I focused on my daughter, but every step beside Valentina made it harder to ignore what my body—and my heart—still wanted.
And that terrified me more than anything else.
FORTY-SEVEN
VALENTINA FERRARA
“Oh my God. This place isnotthe same when you’re not here!”
Julia’s animated voice echoed through the bakery the moment she walked in, throwing me a dramatic look as I finished arranging a tray of delicately decorated cupcakes.
I looked up, smiling at my best friend’s exaggerated performance.
“Thank you for the compliment disguised as criticism,” I teased, wiping my hands on a towel by the counter. “But you know I had to step away for a while.”
Julia nodded, understanding, as she approached and sat on one of the stools by the counter. Her expression softened as she looked around the space with careful attention.
“So… how have things been since you left? I mean, the bakery has always been such a big part of you.”
I sighed lightly, a small ache tightening in my chest.
“I know. But it was necessary. Maristela’s a great employee—she’s been handling production and management really well.And my occasional visits, while Clara’s at school, are enough to make sure everything’s running smoothly. So… everything’s fine. I’m fine.”
Julia tilted her head, studying me.
“Are you, though? We talk all the time, but I still feel like I’m not supporting you enough.”
I set the cupcakes aside and walked around the counter, pulling her into a hug.
“Don’t say that. Of course you are,” I said, wrapping my arms around her. “You listen to me when no one else does. There’s no support more meaningful than that.”
“I wish I could do more than just listen,” she murmured, hugging me tighter.
She pulled back and sat again.
“Do you miss it?” she asked. “Being the one opening and closing the shop? Handling production every day?”
I nodded, a sad smile tugging at my lips as my eyes swept over the small room, customers scattered among the tables.
“Of course I do. The bakery has always been more than just a job. It’s part of who I am. But right now, my daughter needs me far more than these walls do. I’d sacrifice anything—however many times it took—for her.”
Julia reached across the counter, resting her hand over mine.
“And you’re doing an amazing job, Valentina. Don’t doubt that.”
I breathed in deeply, comforted by her words.
“Thank you. I’m just doing what’s best for Clara.”
Julia smiled, squeezing my hand before fixing me with a more direct, searching look.
“And how are things at home?” she asked carefully. “Especially with Enrico being around all the time now?”
My heart sped up at the inevitable question. I knew we were stepping into territory I’d been avoiding.
I raised an eyebrow.
“You didn’t come here just for coffee and cupcakes, did you?”
