Page 67

He takes my hand and kisses my palm as a sign of agreement. His lips linger on my tattoo. My tribute to our past. My undying hope for our future, painted on my skin like a plea.

“These last few days have been brutal. Nonna has been stoic but reevaluating her choices. She let me believe she didn’t have any family, but she has a sister, nieces, and a nephew. She has a family she’s been estranged from for decades. She asked me to find her sister for her. The health scare put their differences into perspective. She hasn’t told me the details, but I promised to find her sister.”

Mav’s confused but nods along.

“You could say I’ve seen the regret of a lifetime of chosen separation. I don’t want that for you.” I gather his hands in mine. “Choosing will hurt everyone.”

“You’re not making me choose.” His voice spikes two octaves.

“We were kids, and you needed your parents. Running off together and trying to survive on our own would’ve been a disaster.” I doubt we’d have parted on good terms, making our second chance hopeless.

Mav grumbles but reluctantly agrees.

“Your parents are a big part of who you are and your success.” I shush him when he starts to argue. “You need to think about what cutting them off means. They won’t be there when your team makes a run for The Cup. They won’t be there to celebrate birthdays, Christmases, and when you get married. You’ll be losing your family. Your family, Mav. From personal experience, it fucking sucks, and I’d never wish it on my worst enemy. And what happens when you’re Maria’s age and you don’t have any family? I can’t be the reason you lose them.” I pull his head onto my lap and curl around him.

“This is a big deal. You can’t make this decision out of anger or hurt. You have to do what’s best for you,” I murmur into his shoulder.

“You’re what’s best for me. Now. And in the future. You, Sky.” He kisses my stomach, and the thought of him leaving hurts. “You inked me into your skin, don’t tell me this is one-sided.” He caresses the inside of my wrist.

We stay cuddled together forever and then longer, until my legs cramp and his stomach rumbles.

“Plan as follows: breakfast, shower, make-out session, then you go back to your place and talk to your parents.” I push cheer into my voice.

“I’m not leaving you.” Mav grips me tighter. “I promised Maria I’d check on her.”

“I’ll get her wrath if you don’t keep that promise,” I joke. “You’re not leaving me. You’re going back to where you live for some quiet time to think and hear what your parents have to say. They love you.”

“Do they?” he asks sincerely. “Sometimes I’m not sure if they love me or their version of me. If I don’t fit their mold, then they can’t or won’t accept me.”

His doubts slash my nerves, and pain rockets through me. “Don’t make a decision yet,” I say with a confidence I don’t have.

“Sky, I need to tell you—”

I cut him off with a kiss. He can tell me later if it still applies. It’s better if he doesn’t say something he’ll regret.

“You’re an idiot,” Lo scoffs.

“Not helping.” I bend my arms and rest my head on them. The kitchen quartz is cool and soothing. I asked Mav to give himself twenty-four hours before making a decision. It’s been five, and it’s hell.

“You know I love you, right?” he asks, eating a rice roll.

“Oh shit.” I hide my eyes. “This is gonna be brutal.”

“You didn’t invite me over to blow sunshine up your ass,” he deadpans and keeps going. “What you said is totally valid. It’s admirable that you’re trying to salvage his relationship with his mom after she tried to erase you from her son’s life.”

“But…” I wait for the blow.

“But, you’ve got to tell him you gave her the letter you wrote in high school. You can’t lie to him.” He pauses. “And you need to be sure you’re protecting him and not yourself.” He pats my head. “If you can’t forgive yourself or him for the past, cut him loose. He can’t make up for things out of his control or that were kept secret from him. Is this really about giving him space or testing him?” Lo’s gentle voice prickles my skin.

“You’re a fucking asshole.” I lift my head to glare at him.

“Sometimes we do stupid things. Not me, of course, but mortals have that problem.” He shoves my shoulder.

“Is that what I’m doing? Testing his loyalty?” It’s not what I meant, but…it’s easier to leave than be left. At least that’s the premise I’ve lived by.

Lo shrugs. “Only you can answer that.”

“Dickhead,” I grumble, but the truth hits like a broken big toe. So small, yet it affects everything a dancer can do.