“She’s a little smaller due to being born premature but she’s catching up.”
“Premature? Ciro hadn’t told us. Is she okay?” she asked, sounding worried.
“She’s perfect.” I chewed on my bottom lip. “We haven’t talked about her birth. Please don’t say anything.”
“Isla, I’m so sorry. I imagine you were so scared. I know I would be. My due date is almost here.”
“You’re pregnant?” A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. “I’m so happy for you and Stephen.”
“Oh, wow. There’s so much to catch up on.” Rosa went silent.
“Rosa? Hello?” Maybe our connection was bad.
“I’m here. Stephen died last year and I have a new, wonderful husband.”
“Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” Damn you, Ciro. He literally told me nothing about his family. Just another clue that he wanted to keep me and Pippa at arm’s length.
“When do you think you’ll come out?” she asked, obviously trying to make me commit to a date. “My new husband won’t let me fly so I’m impatiently waiting for you and Penelope.”
“Before the end of the month, I think.” Although, I might change my mind after talking to Rosa.
I was relieved she and Stephen weren’t together anymore. She had never loved him but was forced into marrying him to form an alliance with his family. She’d told me it was her duty. I supposed having an heir was also her duty. I would hate being forced into marrying someone.
I had unintentionally zoned out for a bit while Rosa talked, mainly about the family and what I’d missed. Regretfully, I wasn’t in the mood and wanted to get home to Pippa. My full breasts ached and needed relief.
The thought of going to the hotel instead of my apartment only fueled the anger building inside me. A familiar dull pain in my chest appeared. As I listened to Rosa’s cheerful voice, all I wanted to do was tell Ciro to go to hell.
“Well, it’s been lovely talking to you. I won’t keep you, but please stay in touch. No matter what happens between you and Ciro, you’ll always be family.” Was she trying to tell me something? What had Ciro told them last night?
No matter what happens…
The kitchen blurred and bile inched into my throat. I swallowed thickly and pressed my hand against my heart as pain spread through my chest.
“I will. Thank you for calling, Rosa.”
“Of course. Let me know when you’ll arrive. I can’t wait to see you both.”
“I look forward to seeing you too.” Tears rolled down my cheek.
“Kiss Penelope for me.”
The call ended and I wanted to scream.
I was so done.
I bolted out of the bistro and power walked to the hotel, hoping to burn off steam and calm down before seeing mylovebug. I was running a little late because of Rosa’s call, so I needed to hurry.
No matter what happensrepeated in my head like a scratched vinyl record.No matter what happens… No matter what happens.
Well, if Ciro Remotti was here, I’d tell him what would happen…absolutely nothing.
Zip.
Zilch.
Nada.
We would be in each other’s lives because of Penelope, but only as co-parents, and I was just fine with that.
