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“Funny how things work out sometimes,” she said.
“True. I wouldn’t be here now if Tessa hadn’t…”
She placed a hand over mine. “I know. I can’t imagine how difficult that’s been for you.”
I nodded, staring out at the vineyards where the flashlights flickered and danced among the vines.
“The AV feels so different without her,” I said.
“Losing someone you love changes everything.”
I nodded, though Harper had no idea just how much had changed.
One of the patio doors slid open, and Enzo came to join us. He placed his hand on Harper’s shoulder, the firelight flickering along his tattoos. “Hey, Ellie.”
“Hey.” I gave him a little wave.
“Uccellina.”He bent forward to kiss Harper deeply.
I glanced away, trying to ignore the pang of longing it inspired. Would I ever have a love like that? A love like Tristan and Tessa had shared?
He’d always adored Tessa. Sometimes when he looked at me, it felt as if he loved me. But then I reminded myself that it was probably just lust.
“Where’smio figlio?” Enzo asked Harper.
She gestured toward the fields. “Playing flashlight tag with the others.”
He chuckled and grabbed a flashlight from a box. He yelled something in Italian that I assumed was “Here I come” as he disappeared between the dark rows of grapes.
The kids cheered and shouted, but Harper merely shook her head. “He’s such a big kid.”
“It’s good,” I said. “He’s a good father.”
“So is Tristan.” Harper sipped her wine.
“The best,” I said, raising my glass to my lips. Which was why I had faith that he and the kids would ultimately be okay without me. If they could survive without Tessa, they would certainly be fine without me.
The door opened again, and Tristan joined us. He took one look at me and frowned. Harper, perhaps sensing the change in atmosphere, rose and smoothed her hands down her thighs. “I’m going to check on the kids and Enzo. See if they want s’mores, if that’s okay.”
“Absolutely,” Tristan said. “Thank you.”
As soon as she was gone, Tristan sank down into the chair next to me. “Are you okay?”
I scoffed and shook my head. “Iknewtonight was a bad idea.”
“Well, you were right. I’m proud of you for standing up for yourself.” He gave my shoulder a squeeze then leaned forward and rested his head in his hands. “And I’m done with family dinners.”
I turned to him, mouth agape. “What? What happened?”
Tristan shook his head. “I’ve had enough of Gloria and her bullshit. I warned her…” He stopped himself, then said, “I willnotstand by and allow her to treat you like she has. And I sure as fuck don’t want her around the kids.”
I jerked my head back, surprised by his reaction. “As angry as I am, I don’t want to alienate Maddox and Savannah from their grandparents. They’ve already lost so much.”
“I agree, but that doesn’t give Gloria an excuse to be abusive and toxic.”
I frowned. I knew Tristan was protective of me, but this seemed like more than that. And while I appreciated his loyalty, I sensed there was something else going on.
“What aren’t you telling me? What happened after I left?”
