“Mia cara,” my mother replied, her voice filled with warmth. “I called Aya when I couldn’t reach you. How are you?”
I chuckled. “I’m good. Tired, but good.”
“How’s the city? Enjoying it?”
“It’s been fine, but it’ll get busier. I’m working on something exciting.”
“That sounds wonderful, sweetheart. I’m so proud of you. What about… other things? How’s everything else?”
I hesitated, thoughts drifting to Ronan and the date I agreed to. “I… might have a date soon,” I admitted, a mix of excitement and nervousness rising in me.
“A date?” She perked up. “Con chi?57”
“Ronan,” I said quietly, as if sharing a secret. “It’s been… complicated.”
There was a pause before she responded, and I knew how she felt about him, especially after everything that had happened. “Ronan? Romano?”
“Yeah, that Ronan,” I confirmed, smiling to myself. “It’s been a while, but maybe it’s worth another shot.”
Her tone softened. “Sometimes, Nina, life gives us second chances. Take your time, follow your heart. Whatever happens, I’m here for you.”
Was she broken?This must have been the year of unexpectedness because I never expected her to be so calm…
“I wasn’t expecting that answer,” I admitted.
“You’re a grown woman, Nina. And you’re much stronger than you were five years ago. I trust you to make your own decisions. I’ll be here if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I said, feeling grateful for her words. “I’ll letyou know how it goes.”
“Please do, dear. Remember, you deserve happiness.”
After hanging up, I sank into my seat, gazing at the skyline. Instead of doubt, excitement bubbled up, a flutter of anticipation for what might come with Ronan.
Inaya breezed in, balancing bags of dinner and shopping finds. “Nina! Sorry, I disappeared on you earlier,” she said, setting everything down. “I went exploring, found some amazing stores, and this gem of a restaurant.”
“Wow, without me?” I teased.
Inaya grinned. “Sorry! I was bored, and you were out cold. Took an Uber and wandered.”
I chuckled, listening as she animatedly recounted her day. “I hate how crowded it is here,” she said, passing me a burger and fries, which were surprisingly some of my favorites.
“Said every Italian ever,” I added, biting into some chips.
“So, about this trip,” Inaya asked, leaning forward. “Why do we need a base here again?”
“Based on the partnership agreement, which is five years, it’s too much travel to do from Florence, plus we needed to expand.”
Inaya’s eyes lit up. “I’m excited, but it’s bittersweet.”
I nodded, pride swelling. “It’s a huge opportunity, but first, we need a boutique. Once we have that, the rest will fall into place.”
“Aren’t you optimistic?” she teased.
I shrugged with a laugh. “Your faith is rubbing off on me.”
“It should,” she said, sitting beside me and removing her hijab. “You’ve worked so hard. Cut yourself some slack.”
“Thanks for everything, Aya,” I said, gratitude filling my heart.
