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I found Stefano in the parlor reading and he turned to look at me as I stepped inside.
“Amore mio, I was waiting for you.” His smile dropped and he jumped from his seat, rushing to my side and pulling me against his chest. “What’s wrong?”
I fought back the tears that threatened to spill again. I didn’t want him to see me like that, and I did not want to explain to him what had happened. I wiped a stray tear that escaped down my cheek and forced a smile.
“I’m fine. It’s just been a long day and I’m feeling a little emotional.”
“Come, sit. Have a drink with me and tell me all about it.”
“There’s not really much to tell.”
Stefano led me to the couch and went to pour me a drink from the wet bar. “I’d still like to know what’s gotten you so upset.”
He offered me a glass of wine, and I took it before he sat beside me on the sofa and pulled me into his arms. I took a sip and blew out a breath, allowing myself to relax against him.
“I’m just feeling a bit lost since I’ve been home.”
“Lost?”
“I’ve been so busy for years with school, now, suddenly I don’t have much to do, and I feel adrift. There’s too much going on with Teo and Mia for us to discuss how we are going to incorporate me starting a law practice and working as the family lawyer, but there’s not enough going on to keep me busy.”
“Where are Teo and Mia? I thought he was bringing her home tonight and that’s why you were going to plan the big family dinner.”
“They needed to keep her one more night. Something about her bloodwork not looking quite right.”
“I see. And I’ve been having to handle family business while on the mainland, so I haven’t been here for you as much as I should have. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay. I know your father is putting a lot of pressure on you to establish yourself with all your family's associates and allies before you take over. You took time off to go to my graduation and to fly back here with me.”
“I still hate to leave you feeling alone. What about friends? Don’t you have plenty of friends you could spend some time with?”
“They are all just graduating as well or starting new jobs. Everyone is kind of busy doing their own thing right now, but I’ll be fine. I’ll settle in and find a new routine and it will be fine.”
“I hate that I have to leave you to return home in the morning, but maybe you need a girl’s night...” he paused to think for only a moment. “If your friends won’t take the time to go out and celebrate with you, I think I might know some people who would.”
“I don’t need you to find friends for me.”
“It's not like that. Look, things between us are going well, wouldn’t you say?”
“Very well.” I smiled at him, and he kissed my nose playfully.
“Well, if things keep going like this, I’d like to think that maybe, someday, our fathers might get their wish and we might be married.”
“You think about stuff like that?”
“Of course, I do. What man wouldn’t think of a future with a woman like you if he thought he even had half a chance?”
“You’d be surprised,” I muttered to myself and took a sip of wine.
“Well, any man who has half a brain can see that you are the perfect woman. Strong, smart, sexy...” He waggled his eyebrows, making me giggle. “Anyway, it might be good for you to meet some of the daughters and wives of the powerful families within my family.”
“Should I be jealous that you know all these daughters and wives?” I teased.
“Not in the least. Not one of them holds a candle to you. But I will admit that one is my ex-girlfriend.”
I raised my eyebrow skeptically.
“I promise, it’s ancient history. We are only good friends now and I think you two would get along well. I happen to know that her and her friends come to Northern Italy around this time every year for a shopping trip in Milan, then to Morocco for the summer. I think it would do you some good to have a girls’ night with them. You can get to know them better and cut loose for a bit. Forget about all your family drama and responsibilities for just a little while.”
