“Yeah, and it was so good. Way better than your pasta, no offense.”
“None taken.” She responded amidst laughter. “I'm glad you're having fun.”
Luna's voice came next, quieter but no less excited. “Mom, guess what? I drew a picture of the garden and Nonno hung it on the fridge. He said it's museum quality.”
“I bet it is, baby. I can't wait to see it. What did you draw?”
“The roses Nonna planted, and the lavender. I tried to get the purple just right.” Luna's voice held that thoughtful quality she got when talking about her art. “It's hard to make purple look real, you know? It always comes out too dark or too bright.”
“I'm sure you did beautifully.” Celeste's eyes were definitely teary now. Her children were growing up so fast into two distinctly amazing humans. “You have such a good eye for color.”
“That's what Nonna said too. She said I get it from you.”
She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Tell Nonna thank you for me.”
They talked for another ten minutes, stories exchanged about the garden and the movie they'd watched last night. Every detail made Celeste's chest ache from missing them, but also with gratitude that they were happy and loved.
“We miss you,” Luna said finally. “But Nonno says you need this vacation. He says you work too hard.”
“Your Nonno's probably right. I miss you both so much. But I'll be home soon, okay? I love you.”
“Love you too, Mama!”
“Love you infinity!” Theo added. It was their special thing, something they'd been saying since he was three.
“Love you infinity plus one,” Celeste finished, wiping her eyes.
After they hung up, Celeste stood in the hallway for a moment, composing herself. This was why she couldn't have more with Ruby. Because she had these two beautiful children who needed the stability she provided, and a mother who didn't upend their lives because she'd finally admitted who she really was.
Her phone rang again and Braden's name flashed on the screen.
“Hey, there.” Why was he back to early?
“So.” His tone was casual, but she could hear the barely contained excitement underneath. “How are things going with Ruby?”
Celeste's face reddened and she was grateful he couldn't see her. “The trip's fine.”
“That's not what I asked.”
“I don't know what you're talking about.”
“Celeste.” Now his voice held amusement. “I've known you for a long time. I know when you're deflecting, which usually means something is definitely happening.”
She walked further down the hallway toward the window overlooking the parking lot. The morning sun made everything look clean and new, like the world had been washed overnight.
“It's nothing too serious,” she said finally.
“But it's something.”
“Braden—”
“Come on,” he wheedled. “Give me something. I set this whole thing up. I deserve details.”
Celeste smiled, unable to help her amusement. “You're impossible.”
“I'm invested. There's a difference.” She heard him shift, probably settling in for a long conversation. “So, do you like her? Is there chemistry? Are you having fun?”
“Yes, I like her.”
