“Is it the migraines again?” I frown.
Mariella nods. “That and everything else.”
Since the lightning strike, Romeo has experienced numerous long-term complications.
He’s had severe migraines, which, fortunately, I’ve only had to witness once. It was so brutal I locked myself in the bathroom and cried for twenty minutes after it happened.
In addition to insomnia and chronic pain, his blood pressure, heart rate, and adrenaline can spike without warning.
It’s another reminder that he’ll live with the consequences of that day for the rest of his life.
The thought rips open the raw wound inside me that never really heals.
“Has he been stressed?” I ask.
I know the pain flares sometimes come out of nowhere, but they can also be triggered by other factors.
“Probably, but who knows?” Mariella sighs. “He’ll never tell anyone what’s going on with him. I swear the man is a vault.”
I think about what Romeo could be dealing with behind the scenes, but the truth is, I have no idea. He keeps his life private from everyone, including his family.
“Anyway, don’t worry too much,” Mariella says. “Rafe will be here as well, so I’m sure everything will be fine.”
“Okay. I’ll let you know if anything comes up.”
She pauses to check the time on her phone. “I have to run, but how do you feel about having the Aegis meeting here tomorrow?”
“That works for me.”
“Perfect. I’ll put the word out.”
After she leaves, I take a minute to collect myself before I venture back down the hall.
In the living room, I find Romeo sprawled across the lounge, his head leaned back against a cushion. Beppe is tucked inside his hoodie, just his face poking out the top.
He looks exhausted, and clearly Beppe knows something is off too.
“Hey, Gabs.” Rafe raises a brow at my all-black ensemble. “Finally decide to join the dark side?”
“Well, I can’t let the boys have all the fun.”
“Speaking of fun, what’s on the agenda tonight?” he asks. “Should we have a pillow fight and make friendship bracelets?”
“Will you shut the fuck up?” Romeo glares at him.
Rafe’s eyes sparkle mischievously. “What? You don’t have to participate. I bet Gabi would love to hang out with me. She knows I’m the fun one.”
“I just have to work on my project for a while, then I’m all yours for the night,” I tell him.
Romeo levels me with his gaze, and Rafe grins victoriously. I don’t know why he’s so bothered by it.
I’ve grown up with all the Vitale brothers, and everyone knows that Rafe and Michele are incurable flirts. They’re also the most social of the bunch, and they love to pull me out of my shell for a bit.
I can only assume Romeo is annoyed by this development because he doesn’t feel good.
“I hope you’re hungry,” Rafe says. “Nonna sent us with a couple of lasagnas for tonight. Veggie for you.”
“Oh, okay. That sounds good.”
