AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The vendor drops a few coins of change on my palm.
Mumbling a rushed, “Thank you,” I make my way toward the fruit stall just as the man turns and stalks away.
“Come, Diva,” I say, breaking into a jog.
We only catch up with him at the fountain.
“Roch, wait,” I call after him.
He stops dead. Turns. His eyes are cold as he measures me.
“Hi,” I say, out of breath from running. “What are you doing here?”
He looks pointedly at the bag in my hand. “Same as you.”
My heart is beating too fast to think. If he tells my husband he saw me here, I’ll get into trouble. The last thing I want is for Angelo to put an end to my excursions.
When he makes as if to turn, I utter the first thing that pops into my mind. “Aren’t you working?”
He glares at me. “Didn’t you hear? Your husband fired me.”
I reel with shock. “He did?”
“You don’t have to act so surprised.” He smirks. “You must be happy about it.”
“I’m not,” I say quickly. “I didn’t know.”
Sneering, he spins away and continues to cross the square.
I go after him, grabbing his arm. “Roch, wait.”
He stops and looks at where I’m gripping his sleeve.
I let go. “I owe you an apology. I’m sorry for acting like a brat. My behavior was uncalled for. The day was just getting to me with everything that happened.”
“Don’t try to justify your actions.”
“It’s not an excuse, I know. I wasn’t aware he fired you. I never thought he would, not because of that.” I want to say I’ll put in a good word for him with my husband, but I’m the last person my husband will listen to, let alone please. “I’m so sorry, Roch. I mean it.”
“Yeah.” He snorts. “Whatever you say.”
“Roch,” I say when he attempts to walk away again.
He pauses.
“I, um…” I clear my throat. “My husband doesn’t know I’m here.”
He only watches me.
I swallow. “I know you don’t owe me anything, but I’ll appreciate it if you don’t mention running into me to him.”
His smile is wry. “Don’t worry. Mr. Russo and I aren’t exactly on speaking terms.”
Crumpling the paper bag in my hand, I say, “I truly am sorry.”
He huffs a disbelieving laugh and carries on toward the street.
I run to keep up. “Where are you working now?”
