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I had thought the same about Luca. He had been sick during our visit, but mostly, he was himself, talking and laughing with us. He felt bad about something, but decided not to tell me. Did the Marinis know about what he hadn’t shared? The question swirled in my head, making me uneasy.
My eyes scanned over them with laser focus, searching for any trace of deceit. His father, Nico, was rummaging through my bedroom, irritated when I couldn’t help him find whatever he was looking for. However, today, he hugged me and then took over from Rocco holding Olivia. Across the aisle was his sisterSienna, who had on earbuds with her eyes closed. But when Rocco pulled on one, her eyes lit up for her big brother. She sent me a wave before talking with him. That was the Marinis. They had so much love for each other, and even in their grief, they still found moments to show me kindness. Shame washed over me, and I lowered my head to look away. I didn’t know what to believe.
A hand touched my shoulder, and I turned to find Isla. I was relieved Rocco hadn’t fired her after his anger at her in Cannes. He blamed her for his delay in meeting up with me at the afterparty, though it seemed more his ex-Marjorie’s fault for keeping him after the panel. She went over to stand near Rocco but waited quietly, her hand tight on her iPad. Things weren’t perfect, but there was a chance.
The pilot came over the speaker. “Ready for takeoff.”
Alice appeared, and showed me to my seat, and I belted in. The throbbing in my temples had returned and I asked her for something to take.
“Ciao. Hai qualcosa che posso prendere per il mal di testa?”
“Hai mal di testa?” She asked in Italian if I was unwell.
I nodded and rubbed my temples.
Her brows lifted in surprise.“SÌ. Ti prenderò qualcosa da prendere.”
She told me she’d bring me something to take and I thanked her. “Grazie.”
A few minutes later, Alice returned and told me that Mrs. Marini had valium in her purse and offered it to me and aspirin. “Please tell her thanks,” I told her.
Rocco came over and sat down next to me. His eyes were glassy and soft when I met his gaze. My heart ached at seeing them, knowing he cried. He’d let his guard down and took me in his trust in such a way I hadn’t expected, but had I done the same for him? Did he feel he knew me well?I want him to knowme.That was what I wanted, but deep down, I hated that I also felt I was hiding so much from him. Because of what I knew, but also because of what my grandfather expected.Why can’t this be easy? A man and a woman becoming friends, lovers, and then husband and wife.
I reached over and squeezed his hand. Surprise and delight swirled in his irises, and a small smile formed on his lips.
“Thank you for being here…for me.” He said it again.
My heartbeat skipped.For him.His parents and siblings seemed to lean on him, but I hadn’t seen him lean on anyone. But he needed that same comfort.He still needs it.Which is why I hate that Mr. Belfiore would pick me up and take me back to Westchester.How will Rocco feel when I leave him soon?
My face warmed, and I tucked my chin.He’ll be blindsided. I hated that I agreed, but still was too much of a coward to tell him the truth.
He lifted my chin, and frowned. “Something wrong, Adelina?” He reached over and felt my forehead. “You’re flushed and warm. How’s your headache?”
“Still hurts, but I’ll be fine,” I told him dismissively and shared what Alice gave me.
“Valium?” His voice rose in shock and his frown deepened. “Who the hell has valium?”
I smiled. “Your mom. She gave it to her to give to me. Is that okay?”
“No. I’ll have a talk with her—”
“Don’t,” I said and took his arm. “I’m hoping it’ll give me a chance to fall asleep? I’ve not slept well.”
His face softened and he relaxed in his seat and I took a deep breath in relief.
“No more valium,” he got out and I smiled at him.
“I’m only taking it this one time, and honestly I feel nothing so maybe it’s a dud?”
He grinned and leaned over and kissed my lips. “Okay.”
The plane started to move, and we were lifted into the sky. I still didn’t know what to do, and as I contemplated it, I drifted.I’ll tell him before we land in New York….
“Adelina. Wake up, please.”
I opened my eyes to Rocco staring concerned at me, shaking my arm.
“What’s up? Is it breakfast time?” My stomach growled on cue. I eyed the blanket over me that I hadn’t remembered putting there.