“It’s nice of you to ask. I’m sure you know about the baby and are calling about her. Let me assure you, Pippa’s well taken care of and healthy.”
“No, sweetheart. I’m calling about you. I wanted to clear things up. You misunderstood what happened the other night.”
“Roman—”
“No, Isla. Listen to me,” Roman said in a commanding voice. My brothers and I all had strong voices like our father. When we talked, people listened. Only a few weren’t intimidated by us. Isla was one of them. “I was with Ciro. You know I would never lie to you. What you heard was a drunk woman we were helping. Nothing inappropriate happened between her and Ciro. Nothing. I swear to you.”
My heart hammered against my ribs. Could Roman get through to her? Would she believe him? I squatted by the coffee table to listen more closely. Could our relationship be repaired?
Isla cleared her throat as if emotion was choking her up. “Thank you for telling me that. But the truth is… I’m glad it happened. I can be incredibly gullible when it comes to Ciro. After one weekend, I foolishly let myself dream about the future. Seeing the pictures of him kissing the redhead, who was the same one on his lap the day I went to tell him about Pippa, was just the dose of reality I needed.”
I shook my head as fear engulfed my heart.
“Isla—”
“No, Roman, it’s my turn to speak,” she said, unwavering.
“I’m sorry. Please continue,” Roman replied.
No fear. My girl wouldn’t be intimidated or controlled. She’d changed since having the baby. It made me want her all the more.
“I’m a mother now. Everything I do is in Pippa’s best interest. She needs stability. Ciro and I will never be stable together. Separately, yes.” She paused, taking a breath. “I won’t keep her from him. Or from your family. But Ciro and I will never be together. He’s free to do whatever he wants…” her voice trailed off.
“Isla, don’t say that,” I replied, losing my composure. “We belong together!”
Rosa grabbed my arm, but I ignored her.
“Seriously, Roman? I can’t believe you’d do this. Who else is there besides Ciro?” Her voice hitched. “Is the whole family there?”
Rosa covered her mouth, her eyes pooling with tears.
“Honey, I’m sorry,” Roman said.
“You had it all wrong and wouldn’t let me explain,” I told her.
“Don’t do this, Ciro. If perchance all the Remotti family members are listening, I’d like to assure you all that Pippa is wonderful. She’s healthy and happy. I’ll bring her as promised, and we’ll stay for a short visit. You have my word that I will never keep Pippa from knowing any of you.”
“Baby—”
“No, Ciro.” She sucked in a breath, and I knew what was coming. “The extent of our communication will solely revolve around Pippa. The rest of you, please don’t speak to me about Ciro. Let’s all be amicable for Pippa’s sake. She’s what matters most. There is nothing between Ciro and me… other than the baby. Good-bye.”
The line went dead and everyone went silent.
I returned to my desk and swiveled my chair to face the windows. I’d never felt so shattered in all my life. Not when my mother was murdered in front of me. Not when I’d held Julietta’s hand in the last minutes of her life.
I couldn’t fill my lungs with oxygen, wholly decimated after the call.
Isla was resolved and strong, calmer than I’d ever seen her. She had a maternal tone in her voice, the one I’d heard many times over the weekend when she put me in my place. Becoming a mother had changed her in the very best way.
Despite her less-than-desirable apartment and the long hours she worked, Isla was doing pretty damn great. Her home was clean. Pippa was well taken care of and happy. Isla was doing it all without me. The realization she didn’t need me was severe.
“I’m so sorry, Ciro.” Roman’s voice came from behind me. “I didn’t mean to make matters worse for you.”
“No.” I turned around to face him. “None of this is anyone’s fault but my own. I did this and I will pay the ultimate price for my choice.” This time I’d never get her back.
“You will not give up on Isla,” Rosa said. “Do you hear me? You will not give up on your daughter. Now is the time to work your ass off and do whatever it takes.”
“Calm down, my love,” Wolf told my sister.
