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I smile down at her. “Really? How’d it go?”
She sighs wistfully. “Amazing. I signed a contract with them.”
My heart stills inside of my chest. Not because I’m not happy for her, but because I’m unhappy for myself. Yes, I’m a selfish bastard. Sue me. I want to keep Isabella here in my arms forever.
“Congratulations,” I tell her, truly meaning the words despite how much I’ll miss her.
“Thank you.” She looks over and notices Mo for the first time and shakes her head at him like a parent would a disobedient child.
Mo hops down from the sofa and walks toward us, rubbing against our legs and purring. “He likes me.”
She laughs through her tears and then nuzzles back against my chest. “Anyway, I told my mother about the contract and she basically disowned me.”
My eyebrows furrow, instantly disliking this woman I’ve never met. Mothers are tricky creatures, my own included. But what mother would make her own daughter feel so awful for following her heart and doing something she truly loves?
“I’m sorry, Isa. This new opportunity should be celebrated, and your mom ruined it for you.”
“Thank you. But it’s alright.” She pauses and reaches down to give Mo a pat on his furry head. “I think she’s just exhausted and wanting to retire. She must’ve hoped I’d take over soon and she could finally have a break.”
“What about your sisters?”
She sighs. “That’s the thing. Mama has always expected me to take over because I’m the oldest. But Rosa is the one who really wants it.”
“I have a feeling now that you’ll be traveling, Rosa will get her chance to shine and show your mom how great she’d be managing Abuela’s.”
She looks up at me again, her expression looking surprised. “You know what? I bet you’re right. I’ve just always been there, getting in the way.”
I chuckle and tighten my arms around her. “That’s not necessarily what I meant. But the way your mother is acting isn’t healthy, and a parent’s love for their child should never be bound to their occupation.” Resting my chin on the top of her head, I inhale the scent of her shampoo. The scent I remember all too well from our nights sharing a tent. The tightness in my chest returns, remembering the contract she signed. “So, when do you start traveling?”
“I leave for Venice in five days.” She pauses. “I’m staying at Monaco’s newest build and writing an article about their Venice location, and their one hundredth location celebration.”
I swallow, twice, trying to wet my mouth and throat that has suddenly become as dry as sandpaper. “Wow, that’s soon.”
She pulls away from me and settles on the couch right next to me so we can talk face to face. “I know it won’t be easy, but I don’t want things to end between us just because I’ll be traveling.”
Holding her gaze, I start to reply but stop, not knowing what to say. “Isa… how many weeks a month will you be traveling?”
She blinks a few times, as if registering what I’m really asking. “I mean, probably most of the time… but you can visit me.”
I sigh, knowing where this is going but not wanting to make her even more upset. “Visit you where, exactly?”
“Well, most of Monaco’s locations are overseas… so I’ll probably get a small flat somewhere in Europe.”
I nod. “Right. But how often will you be in Kansas?”
Her eyes fill with tears. “Not very often.”
One lonesome tear breaks free and streams down her face. I softly brush it away with my thumb. “Listen, we don’t have to talk about this tonight. I know it’s been a long day for you.”
“No.” She pulls away from me, her eyes filled with hurt. “Say it.”
I pause for a beat, and she tilts her chin in a defiant gesture. “Isa, I’m not going to hold you back from your dreams. You have a talent for writing and a heart for traveling. Not only have you worked hard for this, but you deserve it.” I stand and try to close the distance between us, but she backs away from me. “I’m not going to beg you to stay. That would make me just like your mother.”
She closes her eyes, more tears escaping through her dark lashes. “David, please don’t.”
“Don’t you get it?” I beg her to see my perspective. “I want you to finally be free. To do what you were meant to do. Of course I want to be together, but my life is here… and a long distance relationship would just distract you from this new life.”
“I know it will be hard.” Her eyes are pleading and her voice is strained. “But can’t we at least try?”
