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‘Mmm. We’re all far from perfect. I think all of my family feel pressure to act a certain way for the public eye. Being a Vitello is tiring and demanding work, and everyone thinks they know ussowell. But it’s refreshing to be able to talk to you about this. It’s not a topic I talk about enough.’ He paused for a moment and smiled before continuing, ‘You just know how to make me feel comfortable, and I feel like I can be myself around you. It’s strange … I feel like I’ve known you for years.’
Uh oh.My cheeks and neck did that ridiculous burning thing again, and a warm, loving feeling rushed inside me.
My mind wandered back to the first time I had coffee with Patrick on the beach and how that waiter addressed him so formally. He was such a big deal, and I thought about how his life must be much like a celebrity’s, with people constantly looking at him and judging. It would be high pressure to look gorgeous all of the time and act in a certain way that pleases the public.The way he is right now must be the real him, a man who is soft-hearted and open with his feelings.He’s frickin’ beautiful.
‘I’m glad you feel comfortable talking to me about this and that you can be yourself around me.’ I gave him a big smile and could feel my cheeks were still blushing, but my neck had settled. ‘So, was Marco at your birthday?’
‘We’re civil now, but, no, he didn’t come. He said he didn’t want to leave the restaurant.’ A flicker of anger flamed in hiseyes, and I could tell he hadn’t fully forgiven him. ‘I’m grateful Ma and Cat always make the effort to see me. They’ve never missed a birthday, whereas Marco – he has missed a few of mine over the years.’
‘Oh, that’s good you’re civil now. It must be really hard to speak to him after what he did.’ I gave him a look of sympathy.
‘Sure is.’ He let out a quick breath.
He suddenly shook his head as if coming out of a reverie. ‘I hope I’m not boring you with all this talk about my family. You haven’t spoken much about yours.’
‘Well, we’re pretty dull compared to yours,’ I said, blushing again. ‘My mum, Savannah, is a retired baker, now an artist, and my brother, Carlos, works for a seafood market.’ I shrugged. ‘I don’t know. We’re just a quiet little family trying to get through life.’
‘Quiet.’ He nodded. ‘I like that.’
I smiled ruefully. ‘It’s relatively peaceful, at least.’
He sat forward as if remembering something he’d been meaning to tell me. ‘Oh, by the way, Deb has been posting some strange things on Facebook.’
‘I haven’t looked today. What’s she been posting?’
‘She created a GoFundMe page to support her while she gets back on her feet.’
He raised an eyebrow at me. ‘Apparently, she can’t pay her rent.’
My mouth dropped open. ‘What?’
‘Is she okay?’ He gave a look of genuine concern.
‘Well, she lives in one of her parents’ houses, and they would be covering all her expenses until she finds work. I guess she’s feeling it since I’ve left and stopped giving her money.’ I looked out at the rippling water.
‘Did you give her a lot of money?’
I turned my attention back to him. ‘Yeah, I always helped her out and paid more, but that’s okay. It’s all the past, and I don’t regret anything.’
‘Have you spoken since your fight?’
‘No. We haven’t.’ I looked down at the plate and frowned.
‘Probably best not to for the time being.’ He leant over the table and looked as though he was going to grab my hand but fiddled with his cutlery instead.
I nodded. The last thing I needed was for us to argue again. That would break my heart.
‘When you told me about you both getting fired, you never told me why she did?’ His eyebrows raised with curiosity.
‘Oh, it’s embarrassing really.’
Even though Deb and I weren’t on talking terms, a part of me still loved her and felt bad for telling Patrick about her. But then the other part of me felt deeply hurt and betrayed by her.
‘Are you going to tell me or is it a secret?’ he asked as the sunlight shone into his green eyes, making him squint.
‘She slept with Daniel,’ I blurted and pressed my hands to my lips.
Patrick expressed a look of pure disgust. ‘He didn’t ever try to sleep with you, did he?’
