“Ugh, I knew they’d be like that.” I shook my head.
“Give them a minute, Thea. When I came out here the last timeyouwere like that. So I guess you guys are back, all in?”
I nodded. “All in. I know you all don’t agree with it.”
“Thea, if you can make it work this time, I think that’s great. I’m concerned, I won’t lie, but for you to let him back into your life he must have proven himself. Mom and Dad will be a harder sell but what you feel is what matters.”
“Thanks.” I relaxed for the first time since they came in. “I appreciate that.”
“I’m guessing he knows?” She leaned against the wall with her arms crossed.
“Not yet,” I said, squaring my shoulders as I tensed up all over again.
“You need to tell him.”
“Why?” My hands dropped to my sides. “So he can feel bad for no reason? It happened and now it’s over.”
I slipped into my flip flops and went to leave before Moira stepped in front of me.
“Thea, it’s not over. If you don’t tell him, you guys will never fully heal because it’s still weighing on you. I’m afraid something will happen and it will just come out. You look happy, and I don’t want to ruin that, but you can’t wait much longer. Promise me you’ll do it soon.”
“I promise,” I relented, but she still wouldn’t let me pass.
“Look me in the eye and promise.”
“I promise.”
I knew I had to, and I knew if I didn’t it would come out anyway at the worst possible time, but I loved the new bubble I was nestled in with Dominic.
I was afraid to test how easily it would pop.
34
Dominic
“What is with you, today?”Jordan asked me as she waited for a pitcher of mimosas by the bar, squinting as she gave me a once over.
“What is with me, today?” I narrowed my eyes back at her. “I’m fine.”
“You may want to tone down the dopey grin since you walked in,” Joe whispered behind me. “I think the wait staff isn’t used to seeing you this happy.”
“Am I that much of a grumpy asshole every day?”
“Noteveryday.” Jordan shrugged as she took the drinks and scurried back to her table.
“If there is one thing you could count on that girl for, it’s the blunt and honest truth.” Joe snickered as she sauntered away.
I had to laugh with him. I’d like to think I was a good manager, but even I knew I was moody at times. I had Thea back, so all the little things that irked me seemed too insignificant to give a second thought to. I even gave Ben a wave and good morning when I came in, although I pulled Thea closer when I did it.
“I didn’t expect to see you today.”
“I didn’t expect you to see me, either. I planned on being at Thea’s rental for the day until her parents surprised her this morning. I thought coming here would somehow make it less awkward.”
I leaned against the bar and glanced over to Thea. She sat at the edge of the table, nodding at something her father said when she caught my gaze and smiled.
“That’s probably what Jordan means. You’re acting like you smoked something on the way in.”
“Is it a crime to be happy all of a sudden? I didn’t bother you when you first met Caterina and attached yourself to her hip.”
