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The fatigue dragging at me is too much, and it has nothing to do with the late hour or the physical exertion. It has all to do with a confession I need to make. One that might bring this night to an abrupt halt.
He effortlessly lifts me and sets me down like a fragile flower, with care and love. He dries me, taking care of me as if I was a princess or a child, but I let him because it might be the last time he does it. The last time he worships me.
He carries me to the bedroom and puts me down on the edge of his bed as he draws the covers back. “In you go, Blue.” He winks, the shadows of tiredness lining his beautiful eyes now.
I climb into the bed and he follows me, tucking the covers around us and gathering me into a tight embrace. His heat melts my worries a little. For a moment, before he speaks again.
“I broke us because I couldn’t see through my ambition. I was a stubborn prick. I wanted to claim you, so I forced the marriage. And when you in return expected me to grow up and compromise, I could only smell sacrifice. My stubbornness killed all the good in our relationship.
“All the good in both of us. Or at least in me. You were right—the restaurant could have waited. When you lost the baby, I demonstrated my grief by washing my hands of any responsibility. The biggest regret of my life is I didn’t focus on starting the family with you back then.”
The oxygen leaves my lungs. I jump out of bed, tripping over the duvet. His deep voice calls my name, but I can’t make out the words. The only thing I know is that I have to leave.
ChapterEighteen
Massi
I’ve replayed last night’s events in my head a hundred times, falling asleep briefly only to jerk awake with a ball of dread in my stomach. She made some lame excuse about her mom’s early morning doctor appointment she’d forgotten about, but the way she bolted suggested there was more to it.
Was my honesty too much, too soon? After the way she held me through my panic attack and the emotions roused by our lovemaking, I was sure we were on the right track to recover what we had lost, and possibly find something more and better.
I’m not fucking giving up easily this time. If Gina Accardi thinks she can run away again, she is mistaken. Something pushed her to panic last night and I’ll make her explain, and then I’ll fix it.
I’ll make her fall in love with me again. I’ll make her trust me again, so she stops keeping things bottled up.
My phone beeps as the car weaves at a snail’s pace through a stupid traffic jam. I check the message my mother has sent and dial the number immediately.
“Ms. Scalding, it’s Massimo Cassinetti. My mother has spoken to you about my friend’s mom.”
I hear the keyboard on the other end of the line, the woman multitasking.
“Yes, of course, I told Bianca we have a long waiting list, but your generous donation could go a long way. We should be able to accommodate your friend’s mother within the next few weeks. Tell her to get in touch with me so we can set up the time for them to visit us.”
I make a mental note to find out what sort of donation my mother promised. But I don’t care about the money, as long as I can help Blue.
“Thank you, Ms. Scalding, I appreciate your flexibility. Could you send all the paperwork to me? I don’t want to burden Ms. Accardi.” I doubt Blue would accept my support without a fight, but I’ll figure out a way.
“No problem, and please thank Bianca again for the spot in the club. I really appreciate her support in getting my membership.”
So it’s not just my money that got things moving; but it doesn’t matter. This is the best senior home in Riverdale and a large proportion of its clients are of Italian descent, which should suit Gina’s mom well.
I hang up and dial the restaurant to debrief with Lena. She’s still in shock that I took a day off, but I know she has everything under control.
The car pulls to the curb in front of Gina’s house and I ask the driver to wait. I don’t even know if she’s at home, but my worries evaporate when she yanks the door open before I reach the porch.
“Good morning.” I smile at her, but her expression is stern as she studies me with narrowed eyes.
“What are you doing here?” She steps back when I reach the door. Distancing herself? Sometimes my stubbornness pays off and this is going to be one of those times. I need to tread carefully. I bullied her into a commitment once already.
“I’m taking you on a date. Since you cut the last one short, I demand a re-do.” I lean against the door frame, the picture of nonchalance while my stomach twists in knots.
She folds her arms over her chest. “You could havedemandedover the phone.”
“As much as phone sex would be fun, Blue, I want to take you on a date. Hence I’m here.” I keep my cocky grin. Fake it until you make it.
“Now?” She frowns. “You have to work today.”
“You called to take a day off and I thought it was a great idea.” I shrug.
