“Seriously, it’s fine. I don’t need?—”
“I insist,” I say again, interrupting her.
Her swallow is audible. It echoes off the tinted windows of my SUV until it’s swamped by the whoosh of her grabbing my phone outof my grasp and the stabs of her nails as she inputs her details into my contacts.
With a smile that’s more fake than real, she thrusts my phone into my chest and then peers down at Camille. “You did so good today, Camille. I’mveryproud of you.”
Camille hears the honor in her tone as readily as I do. Faster than I can snap my fingers, Camille hugs her so firmly that her face mushes with her thigh.
I’ve been plotting ways to include her in my daughter’s life since she poked her index finger into my chest, and the desire becomes urgent when a faint whisper claws at my chest.
“Th-thank you.”
The world halts spinning as the truth smacks into me. I can’t fucking breathe.
Camille spoke.Finally.
Six months without a single word. Six long months of only glances, gestures, and the ache of not knowing how to communicate with my child, and it’s fixed with two little words.
Am I dreaming?
I can’t be. The blonde’s reaction is instant. Her eyes sparkle with admiration, and her smile warms my face more vividly than the late-afternoon sun. She has no idea how rare and precious this moment is. She’s simply in awe that someone raised by a brute can be respectful and courteous. Her shocked expression announces this, not to mention the briefest flash of praise she gives me while swooping in for another hug.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
After a final glance my way, she disappears through the crowd with more spring in her step than when she walked into the lion’s den without any armor.
As I watch her race toward the Palermo train station, Camille cozies up next to me, quiet again. She’s worried this will be the last time she’ll see the mysterious blonde. I’m not facing the same torment.
While ruffling Camille’s nearly black hair, I speakwords I haven’t even ruminated on yet. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. She won’t be gone long.” When she gazes up at me and smiles, the absolute truth barrels into me.
Magic doesn’t cease because you’ve been hurt.
You simply need to hone your skills as all the greats do.
