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“What?” I demand.
He shrugs. “It sounds very romantic. I can see why you’d fall for him.”
I narrow my eyes on him. “I fell for him before the notes. My head isn’t in the clouds, Niko. I’m not a lovesick school girl. Yes, the notes are romantic, but it’s more than that.”
He holds his hands up in surrender. “Okay.”
We arrive at the bookstore. The sight of it fills me with a bittersweet nostalgia, a reminder of the fleeting moments of joy I experienced with Luca. The familiar scent of books envelops me, transporting me back to those exciting moments when I’d come to find Luca’s message.
I approach the language book section, my heart pounding in my chest. Carefully, I push aside a few Italian language books. The anticipation builds as I search the shelves, my eyes scanning every inch for any sign of a note from Luka. I hold my breath, desperate to find some sort of connection, some reassurance that he still loves me, that he hasn't abandoned me.
“What are you looking for?” Niko asks.
“The note. There must be one.” Finally, I see it slipped next to a copy of La Vita Nuova, a book of love poems. My heart swells thinking this is a good sign. My fingers shake as I unfold the note.
Mio Angelo,
I’m sorry that I was not successful in earning Niko’s blessing. My love for you never wavers, and as much as I want to steal you away, the choice must be yours.
I am forced to return to Italy tonight. My plane leaves at six. I pray you will come to me.
Should you choose to stay in New York for now or for forever, I’ll understand.
Ti Amo,
Luca
I glance at Niko who’s trying to read the note. I clutch it to my chest. “Are you making him leave?”
Niko shakes his head. “No. I told you, he got a call. He said he had to go, and I was fine with that. We weren’t getting anywhere.”
“You mean you weren’t able to make him leave me. Abandon me.”
He winces. “I’m a fucker. That’s not new information. I just… it’s no excuse, but I know I’ve handled everything wrong since you were a girl. Now, with you back, was my chance.”
I don’t like what Niko did, but I see sincerity in his expression that has me leaning toward forgiving him.
“It looks like I won’t have that chance.” He nods toward the letter.
“Just because I’ll be in Italy, doesn’t mean we can’t have a relationship. I’ll be able to come visit?—”
He scoffs. “I doubt he’ll let you come.”
“Again with the permission.” I give him a light tap on the cheek. “I’d already talked to him about needing to have you and Elena and the babies… everyone here… in my life. He might not have liked it, but he’s not as much of an asshole as you are. He wants me to be happy.”
He grimaces. “I want you to be happy too.”
“Then take me to the airport.”
“Now? Can’t you say a little longer? I haven’t seen you?—”
“I wasn’t the one hiding.”
“Fucking hell, Aria. I’m trying here.”
I stop to face him. “I appreciate what you’ve shared with me. I know it was hard for you. And I really hope you mean it when you say you’re okay with me and Luca. I want to be able to be with everyone I love, without drama and conflict. But right now, I need to go to Luca.”
Niko sucks in a breath. “If he leaves at six, you don’t have much time.”
