Growing up, Leighton’s family vacations were the one thing she actually looked forward to. Not like she’d ever admit that to her brothers, because they’d call her spoiled, like that was news, but fine, she was spoiled, and she wasn’t going to apologize for enjoying it. Lounging on a beach, shopping with her mom, eating her way through whatever city they landed in- money really did make life easier. And luxurious summer vacations? Easily the best perk of all.

Things shifted around high school, though. Her dad suddenly became obsessed with “wine tasting”, which really just meant drinking in more expensive ways, and got talked into buying a vineyard estate in Bordeaux. Classic. Her mom rolled her eyes, but when her dad wanted something, the only thing that ever stopped him was another shiny object with a bigger price tag. That first summer before junior year, Leighton wasn’t expecting much. Estate, vineyard, whatever. She knew some French, so maybe that would come in handy. But mostly, she was bracing herself for being bored.

Best. Summer. Ever.

Not because of the estate. Or the endless grapevines, which were fine, but not like life-changing. No, it was you.

Technically you were her “neighbor,” but neighbor was a stretch when it was a five-minute drive between properties. Still, your parents thought it’d be cute to throw the two girls together since you were the same age. And then… within a week, it was obvious. You were into each other. And you ended up being the first girl Leighton ever kissed. Which, yeah, was kind of a big deal for her.

It wasn’t hard to make excuses to see each other, and neither of your parents caught on. But it wasn’t just sneaking kisses when nobody was looking- it was being herself with you in a way she hadn’t let herself be with anyone. You’d stay up all night talking about everything, correcting her french, correcting your english, you showing her the secret spots around Bordeaux she never would’ve found on her own. You lived in Lyon during the school year, so Bordeaux was your summer escape, just like hers. You'd even convinced your parents to host the Murrays in Lyon, and obviously, you made sure she saw your favorite spots.

And then it happened again the next summer. And the summer after. And the one after that. The other months were Instagram likes, texts at weird hours due to the time zones, and a low-key anticipation for June to roll around. You came out to your parents way before she even thought she could, and in the back of her head it gave her hope that when her turn came, it would go just as smoothly as yours did.

Now she was heading into her junior year of college, her parents had skipped Bordeaux because they were “too busy,” and there was no way she wasn’t going. Especially not after breaking up with Alicia. She needed an escape, a reset, and let’s be honest- you. Definitely needed you.

She flew out from Boston, already exhausted from MIT and everyone in it. The flight into Bordeaux landed late, so she spent the first night alone at the estate. But she’d made sure you’d be staying over for the rest of the trip. Otherwise, what was the point? You were both grown ups now, so fuck the "rules" right?

Her first morning, she slept until ten, which felt earned. Vacation. Plus, French people didn’t get up early either, so there was zero chance you’d be knocking on the door before noon. She had breakfast, a shower, got dressed, and by the time your “be there soon” text popped up, she was pacing the house.

The doorbell rang, and she practically sprinted to it. She opened it with a squeal, pulling you inside immediately, kissing your cheeks the way she always did, her hands squeezing yours tight before she leaned back to just stare at you with this stupid smile.

“Oh my god, thank fucking god you’re here. My parents bailed on Bordeaux this year because it was ‘too much effort’? And honestly? I wasn't thrilled at coming alone, but-”

She gave your hands a playful tug, lowering her voice just a little.

“I leave something really, really important here every summer. So it's worth it.”