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Ella
“IgaveTierothatsecond chance so he could be part of peanut’s life. If it wasn’t for Aiden, Tiero’s part in her life would have lasted all of thirty-six hours.
“You had your reservations, and you were right… it seems.”
I lift my head to look at my best friend. She doesn’t say anything, but gives me a tight smile.
“When faced with two equally attractive partners, wouldn’t common sense dictate to choose safety and reliability over danger and uncertainty?”
I turn in the tub to face Rhia and reach for her hand.
“Common sense would. But this isn’t about common sense,” Rhia surmises. “This is about your heart. You said yesterday that it felt right to choose Tiero. How do you feel today?”
I blink at her. “Honestly, I don’t know anymore. There’s so much turmoil inside me. It’s like I’m going round and round and never arrive anywhere useful. Am I even in a state to make a major life decision?”
I reach for the glass of water beside the tub and take a sip.
“What would your mother say?” Rhia asks.
I huff. “No sane mother would tell her daughter to pick a Mafioso. I sure wouldn’t.”
Rhia doesn’t seem convinced. “Not necessarily. Your mom would want you to be happy. If Tiero was to get out of the Mafia, and he made you insanely happy, your mother would approve.”
Would she?
“You had an upsetting day, El. You don’t have to make a decision now. It would be hard for anyone to think clearly after what happened.”
“I kind of have to. Tiero wants to fly back to Italy tomorrow. If I go, that means I choose him.
“I need to know it’s truly what I want. Otherwise, it’d be better to go back to‘Mountain Breath’for the winter. That would give me plenty of time to contemplate what’s right for me.”
“Do you want me to get Claudette? Maybe she can tell us more about what your future looks like?”
“As tempting as that is, I don’t want to be influenced by her visions. They might not be correct anyway. You know, she herself admitted, she’s only right eighty percent of the time.”
“That’s still a good percentage,” Rhia says.
“You think?” I reply skeptically. “No, this has to be entirely my decision. Or I’ll always doubt it.”
“I get it sweets. I’ll leave you to it. Whoever you choose, I’m behind you, no matter what.” I smile at her and she squeezes my hand. She truly is the best.
“But El, be honest with yourself, with what you feel and what you need to be happy. This is the rest of your life we’re talking about. Now is not the time to compromise. Now is the time to reach for your dreams.”
Her face is serious, her eyes shining with love and concern for me. She gives my hand one last squeeze and rises.
“Thank you, Rhi. I’m so glad you’re here with me.”
“Me too, El. I love you. Call me if you need me. Otherwise I’ll see you in the morning.”
When the door closes behind her, I submerge my head underwater, holding my plastered arm straight up to prevent it from getting wet.
I stay under for as long as I can, letting the warmth seep into me. Coming back up for air, I stare at the closed door.
Be honest with yourself,Rhia said. But I’m afraid of what I’ll find if I am.
Since finding out I was pregnant, haven’t I always said that for the safety and wellbeing of peanut I need to stay far, far away from Tiero’s world?
I’m responsible for her. Have I let her down already?
