I push away from the wall and pace across the corridor. “It doesn’t mean they’re okay either.” Of course she wants to believe everything will work out. She still buys into the romance novel fantasy of happily ever after. “Be realistic. The world isn’t sunshine and rainbows like in one of your books.”
“Romance stories aren’t all sunshine and rainbows.” She sounds defensive. “They’re a reflection of the fact that deep love is possible if people really want it and work hard for it.” Her hands fist at her sides. When she notices them, she takes a breath and unclenches her fingers one by one. “Successful couples exist. They work through their problems. Your Mom and Kevin are upset right now, but if they truly care for each other, this will only be a blip on the radar.”
I shake my head. She doesn’t get it. Maybe they’ll fix things temporarily, but how long before the next fight and the next? Before we know it, they’ll be waging war over who gets the house and the car.
“I need some fresh air,” I tell her. “I’m going to find a balcony.”
She nods. “I’ll come with you.”
“No.” The word is a little too forceful, and she flinches. “Sorry, sweetheart.” I exhale slowly, knowing she shouldn’t have to deal with my issues, no matter how frustrated I am. I’m being a dick. It’s not her fault I’m upset or that I don’t share her eternal optimism. I shouldn’t have taken a swipe at her love of romance novels, especially knowing how sensitive she is about it. I bend to kiss her cheek. “I’m sorry,” I repeat. “I’ll just be a few minutes.”
“Okay.” She worries her lower lip with her teeth. “But you’ll be back?”
I nod. “Soon.”
I leave her in the hall. It’s a jerk move, but I can feel my fears growing, and if I don’t calm myself down, there’s a chance I’ll say worse than I already have. I’d never forgive myself if I did that. But as I let myself out an exterior door and feel the breeze on my skin, I can’t help feeling like I’ve already lost her.
Chapter Ten
Lucia
Part of me wants to curl up when Tony leaves and make myself as small as possible. It bothers me that he took a cheap shot at something I love, but perhaps I should have been less Suzy Sunshine and just let him feel whatever he needed to. This can’t be easy for him, especially when walking in on Gia and Kevin arguing must have brought up old memories for him and played into the fear that’s been growing ever since they told him they were engaged.
I force myself to keep my shoulders back as I watch the corner Tony disappeared around. My instincts are screaming at me to go after him, but he needs space and I have to respect that. I linger in the corridor for a while, waiting for him to return, but when ten minutes pass and there’s no sign of him, I duck back into the conference room. The yelling has stopped, and Gia stands alone. Her daughters have vanished—perhaps into the attached kitchen—and Kevin has retreated to the corner, where he’s speaking quietly on his cell phone. Gia looks forlorn. Sheglances up when the door shuts behind me, and her expression becomes curious.
“Hi.” I walk toward her slowly, not sure whether I’m overstepping by being here.
“Buongiorno,” she says, her tone flat. “Can I help you?”
“I’m Lucia,” I tell her. “I’m with Tony.”
Pleasure flickers across her face but disappears quickly. “I’m sorry if you heard all that.”
She swipes at moisture gathering beneath her eyes, careful not to smudge her mascara. Gia Romano is a good-looking woman. Her hair is long and dark with a healthy sheen that shows she takes care of herself. Her complexion is a shade warmer than Tony’s, and she has rich brown eyes and full lips. I’d be willing to bet her daughters are as beautiful as Tony is handsome, with her genetics in play.
“I’m sorry for intruding,” I say. “And I’m sorry you’re having issues on what should be such a happy day.”
“Pah.” Gia shoots a glare at Kevin. “Some people don’t value things the way they should.”
“Perhaps,” I allow, wondering how far I should go with this conversation. The smart thing to do would be to gracefully bow out and find Tony. But I’ve never been good at minding my own business, especially when it comes to couples in strife, and if writing a romance novel has taught me one thing, it’s that problems can’t be fixed unless people face them head-on. This might be Gia’s relationship falling apart, but it impacts Tony, which means it involves me too. We need to discuss what’s happening so all our stories can move forward. I take the plunge. “But isn’t it sweet that Kevin just wants to marry you and doesn’t care about any of the fancy trappings?”
Gia’s eyes narrow. “I hadn’t thought of it like that.”
“Maybe you should,” I suggest, knowing beyond a doubt I’m overstepping now, but holding on to my confidence that theintervention is necessary for her and I to both get our happily ever after. “And maybe you should also think about how seeing you fight publicly rather than trying to work together to resolve any problems affects your children.”
Her demeanor turns cool. “What would you know about that?”
I take a couple of steadying breaths. “I know that Tony doesn’t believe in happy long-term relationships because of all the divorces, breakups, and fights he’s witnessed in this family.”
She pales. “That can’t be true.” When I don’t reply, she lays a hand on my arm. “Please, tell me it’s not. Tony dates. Surely he wouldn’t if what you’ve said is correct.”
“When was the last time he introduced you to a partner?” I ask. When more color drains from her cheeks, I can tell she’s realized I have a point. Tony might mention women to her, but I’d bet good money it’s only in passing, to satisfy her curiosity.
“There have been none for years,” she murmurs, more to herself than to me. “I can’t believe I didn’t see it.” Her voice is heavy with shame.
“It’s all right,” I tell her. “It’s not your fault your marriage ended or that he took it to heart. But if you think Kevin loves you and that what you have is worth salvaging, perhaps you should take the first step to make things right and show Tony that relationships are worth fighting for.”
Gia looks me over from head to toe. “You’re much wiser than you appear. Lucia is an Italian name, yes?”
