a little more control over things,” said Bri.

  “So, I was researching places to go, and I was contemplating someplace off the beaten path in Asia or Africa. I’ve never been to either. They are about as exotic as you can get, and I’m sure there are amazing adventures to be had there. Then we had a meeting at work today…”

  “What happened at the meeting?” asked Bri. Val could feel her best friend suck in and hold her breath.

  “John called a staff meeting, and we were all scared it was something terrible like layoffs. Instead, a guy from Engineers Serving Across the Globe came to talk about a project in Rwanda to build wells and water pumps. John has been involved with the DC chapter of ESAG and wanted Adam to tell us about the project so Anderson can get more involved,” said Val.

  “Adam. I like the sound of that. Was he tall, dark, and handsome?”

  “Bri, stop it. Adam is very knowledgeable and passionate about this project. I admit that I was fascinated. It sounds like an amazing thing. He’s taking a team of people to Rwanda next month to see the projects.”

  “That sounds perfect,” said Bri. “Will John give you the time off?”

  “I don’t know that I’m going yet. John asked me to take Adam to the airport, and we spent the ride talking about the trip and how Adam got involved with ESAG. I’m really tempted,” said Val. “It almost seems too perfect. Here I am looking for excitement and now there’s a trip to Africa dropped in my lap. Seems crazy.”

  “Oh, stop worrying. Think of it as kismet and go for it. You’re the one who wants adventure,” said Bri. “Maybe this trip falling into your lap and you saying yes is just the risk you need to take right now. How bad could it be?”

  “True. I’ve not gone to anyplace quite so remote as rural Africa, but it would be out-of-the-box. I would certainly scratch my travel itch with this.”

  “I think you should do it. Take the risk. Fly off with tall, dark, and handsome Adam.”

  “I never said Adam was tall, dark, or handsome,” said Val.

  “No, but you didn’t say he wasn’t either. I know you. I can hear it in your voice that he’s at least a little attractive. Do it. Seriously, just do it,” said Bri. “I’ve got to go get ready for a date with Fritz. Those Friday plans did end up coming true. We’re off to a new bar downtown.”

  “I’m happy for you. Have fun!”

  After Val hung up the phone, she went about the weekend as she usually did, except now she couldn’t get the idea of the Rwanda trip out of her head. When she volunteered at the food bank on Saturday morning, each bag of food that someone picked up reminded Val of the new foods she could be trying in Rwanda.

  The afternoon cleaning her apartment, buying groceries, and fitting in a yoga class made her think of how different everyday life would be like in Africa. She wouldn’t be living a routine there. She didn’t even know what kind of place she would be staying or how the days would go. That afternoon, a package arrived for her and she wasted no time in tearing it open and diving into the two guidebooks. She started with the one on Africa.

  When Sunday finally rolled around, she went to church with her mom and, afterward, grabbed lunch at a favorite café of theirs. Val broke from her traditional order and got something new. Her mom gave her a funny look, but she ignored it as she enjoyed eggs in a new way.

  “What is going on with you?” Val’s mom jokingly asked. Val smiled.

  “I’m just trying to get back to my wild child roots,” she said. “One breakfast order at a time,” she added in jest, lifting her fork dramatically before popping it in her mouth.

  “Ah yes, I remember those days. You shaved your head that one time just for kicks. Are you planning on doing that again?”

  “No, but I’ve got other plans. I’m trying to spice things up again. I’m not ready to be settled into a forever routine. In fact, I’ve got an opportunity to go on a trip to Africa!” Val told her mom all the details about ESAG and the project in Rwanda. She mentioned Adam and how John wanted the office to be more involved with ESAG.

  “That sounds exciting all right,” replied Nan. “It would be outside of the box, just make sure you do all your homework first.” They continued talking as they finished lunch and headed their separate ways. Val used the rest of the afternoon to read more of the Africa guidebook, learning about the different countries and landmarks from the couch in her comfy clothes.

  After fixing herself some dinner and catching up on TV, Val got ready for bed with the Rwanda trip still on her mind. What was holding her back from saying yes? ESAG was a reputable organization. She looked them up online and read some amazing stories about the work they do around the world. John was very involved in the local chapter, so that was another point in ESAG’s favor. It would be a little odd traveling w
ith her boss on the trip if he decided to go, but it sounded like he was most likely opting out. No, this was exactly what she was looking for.

