Page 14

Ines and I chatted a bit more about my charity work before she and Pietro went over to Dante and his wife again, leaving me alone with Samuel once more.
I gave him a hesitant smile, wishing I could talk to him as easily as I’d chatted with his mom, but I was completely tongue-tied with him. My thoughts just kept revolving around how the engagement came to be. Maybe he’d tell me one day. Though I wasn’t sure my heart could take it.
After several moments of awkward silence between Samuel and me, he asked in a polite voice, “Do you need anything?” His twin sister had always been called the ice princess, but he was certainly an ice prince, as gorgeous and cold as one.
His question was probably innocent, but I couldn’t help but think that he wouldn’t have worded it that way if I weren’t disabled. Maybe he would have asked if I wanted a drink or if he could bring me anything, but asking if Ineededanything made it sound like I couldn’t get it myself. “No, I’m fine.”
Another couple came our way. I quickly plastered a smile on my face.
When the attention and fake congratulations got too much, I headed for the restroom. Luckily, there was one on the ground floor, as there wasn’t an elevator in the house. I could only hope that it would offer enough space for my wheelchair. I opened thedoor. It was a spacious bathroom, but even so, my wheelchair wouldn’t fit inside.
To my relief, the distance between the door and the toilet wasn’t too long, and there was the sink and the doorknob I could hold on to, so I should be fine. I briefly considered asking Danilo to help me with the wheelchair, but he’d been in conversation with Dante and Mr. Mione, and I didn’t want to ask for help in front of so many people.
“Do you need help?” Samuel asked, making me gasp. I hadn’t heard him approach, but he stood a few steps behind me in the lobby, regarding me with a frown.
Samuel was the last person I wanted help from. I didn’t want him to think he had to become my caregiver—which he probably already did—because that wasn’t the case. I could do things on my own, even if it sometimes took a bit longer than it would for others. All that stopped me from being completely independent was inaccessible local conditions.
I quickly shook my head, my cheeks flushing. Samuel’s brows pulled together, and I wanted nothing more than to bolt. Part of me wanted to scream in frustration. Mrs. Mione appeared behind her son, and now I really wished the ground would swallow me. I hoped no more people would join them.
“Let me have a word with Emma, okay?” she said to Samuel, who nodded and returned to the living room, probably relieved he wouldn’t have to deal with me. People often acted awkward around disabled individuals. I remembered how Danilo had initially treated me for lack of knowing any better and out of a feeling of helplessness. But now? He knew exactly when I needed help and what to do to make things easier for me.
Mrs. Mione smiled kindly. She was a breathtakingly gorgeous woman with a natural elegance that few possessed. “I’m sorry we don’t have a more accessible bathroom.”
I shrugged with a small smile. “Few people do. Don’t worry.” I knew that not every place I’d visit in the future would be accessible. It was something I took into consideration. When we visited other houses, I often didn’t drink anything before or during the trip to avoid having to use the bathroom, but I’d been too nervous today.
Mrs. Mione approached me, peering into the bathroom thoughtfully. “Do you want me to push you in, and then I could help you…”
“I can go in myself, but it would be great if you could remove the wheelchair so I can close the door. I’ll call you once I’m done and need it again.”
“Of course,” she said, but I could hear the hint of hesitation in her voice. People were always worried about doing something wrong.
I wheeled into the bathroom, then gripped the washstand, which was a solid marble surface on a wooden table. It could easily hold my weight. When I pulled myself out of the wheelchair to stand, I noticed Mrs. Mione’s surprise. Many people thought that my using a wheelchair meant I couldn’t use my legs at all. I rarely bothered to explain the details of my condition to them. Most people preferred to remain in their prejudiced bubble anyway.
Mrs. Mione waited until I stood safely before she removed the wheelchair and closed the door.
After I was done and had washed my hands, I called her again. She carefully opened the door and peeked in as if she worried that I might not be decent. I gave her a smile and returned to my wheelchair, wishing my mind would come up with something to say to stop the embarrassing silence.
Mrs. Mione backed away to give me room to exit the bathroom.
“Thank you for your help, Mrs. Mione.”
She shook her head and gently touched my shoulder. “I told you to call me Ines. Hearing that name makes me think of my mother-in-law. And I’m glad I could help you.”
I didn’t like to ask for help, but in instances like this, I was glad I hadn’t refused her.
Her eyes moved to something on the ground, and she bent down, picking up the small origami clover I must have dropped. She regarded it curiously, then peered up at me. “Is this yours?”
“Yes. I crafted it this morning for a little extra luck.”
“Wow. You did this? It’s gorgeous.”
I smiled. “Thank you. This is an easier piece. I started the hobby shortly after my father’s death. I needed something to keep busy, and pottery turned out to be too much of a mess for our housekeeper.”
“You’ll have to show me one day.”
“Of course, Mrs. Mione.”
Ines raised her eyebrows.