“I want you to listen to me, tesoro. I’m coming back as soon as I can.” Cesare spoke calmly.
Sabrina fought the sudden urge to throw away the phone and burn her yellow panties.
“Look at me, tesoro.” He requested.
Sabrina reluctantly looked back at the camera.
“I want you no matter where I am. Whether I’m 15 minutes down the road or 15 hours away.” Cesare reassured.
Sabrina’s body was frozen and taut.
“I’m in court meetings most of tomorrow, but I want to see you before I go.”
Sabrina furrowed her brow. “I’ll be at the cafe. You can stop any time before three o’clock.”
“What does your schedule look like after three?” He asked.
Sabrina frowned, unable to stop the pout forming on her lips. “None of your business.” She tried to say it with a bit of sass, with a smile; she really did. But even to her own ears it just sounded like she was trying not to cry.
“You can go. It’s okay. We’re both adults. Sometimes things just happen.” She said almost robotically.
Cesare visibly tensed his jaw, his brows furrowed. “Come with me.”
Sabrina blinked. “What?”
“Come with me back to Philly. Even if it’s just for a week or two.” He urged.
“That would be crazy.” Sabrina answered, wide eyed.
“Crazy would be leaving you behind.” Cesare answered without hesitation.
Sabrina released a pent-up breath and shook her head at the absurdity. “When are you coming back?” She asked.
Cesare swallowed thickly. “I don’t know yet. It’s an evolving situation but as soon as I’m sitting in front of him, I’ll be able to gauge what the time frame will be.”
Sabrina furrowed her brows.
“If I could give you a return date, I would. If I could stay, I would. I’m not having this conversation with anyone else,Sabrina. I’m not in the habit of disclosing where I go, why, or when, but it matters to me that you know.”
Sabrina bit her lip and nodded. “Thank you for telling me. When did you find out?”
“Fifteen minutes ago.” He answered, a vein in the side of his temple noticeably pulsing.
“I’m sad that you’re leaving. Of course.” Sabrina replied. “But you’re going without knowing when you’ll come back; and that makes me feel like you’re leaving for good.”
“What would it take to get you to come with me, tesoro? Whatever you need, name your price.”
Sabrina gazed at Cesare’s face and sighed. “Can I sleep on it?” She asked.
Cesare nodded. “Of course.”
“I’m going to hang up now, and I’ll, I’ll text again when I wake up tomorrow.” She answered, her throat tightening as she refused to cry. Not yet, at least.
“Sleep well, tesoro.” He nodded.
“Sleep well, Cesare.” She murmured back and promptly ended the call.
With trembling fingers, she gently set down the phone and closed her eyes. She had spent the last three years watching almost everyone that mattered leave or die. Every suppressed disappointment, silent heartache, and stoic goodbye picked that moment to bubble up.
