Then I turned and walked out of the shop.
27
Emilia
My heart broke for him when I said ‘no.’
I could see the corners of his mouth twitching, like he was tryingsohard to keep up a brave front.
“…okay,” he said in a kind, quiet voice. “Well, you gave me a chance, and I appreciate it. As promised, I won’t bother you anymore. It was a pleasure, Emilia. I wish you the very best.”
I stared at him in shock.
He actually DID mean what he said two weeks ago!
“Giorgio – ” I began.
But he interrupted me.
“It’s better this way,” he said in a kind voice.
I knew exactly what he meant:
If you’re going to break my heart, then I need to not see you again.
And that hurt all the more.
He laid a five-euro note on the counter like always, gave me one last smile, then turned and walked away.
I knew that his tips were just a way to cover his gifts to me.
I pulled aside the money –
And stared.
There was a gorgeous gold necklace, so fine and delicate that it looked like something out of a fairytale.
It was beautiful.
I held it up. It weighed almost nothing as it hung from my fingers.
“Giorgio!” I cried out.
He turned around, and his face was so hopeful.
In that moment, I wanted to say,It’s beautiful.
I wanted to say,Don’t go.
I wanted to say,Yes, I’ll go out with you!
But instead, the old fears came back –
Dark memories of what had happened in Milan.
My voice trembled as I said, “I… I can’t accept this.”
He smiled one last time – but this time, he didn’t hide his pain.
