“No. I’m finally reacting.”
Penelope doesn’t say anything.
I walk out.
This time, I stop in front of my portrait.
I look at the boy frozen there with the careful smile, rigid posture, his eyes already tired.
“I’m sorry,” I tell him. “I know it hurts, but you’ll get through it.”
I close the door quietly behind me.
CHAPTER 33 – ANTONIO
I go to the kitchen for coffee, but Mom decides I need sugar as well.
“Is everything alright?” she asks, handing me a croissant filled with strawberries and cream.
“Yeah.”
“Did you have sweet dreams?” Maria asks, flashing me an innocent smile.
“What? No!” Heat floods my face.
“Who are you dreaming about?” Dad asks in delight.
Mom clasps her hands. “It’s the handsome man from the trattoria, isn’t it?”
I stare at them.
How did this escalate so fast?
It’s my family.
That’s how.
“He’s not—I’m not—we’re not—Madonna!” I shoot Maria a murderous look.
Dad beams. “Look at you go on the love wagon!”
“There is no love wagon!” I protest.
Mom gasps. “Oh, tesoro, are you in love?”
Dad gives me a fond look.
“Remember to tell us if you need to talk about anything sex-wise.”
Aghast, I take my coffee and stomp toward the stairs.
When I get to my room, I take an aggressive sip.
Then I start pacing.
I pace, pause, sip, and strategize.
I need to run into Caspian accidentally and make him realize my interest and availability.
