Page 152 of Enzo

“You don’t have to. Molly. It's not important,” Enzo counters.

Enzo doesn’t understand what this means to me. I’m meeting his mother, a woman who means the world to him. Not just that, but I’m also I intrigued to meet her, because the little bits I know of her have already given me an insight into the type of woman she is. She’s gone through so much, and raised a wonderful son. I’m sure they are all wonderful sons, but I can only speak for Enzo.

“It’s a really big deal!,” I protest.

He gives in quickly. “Of course it is. Sorry I wasn't thinking.”

I forgive him because I can see how his meeting with his Father took a lot out of him. I didn’t sit outside his father’s office. I was busy talking to his assistant, instead, but I can tell that the meeting with his father has shaken him, even if outwardly, he appears relaxed and nonchalant.

He immediately told me that he wanted to see his mother so here we are. I insist on stopping off to buy a nice bunch of flowers. It sounds clichéd but I don't know what else to get her. What do you buy a woman like Isabella? I imagine her to be an elegant and stylish woman who probably knows more about good food, furnishings and fashion than I ever could hope to.

As well as the bouquet of flowers, I also get the most expensive box of chocolates I can find. I pray that I have enough money to pay for them, that my card doesn’t get declined, because I haven’t checked my bank account lately.

I’m too scared to.

I’ve been fretting about being on administrative leave and I’m not sure if I still get paid or not. It’s something I don’t want to think about, so I haven’t been, because if my income stops, I will have a huge problem making next month's rent.

I need to figure out my next plan but every time I start to think of it, I get so sad and overwhelmed. I don't want to leave Oakleigh, and the thought of leaving my children without saying goodbye cuts deep. The thought of not having Miss T in my life seems unbearable.

I will survive. I always have.

For now I quickly push these thoughts away. I’ll worry about my future later.

“This is near to your apartment,” I exclaim to Enzo as the SUV rolls along familiar streets.

“Rio wanted Mama to be mom close by.”

“That must be nice for you.”

“It's the best. We all want her to eventually move here, but she’s stubborn.”

We're soon standing outside Isabella's door.

Butterflies take flight in my stomach. I really, really want her to like me. More than I probably should. This is Enzo's mom. The woman he adores. The woman who means more to him than almost anyone in the world. Making a good impression feels ridiculously important.

I inhale a steadying breath, and hold a large bouquet of lilies. The box of chocolates is in my other hand.

The door opens and an elegant dark-haired woman stands before us. She's strikingly beautiful, with the same warmth in her eyes that I sometimes see in Enzo's.

She immediately goes to hug him.

“Mama!”

“Tesoro,” she cries.

There is so much love and affection between them that it makes my heart ache. This is what it looks like when a child has always known he is loved. I look away, but Enzo puts his arm around me. “Mama, this is Molly.”

Isabella turns to me and clasps her hands together.

“These are for you,” I say, holding the gifts forward.

“You are too kind, thank you so much, Molly. Lilies are my favorite.” She gazes at the floral bunch, then hands the gifts to Enzo, before giving me a warm, comforting hug.

“I am thrilled to meet you,” she says, her hands on my arms, as she beams at me. I feel instantly special, as if I have her sole attention. She looks over-the-moon happy to see me and I can only imagine the abundance of love she has for her boys.

We're soon inside her apartment. The living room is warm and comfortable, filled with soft cushions, flowers and family photographs. It smells of rosemary and thyme and something hot and buttery.

“I made lunch. It should be ready soon,” Isabella declares. “Let’s sit in here while we wait.”