  Val decided to take the next little step. She couldn’t get the idea of the trip out of her head. If she couldn’t eat this elephant of a decision in one bite, she could at least nibble on the edges. She took a chance that 10 pm on a Sunday night wasn’t too late to text Adam.

  Hi, Adam. It’s Val.

  As she waited for a text back, she felt a little silly. She should have waited until tomorrow morning. Yet, she told herself this was more practical than trying to text Adam when he’d most likely be in meetings all day.

  Hi, Val. What’s up?

  Just wanted to get more info from you about the trip. Price? How do I sign up if I decide to go?

  No problem. Let me email you the trip info tomorrow.

  That would be great. Thanks!

  I hope you do decide to go.

  I’m definitely leaning that direction. Just out of curiosity, where are you?

  Dallas. In my hotel room after a long day. Want to know what I’m wearing? ;)

  Val’s eyes widened. That got awkward quickly. She didn’t mean for this text stuff to turn personal. Or was he just messing with her? Having talked with him for all of one car ride, she didn’t have a handle on his sense of humor.

  Uh, no. Thanks for the info. I’ll look for the email in the morning.

  Val wasn’t sure how to take his texts, so she just took them at face value. It was hard to tell inflection over text and she didn’t want to assume he had romantic intentions. But she smiled thinking that he might.

  Chapter 5

  Once she got to work, she found Adam’s email waiting for her in her inbox. It had all the ESAG forms and info on how to sign up for the trip. She could definitely afford the fees, and with John’s encouragement yesterday, she felt sure that she could get the time off; after all, it was partly a work trip.

  Val wasted a little work time surfing the internet for more information about Rwanda. What was it like there? She was curious about every little detail from what she might eat to the sights to the weather.

  Val thought about Adam and wondered how his trip was going. She pictured him leading important meetings and giving his presentation in front of fascinated people. While she was imagining his Dallas interactions, her phone buzzed.

  Did you get the email with the trip info?

  Yep. Thanks for the additional info. I’d say I’m about 90% committed at this point.

  Anything else I can say to get you to agree to come along?

  Val wasn’t sure if this was Adam trying to make a sales pitch for the trip or if he truly wanted her to come along. He didn’t come across as “sales-y” in his presentation and during the car ride, so maybe she was just reading into his texts.

  Just thinking it over. It’s a big decision. How is Dallas?

  Good. Lots of meetings. In Dallas until Wednesday, then NYC. Next week is Chicago and then a vacation.

  Vacation sounds fun. What do you have planned?

  Actually nothing. ESAG sort of told me I needed to take a break while I was stateside to avoid burnout.

  I’m a big believer in vacation time, texted Val, feeling a little hypocritical. She hadn’t taken many days at all since her Paris trip over a year ago. She did believe in vacation and travel, but she just wasn’t living it—yet.

  I agree in theory, but I find that I get absorbed so much in work that I forget to take one.

  You should visit family. Or friends. I bet your girlfriend would love some face time.

  Val could just imagine Adam’s girlfriend. Someone tall and blond. Willowy and clever. She would be smart and worldly with a slight attitude. Val chuckled at that.

  No girlfriend. Tough to keep one when traveling between the US and Rwanda. Time differences and unreliable internet make long-distance pretty impossible.

  Val smiled at his lack of girlfriend. Perhaps she could change that?

  What about visiting family?

  Maybe, but I need to keep it short. Not everyone loves that I live in Rwanda and work for a nonprofit when I could be making the big bucks in engineering.

  Val nodded in understanding. Her mom could be a little opinionated about her life, too. Yeah, family can be stressful. My mom is hoping for grandchildren, which she mentions all the time. Have to have a relationship for that to happen.

  Val smacked her forehead, embarrassed by her oversharing. She was getting too comfortable with texting Adam. She was already starting to volunteer things about herself. If she got any more obvious, she might as well just throw herself at him in person.

  There are always friends, texted Val. I’m sure you can find something fun to do. Got to get back to work now.

  Later.

  That afternoon, Val’s phone buzzed again. She glanced at the text, surprised to find she was hoping it was Adam. She smiled when she saw it was.

  Headed out of Dallas to NYC. What are you up to?

  Nothing much. Work, home, exercise, repeat. Have fun in NYC.

