"I'm grateful for tonight." My voice comes out steadier than I feel. "For the dinner, the hospitality, all of it. If that counts as paying off whatever debt you think exists, then we're even."
I move toward Lily's chair, reaching to lift her down. My hands know this motion by heart. The slight weight of her, the way she automatically wraps her arms around my neck.
"I have a job you can have."
Nico's voice stops me cold.
I turn to look at him.
"We need a housekeeper," he continues. "Someone to manage the household staff. The position starts in two days."
No, no, no.
A job. Here. In this house.
"That's very generous." I keep my voice even. "But I'm okay. I have some alternatives lined up."
The lie tastes bitter on my tongue. I don't have alternatives. I have a stack of rejected applications and a bank account that's bleeding out faster than I can patch it.
But I also have pride. And the way Nico Sartori can see straight through my bullshit makes me want to prove I don't need his charity.
Nico doesn't argue. Doesn't push. He just turns to the man standing near the doorway.
"Liam. Escort Kristen and Lily home."
That's it?
I blink. I expected... I don't know what I expected.
Liam nods and moves toward us.
Lily squirms in my arms. "Wait, Mommy. I have to say bye."
I set her down, and she runs straight to Aria. The older woman's face transforms.
"Thank you for dinner, Miss Aria." Lily's voice is formal, the way she gets when she's trying to be grown-up. "The fish were really pretty. And the cake was yummy."
Aria kneels down. "You are welcome anytime, piccola. Anytime at all."
Then she pulls Lily into a hug.
I watch my daughter disappear into the embrace of a woman she met three hours ago. Lily doesn't hug people. Not easily.
Aria releases Lily and looks up at me. Her eyes are wet.
Before I can react, she's standing and pulling me into her arms.
I freeze.
My body doesn't know what to do with this. Doesn't know what to do with softness that isn't from my daughter. Jack never hugged me like this. My mother's embraces always felt like obligations, duties performed rather than affection given.
Hug her back. Just do it.
I force my arms to move. Force myself to return the gesture even though every muscle in my body screams to retreat.
"Thank you," Aria whispers against my ear.
She releases me before I can respond.
