She sighs. “Any news about Kathleen?” she asks, changing the subject.
“She didn’t come to work today. She sent a notice to HR saying she’s got a cold. Anyway, we’d put her on paid leave already.”
“How convenient.”
“Have I told you that you’re really hot when you’re angry?”
She stares at me, seeming torn between kissing me and hitting me, and I decide for her, pulling her close by the nape of her neck.
When we part, she’s completely disarmed. “I’m scared. Everything that’s happening is too much, you know?”
“I know, and that’s why we’re leaving town.”
“Leaving?”
“That’s right. You, me, and Nina. What do you think?”
She’s very transparent. Immediately, her beautiful eyes sparkle like two sapphires. “A trip?”
“Yes. A weekend away from the world. Just the three of us. I have a cottage in Westminster. Pack a bag. Let’s live a little.”
“Aren’t you afraid of damaging your reputation?”
“Do I have a reputation?”
“You do. Ruthless gentleman who never smiles and works more hours than there are in a day.”
I slap her butt. “I’ll take the risk.”
Chapter 41
Westminster – Massachusetts
“Do you usually ski?”
“I used to, but after I found out Valentina was coming, I stopped. I didn’t want to be away.”
“Tell me about it. I mean, if it’s not an uncomfortable subject.”
“It’s not a time I like to remember. I was young when my mother got pregnant with my siblings, but when she was expecting Martina, due to our age difference, I witnessed almost everything.” I run my hand through my hair, trying to explain without bringing Layla’s name into it, but it’s complicated. “What I’m saying is that my mother loved Martina from the moment she found out about the pregnancy, but I could see the same didn’t apply to Layla. So I was afraid she might try to get rid of my daughter.”
“Oh, my God!” She seems shocked, but Olívia has no idea what the months waiting for Valentina to be born were like for me. The anxiety I felt. “Look,” she continues, “I’ll admit it must have been quite a shock for her to get pregnant so young, butI can’t imagine a mother not wanting her baby. That’s why I’m not eager to find my biological mother.”
I nod in agreement, but I feel my body immediately tense up. We’re walking on thin ice now. Secrets are just a step below the surface.
“So, is this the first time you’ve traveled with her?”
“Yes, but my princess had so much fun today that I plan to come back when the snow arrives.”
We’re sitting by the lake. Valentina is asleep in the stroller. She went crazy when we got some bits of bread to feed the fish. I swear my girl is the smartest kid there is.
“Why not?”
“What? I think I missed something.”
“Why have you never traveled with her before?”
“Circumstances, I guess. Life goes by, you know? The daily routine, responsibilities . . . You’ll never hear me complain about too much work, but I feel guilty most of the time, like I’m not giving Nina the attention she deserves.”
