“Yeah,” I exhaled sharply. "Mentioning Enzo was like a death knell. I backed away so fast, it looked like skid marks. I’m such an idiot. I mean, there’s no sense denying it. I’m so attracted to her it’s ridiculous, but she’s eight years younger than me and her brother hates me.”
“He doesn’thateyou. But it was evident at our wedding that there was a spark between you two, however small. Enzo is fiercely protective of her because of their father’s death so early in their lives, not to mention his own brush with death. But he treats her like a child. I’ve tried to talk to him about it, but he’s as stubborn as an ox,” Sofia said gruffly. Her voice softened as she said, “Aw, thanks, honey, that feels good.”
“Oh, geez, what the heck are you two doing?” I asked, my face grimacing.
My brother laughed hysterically before replying, “Don’t be an idiot.” With his voice lowered, he added, “I’m rubbing her feet.”
“That’s just as bad,” I mumbled.
“Well, thatoxsent us a text, as I’m sure your husband has shared with you. Message received. Besides…”
“What? Besides, what?” Luke asked.
“Like I said, she’s young. Just starting her life, her career. She shared how there are things she wants to experience and see.” My voice drifted off as I remembered her words.
“Ah, okay, I see. This is about Katy.” Luke was too intuitive for his own good.
“No! Yes. Maybe. I…I can’t do that again, Luke. I can’t open myself up to falling for a woman who may not be ready for a serious relationship.Won’tdo that to MJ.” I rubbed my temples, but the pressure made my headache worse.
I heard rustling and my sister-in-law’s calm voice got louder.
“Miles, I probably know most of your story with Katy, but no, I don’t know what it must’ve been like for you to see your life and marriage fallapart like that. And I’m sorry. I hate that you had to go through it. But you and MJ have built a beautiful life together. She’s surrounded by so much love. I promise you’ve given her a life that most kids with both parents would be thrilled with.”
“Vicky said something similar,” I murmured. “Thanks, Sof. It means a lot. But I just can’t risk it. Not again. I would love to explore being in Vicky’s life. It’s insane how quickly we connected, but it can’t be more than friends. It just can’t.”
“I understand that. Yes, Vickyisyoung and just starting out. I’ve gotten to know her better with the group’s get-togethers. She has the biggest heart. I think she’s more mature than people give her credit for. She should be allowed to decide who she spends her time with. And yes, Luke and I know all about that unexpected, powerful connection, don’t we, amor?” Sofia said, the last part directed to Luke.
I could picture them cuddled together, reminiscing. Their story was nothing short of miraculous, and in that moment, I wished I could’ve known Vicky from the time I was ten years old, too. That thought was followed by the sobering realization that she would’ve been two. I groaned loudly, pushed off the sofa, and started walking around, turning off lights. I was done with this night.
“You okay, man?” Luke asked.
“Yeah, all good. I’m beat. Thanks for listening. Both of you. Just do me a favor, please. I’m begging you to keep this to yourselves. No telling Mom or Leyla, and for all that is holy, don’t tell Aria and Alex. They’ll tell Enzo, and before you know it, a raging boxer will be on my front lawn challenging me to a duel.”
They both laughed loudly, promising to keep my secret. I hung up and headed to my bedroom. I took a few steps, then stopped, turned, and grabbed the pillow from the sofa like it offended me, slowly bringing it to my nose.
Yeah, I apparently liked to torture myself.
A few days later, I was working from home with MJ because my parents had a charity luncheon to attend. My team and I were refining new features that helped users track their wellness goals and improve daily habits through data-driven insights.
My office party was scheduled for that weekend, and the painters were working inside while MJ and I hung out in the backyard. We had been on the back patio for hours to avoid the paint fumes. I checked mywatch and realized the painters would soon be taking their lunch break, so I was about to offer to get them something.
“Dad, what do you think about architecture?” MJ asked as she looked through the sketches Vicky had sent to us. “I’m interested in how Vicky sees a home and how it’s built. I’d like to understand how to build things for her to decorate.”
It made my heart melt that she was interested in something related to Vicky and that she had been excited to see her again on Saturday. I still wanted to protect her heart and mine, honestly, but I did want Vicky in our lives as a friend. I just needed to figure out how to make that happen. I hadn’t heard from her since the other night, nor had I reached out.
It was for the best.
“I think architecture is a great subject to explore. What are you thinking?” I asked, setting aside my laptop to give her my full attention.
“Hmmm, maybe we could call Vicky and ask her how to add it to my room ideas? I can’t wait for them to start on my room next week,” she said excitedly.
It was no secret that my daughter was as smitten with Vicky as Vicky had been with MJ after just one encounter.
“Ah, sure, I’ll send her an email and mention it. For your architecture projects, you could always use your chalkboard wall to draw some ideas once it’s done. We could even get you an Erector Set for Christmas. How’s that?”
She squished up her nose in that adorable way she did when she was thinking hard.
“Nah, I think we should just call her. Mimi said Vicky is only working on our house right now, so she’s pretty much ours,” MJ replied with her chin set in a determined lift.
