Page 431 of Savage Bosses

Tatianna

A

s the conversation carried on, Tatianna found herself absorbed in her thoughts about Bryce and the complicated love they once shared. Her mind raced, seeking answers to questions she had long buried. Finally, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, she blurted out...

"What is love? I mean, is it supposed to be this hard? I don’t think it’s supposed to feel like this."

Realizing she had interrupted the conversation, Tatianna's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She glanced apologetically at her mother and Mrs. Cattaneo, hoping they wouldn't think less of her for asking such a loaded question.

At her age, she should already know what love was. Yet, she was still confused about it and everything that came with it. Her mother gave her a knowing smile while Mrs. Cattaneo looked thoughtful.

"Love is a complex thing, Tati," her mother began. "It can bring us incredible joy but also unimaginable pain."

"True," Mrs. Cattaneo chimed in. "But sometimes, through those hardships, we grow stronger and learn what really matters. What you and Bryce had before might've been young and naive, but now you're both being tested. And who knows, maybe you'll come out stronger than ever. That's the thing about love. It can surprise you."

"But always remember that love is an emotion like any other," Tatianna's mother began. "It comes and it goes. To anyone who says love is forever and it's unconditional is a liar. Or maybe they just haven't had enough experience with the other side of love, and that's hate. Parental love is supposed to be the strongest love of all. However, there are some parents out there who do not love their children. Likewise, there are some children out there who do not love their parents. There are couples who've been together for years and are happy, but they're not in love. They don't want to be with anyone else, but they don't love each other in the storybook sense you're probably thinking of. You see, love is just an emotion. And it can be fleeting. Sometimes you're happy, sometimes you're sad, sometimes you're in love, sometimes you're not."

Tatianna chewed on her lower lip as she absorbed her mother's words, her fingers nervously playing with the hem of her pajama shirt.

"But, isn't love supposed to be everlasting?" she asked, her voice small and uncertain. “Back in the day, couples stayed together until death. Now, people get married three or four times.”

Tatianna’s mom sighed. “Marriages lasted longer back in the day because women had no say in the matter. We couldn’t work. Shit, we couldn’t vote. We were forced to stay home and accept whatever men said. That’s not the case anymore. And I hope it never goes back to that. But us having rights has added some obstacles when it comes to marriage. First of all, some women just don’t want to get married or have children. And that’s fine. Yet, some men and women frown at that, calling it unnatural. Some men can’t handle women being strong. Some women can’t handle letting a man be the head of the household. Some men have toxic traits. Some women are afraid to show their vulnerability. The good thing is that women now have rights. The bad thing is neither side wants to accept the good and bad of the other side. The marriages that work are those where the men appreciate their woman’s strength and protect her when she’s weak. And where the women love their man when he’s strong and guards him when he’s weak.”

“So, if that happens, will the love last forever? Will it never change?” Tati wasn’t a huge fan of change.

"Sweetheart," Mrs. Cattaneo replied, leaning forward to put a hand on Tatianna's knee and giving it a comforting squeeze. "That's what we all want to believe, that love is this unchanging force that'll carry us through life on its wings. We want to believe love will never fail us or turn its back on us. We want to believe that love will be sweet to us for eternity. But the truth is, love evolves. It shifts and changes as we do. And that's not always a bad thing."

Tatianna was even more confused as she found herself thinking about Bryce and how much he had changed. Her, too. In the past, they'd been young and naive, thinking nothing could come between them as long as they had each other.

But Melinda had set them up. And Bryce had done the unthinkable, then fled to Italy, leaving her behind. He may not think about it that way, but he left her first. He’d hid just as she had. It was just that her hiding lasted longer.

But they'd both been too ashamed to face each other. And Bryceson had always kept his feelings of what his father made him do to himself. She hadn't known what to think or do when she'd learned he'd killed someone and ran off to Italy.

Her first instinct had been to run, too. They'd both been wrong. So, was what they'd shared back then love? And if it was love, now that they've changed, could their love still exist, or was it destined to fade away? Had their season of love come and gone? Was it time for her to let go?

"Also," her mother continued. "Sometimes, when love changes, it leads us to a greater understanding of ourselves and our partners. We learn what truly matters, what we're willing to fight for. Love is a learning process. It doesn't come with a manual. You have to figure it out as you go and adjust to any changes that come along."

Tatianna nodded slowly, trying to wrap her head around their words.

"Thanks, guys," Tatianna murmured. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Good," her mother replied, patting her knee affectionately. "Remember, we've got your back no matter what. And when it comes to love, sometimes you just have to roll with the punches and see where it takes you."

"And I hope it takes you back to Bryce. Because in my heart, you're my daughter-in-law," Mrs. Cattaneo told her. "And if Melinda tries to stand in your way, well...we'll handle her for you."

"Leave her to me," Tatianna told them. "I want to handle that heffa."

"That's my girl," her mom said.

"Mine too," Lora added.

Tatianna leaned back against the couch cushion. "Now, tell me what's going on in the show. Who's the killer, and what was his motive?"

As her mom and Lora rushed to explain what was happening on the screen, Tatianna smiled, glad to be home with the people she loved. But someone was missing. Would they ever find their way back to each other? Or was this their new normal?

“Oh, sweetie,” Lora said. “Next week, the Farrinas are hosting a brunch. I just learned about it today. Patrick swore he told me last month. He’s lying. I would’ve remembered. Our café is catering the brunch. I’ll be in the café tomorrow to start helping everyone prepare for it. I want your help coming up with the menu. Sorry to tell you on such short notice.”

“That’s fine. I wouldn’t be surprised if Melinda put this together just so I can help serve her and her family.”

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