“She texted me.”
“She—” Realization dawned on his face. “Caitlin? For real?”
“Yeah. Last night.”
“And what did she say?”
“She had a nightmare and wanted to talk.”
“So you… talked?”
“Yeah.” I didn’t tell him that I hadn’t heard from her since our brief message conversation this morning. Even if it was driving me out of my mind that she hadn’t texted me back.
“See, I told you all she needed was some time.” My expression fell and he added, “Matt?”
“I want more.”
“Shit, yeah, you do. But she made it pretty clear last time—”
“I know. I wasn’t planning on doing anything stupid.”
Like turning up at the cabin unannounced, hoping she would let me in.
And then what…
I jammed my fingers into my hair and tugged the ends, reveling in the slight pinch.
“Did Lucino call yet?”
“Yeah, they arrived yesterday.”
“And?”
“It’s been a day, Matt. Give them a chance to feel DiMarco out. You know, your old man is going to lose his shit when he finds out—”
“Don’t.” My jaw clenched.
It was a risk not telling him what really happened, but Nicco was right—we needed to find out what went down first.
It was more than DiMarco deserved, but it wasn’t my call to make.
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
“That I want to break his fucking face.” I inhaled a shuddering breath.
“For her?”
My eyes snapped to Enzo’s, narrowing. “Why are you pushing me on this?”
“Because I’ve never seen you like this over a woman. I guess I’m trying to understand how you can feel so strongly for someone you spent one night with. It’s even worse than Nicco and Arianne, and I thought that was fast.”
“Thanks a bunch,” I murmured.
“Surely you can see it from my point of view?”
“It’s not something I can explain.” Frustration coated my words. “We had this… connection.”
“The sex was that good?”
“Oh, fuck off.”
“Relax.” He chuckled. “I’m joking.”
“You’re being an asshole.”
“I guess I’m just trying to understand. None of that shit comes easy for me.”
“You have seen yourself with Nora, right?” My brow lifted.
“She’s different.”
“I would hope so seeing as she’s got you locked down heading straight for wedding town.”
“Seriously?” He balked. “We’ve only been together a few months.”
“Like you don’t want to put a ring on her at the earliest possible moment.”
Enzo was a possessive asshole. No way he didn’t want to bind himself to Nora in every way possible, despite his reservations about relationships.
“Fine, you got me there.” He smirked. “But it’s all her. Only ever her.”
“She’s good for you, cous,” I said. There was silence between us for a moment while we were both lost in our thoughts, before I brought us back to present circumstances. “I still can’t believe Uncle Toni is in a coma.”
“He’ll pull through,” Enzo said with arrogant confidence. “He has to.”
“Yeah.”
But the truth was, I wasn’t sure he would.
I didn’t think anyone was.
They just didn’t want to admit it.
Enzo didn’t stick around. Arianne invited Nora over so naturally he went with her. They asked me but I didn’t want to play fifth wheel. Not today.
Not when I couldn’t get Caitlin out of my head.
How was your day?
I stared at the message I’d sent Caitlin ten minutes ago, willing her to reply. It was borderline desperate the way I clutched my phone, waiting. But I couldn’t help it.
The thought of her at the cabin, all alone—Luis hardly counted when he was security—was messing with my head.
When another couple of minutes passed, and she didn’t text back, I changed tack.
I’m guessing from your cold shoulder, you’re either too wrapped up in your puzzle to reply or Luis decided to take your phone off you.
You got me… this puzzle is addictive.
A smile tugged at my lips.
You know… I heard two hands are better than one.
Good job I have two then, isn’t it?
Laughter rumbled in my chest.
You got me there…
Don’t you have better things to be doing than texting me?
Aren’t you bored of your own company yet?
I have Luis to keep me company, remember? He’s really good at puzzles.
My laughter grew. This felt good. Safe and easy. She wasn’t ignoring me or telling me to leave her alone. I wanted to ask if I could go see her, talk in person. But I didn’t want to scare her off, no matter how hard it was to stay away.
I guess I should let you get back to your puzzle then.
The buzzer rang and I traipsed over to answer it. “Yeah?”
“It’s me,” my sister chimed. “I hope you don’t mind but I brought Sia with me.”
Great. Just what I didn’t need—babysitting my sister and cousin.
“Yeah, come up.” I pulled the door ajar and padded back to the couch, typing another reply to Caitlin.
Send help. My sister and cousin just turned up to terrorize me.
Sounds like you have your hands full.
You have no idea. Any suggestions on how to keep two teenage girls occupied?
Sounds trickier than my puzzle… trip to the movies? All teenage girls like that, right?
I’m not sure Alessia will want to go out.
Oh… is everything okay?
It’s Sia’s and Nicco’s father, my uncle. He isn’t doing so good.
I remember now. I’m sorry to hear he still isn’t doing well. Maybe a home movie night instead?
Their footsteps sounded down the hall, the familiar cadence of Arabella’s voice floating into my apartment.
Yeah, maybe. I should probably go see to them. Enjoy your puzzle.
Enjoy your babysitter duties.
“Who’s that?” Bella asked the second they came inside. I pocketed my cell and went to greet them.
“No one.”
“Yeah, I bet.” She smirked.
“How are you feeling?” I asked Alessia. She looked exhausted, dark circles ringing her eyes.
“I… I’m okay. They said he should wake up. That’s good, right?”
“Yeah, that’s real good, Sia.”
“Dad gave you a ride here?”
Bella nodded. “He and Mama are heading to the hospital to sit with Uncle Toni.”