“Me too, Thea. Take care of yourself out here, okay?”
I nodded and climbed out of his passenger seat, the loneliness hitting me so hard it seeped into my bones.
I realized not being able to settle for second best might mean ending up with nothing at all.
17
Thea
After I arrived backat the hotel, most of the construction crew had gone home for the day. The masochist in me wound up back at the restaurant space, overcome with Dominic’s presence and his absence. I still didn’t know how to be with him or without him.
The anger and hurt I’d come out here with was still right below the surface, but I couldn’t see it so clearly anymore.
“Hey, there you are!”
I jumped when Violet grabbed my arm.
“Why don’t you take an early day? It’s Friday. And it’s gorgeous out, go have some fun.” She nudged my shoulder. “I’ve seen enough permits and paperwork to last me until next week. I’m running away, and you should, too.”
“If you insist,” I smiled and nodded goodbye before she charged out the door.
If I went back to my rental, I’d wallow to the point of madness. I pulled out my phone and took a chance on a reprieve.
Thea:Hey! It’s Thea. Are you free tonight?
Caterina:Depends on what you call free. I’m home with Ava, but you’re more than welcome to come by. How does pizza and wine on my deck sound?
We exchanged cell numbers after we agreed to meet up again for lunch, but this was the first time I’d ever texted her.
Thea:Like heaven. Let me stop at the rental to change, and I’ll be there at 7 if that’s okay. Text me your address.
Caterina:Sounds great. See you soon!
Caterina was close with Dominic, but I trusted her to keep whatever spilled out of me tonight between us. The relief already washed over me at the notion of having somewhere to go and someone to speak to. I was only a little over a month in, but it was turning out to be a long and grueling summer.
I pulled up in front of Caterina’s house, grabbing the wine and cake I’d picked up at a small supermarket along the way. I had to stop myself from sprinting up her walkway and up her front steps.
I loved a night of TV binging and a good book as much as anyone, but being left alone with only my thoughts to keep me company, especially lately, was becoming my undoing. Until I rushed to meet Caterina, I didn’t realize how much the solitude was getting to me.
“Glad you made it!” She said after she opened the door with Ava resting on her hip. “Come on in.”
I followed her and stood to the side as she shut the door. Her house was deceptively large on the inside, Ava’s portable crib was set up in front of the TV, and all her toys were aligned neatly in the corner.
“Your house is beautiful,” I told her as I handed her the brown bag. “I’ve never seen toys arranged so neatly before.”
“Thanks. I’m sure as she gets more mobile, they’ll be all over the place.” She carried the bag to the kitchen, bouncing Ava in her arms.
“Pizza is already here. And this little lady is just about to hit the hay, right missy?” She lifted the baby and kissed her chubby cheek. I couldn’t help the smile creeping across my face. Ava’s mouth split in a toothless sleepy grin before her head plopped onto her mother’s shoulder, drawing out a laugh from both of us.
“Such a silly girl,” Caterina cooed. “Say goodnight to Thea.”
I smoothed a golden-brown lock of hair behind her ear, her heavy blue eyes blinking a couple of times before I was rewarded with a sweet baby gurgle.
“Sweet dreams, cutie.”
Ava’s cupid bow lips curved into a smirk reminiscent of her father. In fact, the more I looked at Ava, the more she resembled a tiny version of Joe.
“Looks just like her daddy, right?” Caterina whispered. “Plates and glasses are already set up outside. She’s exhausted, so I should be right out.”
