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Chapter sixty-nine

Samara

“ W asn’t this so great, Samara?” my mom prods, wanting recognition for her idea.

“Yep, it was a lot of fun. I’m glad we could make it,” I tell her with a small smile, hoping she’ll stop now that she’s gotten what she wanted.

“You know, if you quit being a workaholic, you could settle down, start a family, and really begin to enjoy all of that money you’ve been working so hard for.” And just like that, all hopes of a peaceful last day of vacation are shattered.

“I enjoy my job. Have you ever considered that?” I ask, unable to keep the misery out of my voice.

I feel Luca’s large hand settle on my thigh, gripping me gently, but he says nothing.

“Of course you enjoy it. I never said you had to quit!” Mom tosses her hands in the air, exasperated, as if she isn’t the exhausting one. “But children are just so much fun, and having a partner to come home to every day is a different kind of joy!” She turns her attention to my side, settling her gaze on Luca. His hand tightens around my thigh, and I place my hand on top of his. “Don’t you agree, Luca?”

She stares at him expectantly, but he doesn’t answer for a long moment. The whole table goes quiet as they wait for him to reply. To say anything.

His bright eyes meet mine, and he dips his head, bringing his lips a hair’s width from my ear. “Do you want to go cool off for a minute inside, and I’ll thank your family so we can get out of here without starting a war?”

My shoulders slump at his words. My family may not have heard him but thank god I did because I want nothing more than to get out of here. I give him a small nod and pry his hand from my lap before pushing out of my chair to stand. “It was great seeing you all, and thank you for inviting me,” I tell my family, smiling tightly.

I head inside to use the restroom and hope that Luca is ready to go by the time I get out.