“I didn’tactuallyconsider it. I just did it to pay my debt, and it’s done now. I’ll never see her again. She doesn’t have my number, and I don’t have hers. I’m telling you, it was just an awkward and weird lunch.”
“Did you tell her about me?”
“Well . . . no.”
Her eyes were furious.
“Because if she told Tommaso, he might make me see her again or some nonsense. I just wanted to get it over with so it would be done.”
“So this woman thinks she was on a date with you and you’re fully available?”
“I’m not sure what she thought it was, honestly. He sprung it on her just like he did with me.”
“How old is she?”
“Twenty-five.”
“Oh, a younger woman.”
I almost rolled my eyes. “Too young. I’ve never been into that. And even if I were, it wouldn’t matter, because I’m in love with you. Sweetheart, you’re letting this get to you when it shouldn’t.”
“How would you feel if this were reversed?” she pressed, knowing what my answer would be even if I didn’t give it. “Constantine?”
I sighed as I dragged my hands down my face. “Look, I didn’t have a choice.”
“So there was a gun pointed at your head the entire time?”
“Aurelia—”
“Answer my question.”
I sighed.
“Answer. It.”
“No. I wouldn’t like it.”
That seemed to settle the argument, because she turned her back to me, putting on a pair of gloves like she was ready to get to work. The silence was somehow louder than her shouts. She grabbed the washed tomatoes from the sink and tossed them into a steel bowl before she brought them to the counter.
I stood there and waited for her to say more. To at least look at me.
But she ignored me.
“Sweetheart—”
“Go, Constantine. I don’t want to hear you or fucking look at you right now.”
Chapter 15
Aurelia
I sat at the dining table in Sofia’s home, still in my work clothes that smelled like a kitchen. The tightness of the scrunchie holding up my ponytail started to make my temples throb, so I pulled it through my long hair until the strands came free. It relieved the tension in my scalp—but not the stress in my heart.
Sofia stepped into the room with a pile of clothes over her arm. “Good thing we’re the same size.” She gave me a warm smile before she laid the pile of clothes over one of the dining chairs. Then she moved to the barista-level coffee maker and brewed me a fresh cup of coffee before she brought it to me, along with a little jug of milk. “It’s decaf.”
“Thank you.” I brought the mug close, the smell of coffee always welcome, regardless of the hour. “And thanks for letting me stay with you.” I stared into the cup and saw the lighter-brown foam sitting on top ... and immediately thought of Constantine’s eyes. “I know this must be awkward for you.”
“Not at all.” She pulled out the other chair and took a seat. “You’re my family, Aurelia—and not just because you carry my grandchild.” Her hand moved to mine and rested there for a moment before she pulled away.