  NYC is not my kind of town. Everything is too tall and everyone is in too big of a hurry. Makes me miss Rwanda. People follow a slower pace and take the time to get to know each other there.

  Yeah, I’m not a NY fan either. I love DC. It feels much more manageable but still has big city excitement and things to do.

  I’ve only passed through DC a couple of times. Sounds like a nice city.

  Well, next time you’re in town, let me know. I can show you a few of my favorite spots.

  Val looked down at the text she just sent. Did she just offer to show him around town? She was surprised. Clearly, she felt more comfortable with Adam than she was letting on, even to herself

  I might have to take you up on that, Adam texted.

  She blushed when she read his response. Chances were slim that he’d ever take her up on her offer, right? How often could he come to DC?

  Cool. Meetings going well?

  Yes. Lots of interest in the project and a handful of new donors. Can’t ask for more than that.

  Good job. Getting excited about your vacation?

  Not really. Talked with my mom and, other than a quick visit there, still have to plan something. Anything.

  What about friends? Surely, you’ve got some guys to hang out with.

  To be honest, not really. Spending most of my time in Rwanda makes it tough to keep in contact. Besides, I’m not the best with relationships. Even in Rwanda, I can be a bit of a loner.

  Val could relate. If it weren’t for Bri and the girls, Val’s life would be a lot less fun. She was lucky that the girls made friendship and keeping in touch easy. She made the effort when it came to Bri and the girls, but a lot of the time Val benefitted from the outgoing nature and planning skills of the group. Val didn’t start or plan much, but she was always happy to go along. She texted back.

  Yeah, I’m not great at them either. Other than with my close friends, I’m not good at maintaining contact.

  Sometimes I feel the closest to staff in Rwanda than anyone here. But that’s usually a working relationship, not people to get a beer with and discuss life issues. Now that I’ve been a total downer, I’m off to check in for my flight.

  You’re not a downer. Have a good flight. Talk to you soon.

  Val realized with a start that she did want to talk to him soon. Their texting had made her think about Adam more than she expected. She wondered if they had more in common. She had enjoyed their brief chats about family and work, and she looked forward to hearing from him. His comments about relationships made her think that he was opening up to her as she was to him. Maybe it was all too comfortable talking online, but when would she possibly see him again?

  Val felt that the time had come for her to decide about the Rwanda trip. She couldn’t stop thinking about it all week. Reading the guidebook to Africa that she bought online had only intrigued her more. If she was serious about returning to her adventurous
roots, this would be the perfect opportunity. If she didn’t take this chance, what chance would she take?

  She decided to go for it. It was time to get back to being her old self, the self that she wanted to be. As soon as she made the decision, a big smile spread across her face. This felt right. This felt like what she needed to do right now. She would break out of her routines in the most dramatic way possible, traveling halfway around the world to a place that was utterly foreign to her. This would be a new experience with a capital N and capital E.

  Val texted Bri to tell her the decision.

  Hey. Just wanted to let you know that I’ve decided to go on the trip.

  Yay! I’m so glad. I think this is great for you. Just what you need.

  It’s funny that it took me so long to decide, but I’m excited. It feels right.

  I know you. Sometimes you decide things in your own sweet time. If I thought pushing you would have helped, I would have been bombarding you from the moment you mentioned it.

  Haha. Guess I should let Adam know I’m going and get the paperwork started. Never been so ready to fill out papers!

  The handsome Adam. Is it wrong that I’m hoping you two run off into the sunset in Rwanda together?

  Bri! That’s not what this trip is about. I hardly know the man.

  Yes, but you could get to know him better. Way better, if you catch my drift.

  Later, Bri.

  Val laughed at Bri. That girl had a one-track mind that focused on men and riding off into the sunset with those men. Val didn’t let on that seeing Adam was a bonus of the trip though, whether or not the sunset part came true.

  Chapter 6

  Val emailed Adam about going on the trip. It was short and sweet but to the point.

  I’m definitely in. I’ll work on my paperwork now and get it back to you soon, she wrote.

  She began filling out the paperwork. There was an application, some health forms, a background questionnaire, visa forms, and detail requests so ESAG could book her a flight. She was so set on going and excited about the decision that she spent all afternoon working on the paperwork. Some of the questions took searching through her own files and others required her to text her mom to ask about things like vaccinations. This was serious preparation.