“Not him either.”
“Then who?”
Knowing she wouldn’t stop until I satisfied her fear, I replied, “Vittoria.”
Once again, that range of emotions played out over her face.
Finally, after a few moments passed, Audrianna slowly shook her head back and forth. “This world is so fucked up.”
Instead of chiding her on her language, I merely nodded. “The sooner you understand that, the better off you’ll be.”
“I might accept it, but I don’t have to like it.”
“No. You don’t.”
As she nibbled her lip, Audie appeared lost in thought. “Maybe we should try to get some sleep?” I suggested.
Nodding, she rolled over beside me. I’d just closed my eyes when she murmured, “So how does it end? As stories must when love is denied: with tears and a journey."
Turning my head on the pillow, I asked, “What are you talking about?”
“It’s from this old movie our teacher showed us clips of how the Elizabethan theater was. I kind of liked the story, so I rented the movie off Amazon.”
“And?” I prompted.
“Anyway, that’s what is said in the end when the two lovers can’t be together. That there are tears and a journey.” She gave me a knowing look. “That’s what is happening to you and Leo. Except you’re not going to the colonies, just New York, which also means you’re still going to have to see him.”
Staring up at the ceiling, I replied, “Thanks for reminding me.”
“Maybe you could convince Rafe to stay here in Philly. Then you wouldn’t have to be around Leo.”
“There’s no way that’s going to happen, Audie. Rafe’s entire world is in New York.”
“But your life is here with Adamo and me.”
“Just like everything in our world falls on the woman, I’ll have to live in New York.”
Tears glittered in Audrianna’s eyes. “It’s not fair. I don’t want you to leave."
Cupping her cheek, I said, “Aw, sweetheart, I’ll only be a short plane or train ride away.”
Sniffling, she countered, “It’s not the same.”
“I know. I’m going to miss you, too.”
“Maybe you could ask Rafe if Adamo and I could come live with the two of you?”
I bit down on my lip to keep from laughing. Regardless of how easygoing and kind Rafe seemed, I’m pretty sure there was no way in hell he would let me move the twins in. “We’ll see.”
After swiping her eyes, Audrianna proclaimed, “I hate this fucking family.”
With a mirthless laugh, I said, “So do I.”
CHAPTER TWENTY: LEO
After Drea ushered Audrianna out the door, I like to say I handled our interruption and subsequent separation with maturity. That somehow I saw it as a blessing. I’d already taken things way too far tonight by telling Drea how I felt about her. Not to mention our makeout session.
But I didn’t.
