Nothing compares to that.
Never has, never will.
I might have managed to ignore or deny that truth for eight long-ass years, but now that she’s back in my life, I’m starting to think I’m royally fucked. Because the other truth I can’t ignore or deny is that she’s not here to stay.
Chapter fifteen
Isabelle
“You’re going to need a manicure if you keep chewing on those nails.”
I drop my thumb to my lap, switching off the screen on my phone with my other hand as my mom walks over and sits next to me on the couch.
“Everything okay, honey?”
“Yup, totally fine.”
She gives me a smile, but I can tell she suspects I’m not being totally honest. I want to tell her everything about Kai. About our history as more than friends, and about how he makes me feel now.
But then I see her talking to Tony on the phone, or laughing and hugging him in the kitchen, and I worry that telling her would only ruin everything.
She’s so happy with him. Telling her I used to date her new husband’s star pitcher would probably be okay. Telling her Ikissed him a week ago, and that I can’t stop thinking about doing it again, would probably not be alright. To say nothing of the likelihood that she’d use it as yet another reason I should abandon my life in Italy and stay here.
“Maybe I could try to get us an appointment for tomorrow?”
“Hmm?” I blink up at her, my brain taking a second to catch up and realize she’s still talking about our nails. “Oh, sure, that sounds great.”
She pats my leg. “Wonderful. I’ll get us booked for the afternoon, we could do lunch first? Then go to the game after the appointment.”
I nod. “Perfect.”
Right. The game. Where Kai will be. Kai, who I’ve been kind of avoiding. They got back from their away series a few days ago, and I’ve managed to find a reason not to get together with him the two times he’s asked.
Kai, who apparently knows I’m thinking about him, as my phone lights up with another message.
I’m not fast enough, and Mom spies it.
“Is that Kai Yamaki? As in, from the Tridents?”
I snatch up my phone, thinking quickly on what to say. “Yeah. We knew each other in college, remember?”
“Honey, I think it’s cool you’re reconnecting.” She gives my leg a squeeze, then stands up. “He’s a good guy from what Tony said. And selfishly, I’m thrilled you’ll have another reason to come back and visit me here.”
“Mom, you’re reason enough, I promise.” I stand up and pull her in for a hug.
“Oh Belles.” She squeezes me tightly. “I’m so happy we’re getting this time together.”
“Me too,” I mumble into her shoulder.
She pulls back and kisses my forehead. “Alright, I need to get going. Are you sure you don’t want to come to yoga with me?”
I don’t disguise my shudder. “Very sure. Yoga is not my thing, Mom.”
She laughs and moves toward the front door. “Fine. Oh, don’t forget Tony and I are going out tonight. You’ll be okay on your own?”
“Yes, Mom. I’m twenty-eight. I can manage just fine,” I reply dryly. She laughs again, giving me a wave as she leaves.
“See you, honey.”
