Before he can, I barrel on. “Then when you see her in person, you disrespect her and mock her to her face. Do I have that right? You’re a shitty boyfriend.”
Luca launches himself to his feet and stalks toward me, not stopping until my back hits the wall. “And you’re a shitty father.”
The words don’t even hurt.
He’s right. Over the last several years, I’ve allowed Luca to guide the cadence and depth of our relationship. When he insisted he needed space, I gave him space. When he wanted to distance himself from me professionally, I appeased him. But despite being grown, he’s still my son. I should have pushed back. Fought harder. I should have shown up for him, even when he insisted he didn’t want me around.
I’ve made so many mistakes.
And not only with him. My heart is aching, willing me to go after her. I need to talk to her.
Holding my breath, I survey the door.
Luca glowers at me, clearly clocking the move. “If you go after her, you might as well consider me a stranger.”
All the resolve leaves my body. Exhaling, I brush past him and round my desk.
He gave me an ultimatum.
Moments ago, I would have said this was my worst nightmare.
Now?
Clarity and grief wash over me.
I look at Sophie, then set my focus back on our son. “Love doesn’t come with conditions, Luca,” I say quietly. “It doesn’t have to be earned, then proven over and over again. It just… is.”
Head hanging, I fight the urge to rub at the ache in my chest.
“I’m sorry I failed to teach you that. I’ve failed in many ways over the last few years.”
Straightening, I lock eyes with the young man I barely recognize anymore. “You’re a grown man now. You’re going to be a father. You choose how to act, how you treat others, how you move through yourone precious life. I love you, and that will never change.” A lump forms in my throat. “But by giving me an ultimatum, you’ve made my choice for me. We’re done.”
He picks up the chair he occupied moments ago and hurls it at the opposite wall. Then he surges toward the door and slams it behind him.
And then it’s over.
With a huge, exhausted sigh, I look at Sophie.
She’s staring at me, wide-eyed. “Really, Ric? You fucked his ex-girlfriend?”
Groaning, I scrub a hand down my face and drop into my seat. Luca may refuse to hear me out, but there’s a chance I can explain myself to his mother.
“Your judgment isn’t unwarranted. I wish things wouldn’t have gotten so heated tonight, but you know me, Soph. I don’t do rash or illogical. I don’t even do spontaneous or fun.”
She snorts. “I do know you. Which is why I’m stunned and also wildly curious.”
I rest my forearms on the desk and zero in on her. “I love that woman.”
Gawking at me, she leans forward. “Youloveher?”
“I love her,” I confirm. “I was afraid to be with her, because of Luca and because she works for the team.” If only I’d trusted my feelings sooner. “I worried that if my hand was forced, I wouldn’t be able to choose between her and my career. But after that?” I shake my head.
The depth of Luca’s pain returns to the forefront of my mind. It kills me that he’s hurting, thatI’vehurt him. But I’d make the choice again in a heartbeat.
“I choose her.”
Sophie stares at me, unblinking. “He’ll never forgive you.”
