ISLA: No don’t. You’re not the only needy one, I miss you too. Trust me, I really do. But Charlie’s here, and he still doesn’t know about us.
I watch the three dots bounce while biting my thumbnail. Somehow, I know what he’s going to say. I just don’t know how I’ll reply.
LUCA: When do you think you’ll tell him? I don’t want to pressure you, honestly. But it would make things at least a little easier if he knew, wouldn’t it?
ISLA: It would, I know. And I will tell him soon. It’s just not easy. He’s never seen me in a relationship before and I’m not sure how he’ll take it.
LUCA: I understand. And it’s your call. You’re his mom. But selfishly I hope you tell him soon. He’s a good kid, I’d like to spend more time with him. And you.
ISLA: Thank you. For understanding and for saying he’s a good kid. I promise I’ll find a way to tell him soon.
LUCA: Well, maybe we can talk later today? Video call? I’m sure we have something “work related” to discuss… ;)
ISLA: Charlie’s going out sledding with friends in a couple of hours. I’ll call you then.
LUCA: Can’t wait, baby.
27
LUCA
I’m a patient man.A calm, relatively steady one, who doesn’t get anxious or overthink things often. Which is why the fucking obsessive level of overthinking I’m doing about me and Isla is driving me insane.
I’ve barely slept these last few nights, going around and around in my brain, wondering if the reason she won’t tell Charlie about us is because she’s not sure about us herself. I mean, part of me can understand that. It’s not like we’ve had any time to progress our relationship, what with how busy we both are at work, plus the whole sneaking around thing. Telling her son would help with that, but only so much.
The problem is, even with how hard it is to get Isla alone, every chance I do, I find myself falling for her even more. She’s making me see the possibility of a future where I’m not alone. Where I can open myself up to a partner, a family, love. She’s making me question why I ever thought Icouldn’thave that. Or was it just that Iresigned myself to it, with no real reason behind it except not finding the right person.
Because the right person was a single mom a decade or so younger than me.
“Luca? Can I ask a huge favour?”
My head snaps up at the frazzled voice of the woman weaving her way into my heart.
“Of course. What can I do?” I take in the dark circles under her eyes, the pen sticking out of her messy bun, and the nervous way she’s twisting her fingers together.
“Okay, so this is borderline inappropriate for me to ask, but Juniper is busy, my mom can’t get here in time and you’re the only other person he knows.”
I get up and move to stand in front of her, mindful of the open door to the rest of the offices and where I place my hands. The sides of her shoulders feel innocuous enough.
“What do you need, Isla?” I ask calmly, staring into her eyes. I feel her sag under my touch and ache to pull her into my arms for a real hug.
“Charlie just got home from school, and now he wants to go skating with some friends downtown. I guess there’s an outdoor rink or something? But he needs a ride and I’m nowhere near done with the plans for the open house and the printer needs final files for the autograph posters before 4 pm and?—”
I interrupt before she can go any further. “I got it, wonder woman. I’ll drive him. No problem. Where is he?”
Gratitude is etched across her face as she breathes an audible sigh of relief. “Thank you. You’re saving my butt.He’s at home. But I’ll tell him to get ready as soon as you leave.”
“Great. I’ll head over there now and pick him up. Need me to pick him up again later? Or are you going to be able to head home at a reasonable time?” I let my hands fall from her shoulders when Gabe walks past, and stuff them in my pockets instead.
“I’ll make sure I leave in time to pick him up.” Stepping forward, Isla lifts a hand and rests it on my chest, looking up at me with warmth, gratitude, and wistful desire. “Seriously, Luca, thank you for doing this.”
I decide to chance it. Checking over her shoulder that no one is in view, I bend down and peck a fast kiss to her lips. “Anytime. I’m glad you asked me.” Then I step back before I give in to the temptation to take it a hell of a lot further. “Go and text Charlie, tell him I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
I may have put on a brave face with Isla, making it seem like hanging out with Charlie on my own was no big deal, but that was a lie. I’m nervous as hell as I pull up to their place. He’s waiting outside, his coat folded over his arm.
“How’s it going?” I say by way of greeting once he’s slid into my car.
“Fine. Thanks for the ride.”
