Each kiss, each touch, each moment watching him with our son has chipped away at the walls I built to keep him out.
The memory of those first weeks after he disappeared return as a warning.
The heartache of losing him.
The terrified moments huddled over the toilet with morning sickness.
Crying myself to sleep every night.
Staring at my phone, willing it to ring.
The emptiness that settled into my soul when I finally accepted he wasn't coming back.
Luca glances up, catching me watching them.
His smile, sweet and warm, makes my breath catch.
Does he have any idea of the power he holds over me?
His phone buzzes, breaking the moment. He checks the screen, his expression shifting subtly.
"Valentina," he explains, rising to his feet to take the call.
I can hear her voice, pitched high with insistence, even from across the room. When he returns, his face is a mixture of amusement and resignation.
"We've been summoned," he says. "Family dinner tonight. Valentina insists everyone needs to be there, including you and Enzo."
The thought of sitting around a table with Alessandro watching our every move makes me nervous. "I’m not sure Enzo is up to that.” I’m not sure I am.
Luca crouches beside me, his voice low. "It’s a family dinner. We’re family.”
I nod, trying to ignore the flutter in my chest at his referring to us as family. “Alright.” I look away before I do something foolish like beg him to stay forever.
I've been to a few Dante meals, but it’s been awhile.
I forgot how boisterous it could be.
That is until Alessandro enters and everyone falls silent.
Luca stands with me and Enzo, uncertainty flickering across his face. I realize it’s been even longer since he’s been at a family meal than for me.
I grip Enzo's hand tighter as we follow Luca into the room.
Victorio raises his glass in greeting from across the table, smiling easily as he always does.
He's been one constant in this house of shifting loyalties.
He was always polite to me even after Luca left.
I remember asking him if he’d heard from Luca.
He’s the one who informed me that Luca was in Chicago building his own business.
I think that day is what finally broke me. Knowing he was living his life, carefree, without a thought of me.
Alessandro takes his seat at the head of the table, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.
I feel exposed under his scrutiny, wondering if he resents me for Luca's return to the fold. I guide Enzo to our seats, next to Luca.
