As much as he loved her, if she was happier without him, then he would sacrifice everything, including his happiness, to see her happy.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Arriving in Madrid,Aria waved to Santo as she came out of the exit, having retrieved her luggage. She was genuinely happy to see him, but her smile was strained. She sent a quick text to Corinna that she had gotten there and thanked her again for helping with the trip.
“Hey little sister,” Santo yelled, running to hug her and taking her suitcase. “How are you doing?”
“I'm okay. Just very tired.”
“Well, I’ve got you now. You relax this week, and we can talk when you’re ready.”
“Thanks, love.”
When they got closer to Santo’s townhouse, Aria said, “Wow, this architecture is gorgeous. The pointed arches and stained glass windows are breathtaking.”
“It’s my favorite thing about Madrid, obviously. The city brings me so much inspiration when I’m working on new projects.”
“Sorry it's taken me this long to make it out here. I'm really looking forward to seeing Madrid with you, though. Just give me a day to rest, then you can show me around, okay?” she said, trying to sound less devastated than she was.
“You got it. I havesomany places to bring you. And who knows? Maybe Spain will inspire you,” he said, watching her closely.
Once they arrived at Santo’s townhouse, he carried her luggage in and got her settled in the guest room.
“Got you in here. I didn’t have much time to get it ready for you, but the sheets are clean and you can use the bathroom in the hallway,” Santo said as he led her to the bedroom. “I’m right across the hall if you need anything.”
“This is perfect,” she answered, putting her purse on the bed and looking around.
The bedroom was warm and inviting with colorful bedding and lively pieces of art. There was a small bookshelf with lots of books to choose from once she settled in.
“Hey, I’m going to call Mama and Papa. I didn’t tell them I was coming,” she said sheepishly.
Santo’s eyebrows raised but he didn’t say anything.
“Make yourself at home. Are you hungry? Or do you just need to rest?”
“It’s getting late, and the time difference is throwing me off. Rest, I guess? Then we can talk in the morning.”
“You got it. Towels are in the basket in the bathroom. And tell them I said hi.”
Aria stepped toward him and kissed him on both cheeks.
“Thanks for letting me crash. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
She dialed the number and placed a video call.
“Hi Mama. Sorry to call so late. I know you had a long trip home. Where's Papa?” Aria said as she sat on the bed.
“I'm right here, my angel. How are you?” Aldo asked.
“Well, I'm actually in Madrid with Santo,” she answered.
“What? Why are you in Spain?” her parents exclaimed, talking over one another.
She took a moment to figure out how to reply.
“I needed a little break. I got things in order at the office, and I'll be here for a week or so. I missed Santo, so here I am,” she said with as much joy as she could force into her voice.
