In a moment of weakness, she picked up her phone. Her finger hovered over his number, but she stopped before placing the call.
Deciding to push back those feelings for the time being, she checked in with Natalia and Luna, then went in search of lunch before heading back to the townhouse.
Santo had texted that there was plenty of food at his place, so upon her arrival, she started to prepare a simple stir fry with some chicken breasts and various vegetables she found in his refrigerator.
When he arrived home later that evening, he called out for her.
“Hey, sorry I’m a little late. A client wanted to go over blueprints for the hundredth time on my way out.”
“In here,” she called out from the kitchen. “No worries. Dinner is ready and just staying warm.”
Handing him a glass of chilled pinot grigio, Aria turned off the stove.
“A guy could get used to this,” he said as he clinked the wine glass she was holding. “How was the park?’
“Oh my goodness, Santo. The pictures online didn’t do it justice. I’ve found my writing spot. I got so much done today.”
“So glad you like it. I knew you would. What’s for dinner? I’m starved.”
“Just some chicken stir fry. I also experimented with saffron rice. It came out better than I thought,” she answered, plating them both a healthy portion.
“Let’s eat in the living room. More comfortable,” Santo said, leading her to the overstuffed sofa and coffee table.
They sat and ate, talking more about their day.
“This is good, sis. Thanks for cooking.”
“The least I can do, showing up at the last minute like this.”
“You know you don’t need to announce you’re coming. So, the writing was good?”
“Mhm, so good,” she answered excitedly. “It’s taken on a life of its own. It had all the makings of a love story, but I’m fleshing it out more now.”
“What’s the story about?” he asked, taking in another big mouthful of food.
“Well, the protagonist is a widow rediscovering her life, facing challenges, going on adventures.”
“So, it’syourstory.”
“Yeah, I hadn’t intended for it to happen that way, but I guess it is. It’s been painful to dig deep and describe those early years. But I feel good about this.”
“Make so much sense, Aria. Write what you know.”
“That’s the idea. But I want to include her finding love again.”
He smiled at her and tilted his head.
“What?” she asked.
“Will the new love she finds happen to be a famous photographer by any chance?
Tapping his shoulder with hers, she answered shyly, “I haven’t decided yet.”
They talked late into the night about his new projects at work and her visit with their parents. Aria couldn’t help glancing at her phone several times.
When Santo caught her doing it, he asked, “Has he called?”
“Not since I got here. He called and texted a bunch of times after our conversation, but they stopped by the time I arrived. Corinna knows not to sayanything if he calls.” She shrugged her shoulders and stood to take their plates to the kitchen. “It’s better this way.”
