Me: You’re really going to continue to ignore me?
I decide to change out of my suit and take a shower, hoping it’ll give her enough time to respond, but when I see an empty screen, I begin to question.
Me: If you don’t respond to me, I’ll take that as a sign that you want me to come get you from the boutique.
So much for giving her space, but what the fuck? The least she could do is respond so I know she’s not fucking dead.
My phone dings, and my heart begins to beat again when I see it’s Liana.
Liana: That seems a bit dramatic, don’t you think?
Me: Sneaking out of our bed and ignoring me all day also seems dramatic, don’t you think?
Liana: I just need some time to myself.
Me: To do what?
Liana: Massimo …
Me: We’re going to have to talk about this at some point.
Liana: Yes, and we will, but now is not the time. Right now, I need to think, and I’d appreciate it if you gave me the space to do so.
I let out a sigh, already knowing this is what was going on but still fucking pissed it’s come down to this. Liana has always been mine, so this space she’s trying to put between us just grates on my damn nerves. But I also understand this is all new territory for her and maybe if I give her the space to come to terms with it all, she’ll finally get it.
Me: Fine, but I can still make you dinner. You don’t even have to speak to me. We can sit there in silence, nothing but the clanking of our forks happening between us.
Liana: I actually think it’d be best if I stayed at my place tonight.
My skin boils at her use of the wordsmy place. Liana’s place ishere. Inourhome. Inourbed. Before responding, I take a deep fucking breath. Lord, please help me, because this woman istestingmy damn patience.
I type out a response and go to send it, but when I reread it, I decide to delete and take the approach I keep telling myself to take.
Me: Fine, but don’t make this a habit. You’ll be back in OUR place tomorrow.
Liana: I promise I will not stay here tomorrow.
That puts a smile on my face, even though the frustration still courses through my body.
Me: Goodnight, mia moglie. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
Liana: Goodnight.
I toss my phone onto the counter. I didn’t think she’d take the space to this extent, but it’s fine. She can have tonight because tomorrow she’s mine, and whether she likes it or not, we will be having this conversation.
32
MASSIMO
Last night was another restless night, but I’ve been able to distract myself most of the day with work.
“What’s wrong with you?” Gio asks, sitting across my desk from me.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, you’ve been checking your phone relentlessly.”
“Yeah, who’re you expecting a call from?” Gui asks.
