Page 40 of Silent Night With Luca

Through the windows, the snow blankets the street outside, with twinkling lights strung up between the lampposts. People walk by, bundled up in coats and scarves, the holiday spirit alive and well.

I glance around and realize I’ve beaten Arianna here. Perfect. I find a small table in the corner, one with an unobstructed view of the street, and sit down, shrugging off my coat. My eyes wander to the beautiful tree set up in the corner of the shop, its soft lights casting a warm glow over the space. The place feels like a holiday wonderland. It’s the kind of spot where everything seems a little too perfect.

As I settle in, my mind drifts back to Luca. Part of me still feels guilty for asking him to let me out of his sight, but I needed this. Time away from him, time with Arianna—my friend, my normal.

Not long after I’m settled, Arianna walks in, her hair tucked under a knitted hat. Her face lights up as soon as she sees me. She waves, making her way over, and I can’t help but smile.

“Fia!” she says as she slides into the seat across from me, pulling off her hat and shaking out her hair. “I’ve missed you! God, this was supposed to be our holiday together!”

“I’ve missed you too,” I say, genuinely happy to see her. “What the hell have you been up to? I’m sorry I missed your calls.”

Arianna rolls her eyes, grinning. “Girl, you have no idea. I’ve been at the club every night, and let me tell you—I met the hottest snow instructor.”

I raise an eyebrow, feeling a pang of jealousy. “Oh yeah?”

She nods, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Oh yeah. He’s got these perfect abs, and he’s been teaching me things that have nothing to do with snowboarding.”

I laugh, but it stings a little. Here she’s been, living it up, while I’ve been stuck in the lodge, dodging bullets—literally. I think about telling her about Luca, about everything that’s happened between us, but something stops me. Instead, I lean forward. “You lucky thing. I’m so jealous. Give me all the details.”

Arianna winks. “You should be. You know I’ve been missing you. You should’ve been there with me, dancing the night away.”

“Believe me, I would’ve if I could.”

She smirks, her eyes narrowing playfully. “So… does that mean you’re going to fill me in now? What’s been going on with you? You sounded so cryptic on the phone.”

I open my mouth to start telling her everything, but before I can get a word out, the waitress appears, interrupting us with a cheerful smile. “Hi there! Can I get you two anything to drink or start with some appetizers?”

Arianna waves her hand casually. “I’ll have a hot cider, and I’d love your house sandwich special of the day, please. It looks too delicious on your Instagram I stalked this morning.”

I nod in agreement. “Same for me, and maybe a side of fries too, please.”

The waitress jots it all down and hurries off, leaving us alone again.

“I haven’t seen the Instagram, but your excitement is contagious. It better be good!”

“I’m glad to know you trust me!”

“With my life!”

“Hey, I’ve got to run to the restroom before I have an accident. When I get back I want the whole rundown.”

“Hurry. I’m on borrowed time. Meeting back up with Luca at two.”

Arianna excuses herself to go to the restroom, sliding her chair back with a playful grin. “I just have to pee, geez,” she teases, tossing her scarf over her shoulder as she walks away.

As soon as she’s out of sight, I pull out my phone, curiosity getting the best of me. I scroll through Instagram, trying to find the restaurant page so I can see this sandwich that Arianna keeps going on about.

But as I swipe, a notification catches my eye.

Luca. His name at the top of the screen, followed by a message that sends a chill down my spine.

Don’t say anything to Arianna about what’s gone down these past few days. I’ll explain everything when I see you. Tell me where you are right now, I’m coming to you.

My heart skips a beat, and I stare at the message, trying to make sense of it. Why wouldn’t he want me to tell Arianna anything? We’ve been through hell, and Arianna’s my friend—she deserves to know. Unless… unless Luca knows something I don’t.

I chew on my lip, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. Is this Luca being overprotective again? Overreacting? Or is something else going on and telling her could put her in danger somehow?

I glance toward the restroom, where Arianna disappeared. I wonder if I should warn her? But I can’t say anything if I don’t know what in the hell is going on.

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