“It’s okay.”
“Is it? I have a feelin’ you’re only sayin’ that because you’re scared of rockin’ the boat.”
“Well…” I smooth my skirt over my knees and pretend he doesn’t read me like a book.
“Yeah. I thought so. She’s never goin’ to respect you if you keep lettin’ her say that shit.”
“I have a feeling she’s never going to like me, full stop.”
“Then what have you got to lose by standin’ up for yourself?”
I look down at my glass, watching the wine settle after the slight jiggle of my hand. He’s right. I know he’s right. I’m just…not that woman.
“I don’t know how,” I admit in a whisper. “It bothers you that I’m stuck like this?”
“I worry about you for the same reason I force myself to come down here, even though I’d be happy to sit in my own lounge listenin’ to my own music. I’m comfortable on my own. I can doit. But life is better with people to share it with. Even if it’s just…” He gestures to the wide-open beach in front of us.
“I agree.”
“Do you?”
“Yes. I’m not on my own by choice. I’m just…awkward. I’m not good at making friends, but I wish I were. I love hanging out with everyone at the center. I’m not sure what I’ll do with myself once the festival is over.” I certainly won’t be distracting myself in Luke’s bed like I did when I first arrived.
“You’re always busy in your corner. I saw you takin’ notes last night.”
“Oh, it’s been so fun! I’ve finished pricing all the crockery and dining ware and moved on to the boxes of jewelry Cain sorted for me. Although…”
“Although…” He butts his shoulder against mine.
“I really wish I could talk to a jeweler…have someone appraise some things properly. Porcelain, I’m fine with, but there are a few pieces of jewelry I’m not sure about.” I drop my chin onto my fist. “I rang around some places in the city, but everyone needs to see them to give me an accurate price. So, I’m scheming a way to get into the city this weekend.”
“What are you schemin’ for? I’ll take you.”
“I can’t ask you to do that.”
“You’re not. I’m offerin’.”
“Seriously?”
He nods. “We can head off early Saturday if you have nothin’ planned?”
“Well, there’s a benefit function for blind cats and the movie award gala I’m attending…”
He chuckles.
“After those jaunts, I’m all free,” I say.
“Stop by at eight. We’ll make a day of it.”
“Thank you!” I squeeze my arm around his shoulder but stop short of kissing his cheek. “Thank you so much!”
He watches my arm disappear back to my side with the strangest look clouding his eyes. “You’re welcome,” he murmurs, almost as if he’s sad the moment’s over.
11
Blue skies emerging with Nonna’s linguine
It’s heating up in the kitchen!
