Page 79 of Stolen Bases

I don’t foresee an outcome in which Talia and me being together doesn’t cause a problem with her asshole brother.

twenty

Talia

I’m halfway down thestairs when I hear my mom shouting from the door. “Lia, there’s a package for you!”

“I didn’t order anything,” I holler. Hustling down the steps, I enter the bustling kitchen.

Every female Romero is in the house for my last night of vacation. Mamma and Zia Rose called in every available server and line cook to cover Belladonna for the night, so that we could have a girls’ night.

My cousin Sofia, pops up from under the counter, pulling out from the oven a loaf of freshly baked garlic focaccia bread. My mouth waters. Her homemade bread is my favorite. I hope this means Zia made her famous eggplant parmesan and Mamma made the arancini with the hot cherry peppers that I love.

Mamma points to the small white box on the table. “It has your name on it. See for yourself.”

A small unassuming box is lying on the set table, waiting for me. I lift it up and search for a return address but can’t find one. A courier must have delivered because there isn’t a shipping label on the box.

My heart rate spikes, and my teeth tug at my lip as I hold the box between my sweaty palms. Would Cam send something here? No. No way. He wouldn’t chance it. Right?

Sofia walks over and hands me a steak knife. “What are you waiting for? Open it.”

I cut the tape seal and open the flaps. Nestled inside is a black velvet case with my name on it. I pull it out and lift the lid to find an expensive titanium stethoscope in white and rose gold. Beautifully engraved around the top bell of the chest piece isTalia Romero, DPNin script.

This is definitely from Cam. Only he would send me something as thoughtful as a new stethoscope. I knew he supported me, but this is … more.

I fight the tears clouding my vision.

“Oh, look. There’s a note.” My cousin Valentina snatches the card I didn’t notice lying in the velvet box and reads it aloud. “‘Talia. Good luck on your first day. You are going to be amazing. BG.’ Cute.”

Val hands me the card and pours herself a glass of red wine, as well as the rest of the glasses on the table.

“Wow, this is gorgeous.” Mamma takes the instrument from my hand and inspects it. “Who’s BG?”

“A friend,” I tell her, clearing the emotion from my throat. I hate lying to my mom, but she would flip. Not that I blame her. The history between Cam and Nico is tumultuous at best.

She hums, eyes drilling holes into the side of my head. She doesn’t press for more information before heading back into the kitchen to prepare dinner.

My fingers pick at the sides of the card as I read the note again.

Fourteen words. That’s all it takes to make my insides melt and the butterflies in my stomach take flight. He went out of his way, in the middle of his road trip, to send me an incredibly thoughtful gift. This means more to me than he will ever know.

“You look happy.” Sofia takes the seat next to me as Mamma, Valentina, and Zia Rose bring the dishes to the table.

The aroma of all my favorite foods fills my heart with love. Like the thoughtful gift Cam sent me.

“Is this from…”

I glance towards the kitchen as my other cousin Isabella walks in, keeping the two nosiest women in my life occupied. “Yes.”

“Did you two…” She shoves her index finger through the hole of her other fist.

“Sof,” I hiss at her. “Knock it off before someone sees you.” I grab her hands and hide them under the table. “No. We didn’t do that.”

“Then why did he send you a present?”

“I don’t know,” I mumble as I pick up my glass of wine and take a huge swallow.

“You are such a crap liar, Lia. What’s going on?” Sofia hisses.

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