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And I don’t have the guts to call him again.
Suddenly, a hand settles on my shoulder, making me startle.
“Sorry, cara,” Mrs. Accardi says. “You’ve been so quiet we wanted to check on you.”
She helps Mrs. Falco take a seat on my balcony, where I’ve been sitting for hours contemplating my uncertain future.
I straighten in my chair, releasing the hold I have on the blanket that’s wrapped around me.
Instantly, the early winter chill sweeps over my body, reminding me I need warmer clothes.
Mrs. Falco lifts an eyebrow, then says, “Out with it.”
“With what?” I ask.
“What has you hiding in your bedroom?”
Mrs. Accardi’s gaze inspects my face, her features tight with concern.
“It’s nothing for you to worry about,” I say to put them at ease.
Mrs. Falco reaches her hand in my direction, and I quickly lean forward to take it.
“Cara, tell us,” she insists. “We might be able to help.”
I suck in a deep breath before letting it out slowly, then I admit, “Damiano hasn’t told me what he plans to do with me.”
“Why does it worry you so much?” Mrs. Accardi asks. “Don’t you like visiting with us?”
“Oh no,” I exclaim. “I love spending time with you. I just wish I knew what was in store for me.”
“That’s understandable,” Mrs. Falco murmurs. “I’ll talk to him when he gets home.”
Surprised by her words, I ask, “He’s coming home?”
“Eventually.” She gives my hand a squeeze before pulling away.
“You don’t have to talk to him. I don’t want him thinking I complained to you.”
Because that will only land me in a world of trouble.
We hear the sound of a helicopter, and my head snaps in the direction of the lake.
“That must be Damiano now,” Mrs. Falco says as she climbs to her feet. “Greta, help me to the veranda so I can greet him.”
“Thank you for checking in on me,” I murmur, my eyes darting between the women and the lake.
“Of course, cara. We expect to see you at dinner,” Mrs. Falco says.
“Okay.”
I watch as Mrs. Accardi leads her through my bedroom and out the door, then I turn to face the scenic view of the lake.
The sound of the helicopter grows louder, and when it comes into view, a freezing wind slams into me and I wrap my arms around myself.
The aircraft lands, and a moment later, Damiano and Carlo climb out. As they walk across the lawn, Damiano glances up and our eyes meet for a few seconds before he looks away.
The memory of the kiss bombards my mind, and a blush creeps up my neck while my eyes follow him until he disappears from my sight.
