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“Where are you planning lunch?”
“Probably the Lobby.”
“My favorite.”
“I know, so grab your purse and let’s go.”
“All right, I still need to get some work done when I come back.”
“Nope, your secretary explained that you’re supposed to work only until lunch and go home afterwards,” Cassandra said, bossing me around.
“Ralph lucked out,” I muttered.
She scoffed. “Ralph’s not going anywhere.”
“You two back together?”
“Yes, I told you he can't stay away.”
“Glad you’re happy, boo.”
“Thanks bestie, now come on. Vincenzo is probably ready for you to get home and do some phone sex.”
“Is that what you and Ralph do?”
“Act like you two don’t.”
Cassandra and Ralph made it official with a relationship at my reception dinner six months ago. Her going on dates with other guys made him see how much Cassandra meant to him. I sucked my teeth, propping up my bag and coat, and stepped in my heels.
“Did you make a reservation already?” Leaving the office, I locked the door. Cassandra waved to the assistant.
“Yep, under the Calabresi name.”
“Okay, Carter should have the car ready.”
“Already texted him. You're driving with me.”
“And he didn't put up a fight?”
“Girl, he’s going to follow us.” Cassandra cackled and stepped onto the elevator.
I snickered at Cassandra doing a little wiggle getting out of the car, happy to get a few drinks in her system. Driving as usual through downtown Chicago could bring a headache, and Carter approached, holding the door for us.
“Thank you, Carter.”
“Anytime, Mrs. Calabresi.”
The debt I owed Vincenzo came back to me in so many ways; I could never repay him. Looking around at all the balloons and signs, with pictures of me and my family growing up tugged at my heart. Seeing myself age through every stage of my life up until our marriage had me choking back tears.
“Cassandra what did you do?” Pressing a hand to my chest, for several seconds I took in the group of friends and extended family standing clapping coming toward me.
“Vincenzo wanted you to feel special for the anniversary of the day you met.”
“But.”
She threw her hand in the air. “To making new memories, Nyla, and letting go of the past.”
Vincenzo moved through the group of friends, and it made me even more ready to fall into a crying fit.
