Page 30 of Afraid to Hope

“I really am,” Natasha said, following them, stressing about what was going to happen when Bane arrived.Jesus.

“Something smells divine. What can we do to help, Natasha? This is perfect!” Viviane announced after they entered the kitchen.

“I’m so glad this worked out.”Where is Bane?

“It’s so wonderful to see you, Natasha. You are more beautiful than ever.”

Viviane’s eyes flitted over Natasha, but she didn’t comment on Gianna’s compliment. “I’m so happy Gia joined me this time,” she said, using Gianna’s nickname. “I pop in a few times a year. Paris isn’t all that far.”

Natasha scrambled to remember the last of the many jobs Viviane had held. “Are you still in tourism?”

“I am, and I love it. I think it might be my career. Every day is different. You know how easily bored I get. Natasha, you’ve got to come visit when you can find the time to extricate yourself from teaching and digging in the past,” she admonished, her smile not reaching her eyes. “Where’s your wine opener? Wineglasses?”

Natasha took a wine opener from a drawer and gave it to Viviane with a tight smile, stinging from the barb. She pulled wineglasses from a shelf and set them on the counter, turning to Gianna, smiling warmly. “And you. How are things?”

Sadness flitted through Gianna’s eyes. “Not good. My aunt insisted on relieving me when I told her Viviane had called and asked if I’d meet her, and I think my mother would have pushed me out if she was physically able,” she said, smiling weakly. “You remember my aunt is a nurse?”

“I do.”

“I admit I really needed a break. Florence is closer to Casablanca via Paris, so I spent a few days with Viviane there and then we flew here together. The cancer is… God, Natasha… It’s merciless. Mama rarely complains even though she’s exhausted and in a lot of pain. There’s nothing more we can do for her, so we just wait, and she wishes to be at home.” She blinked her eyes rapidly. “Looking after her has been much more difficult than I realized.” Gianna’s cracked words were laced with guilt.

“Of course you need a break.” Natasha pulled her in for a bear hug. “I’m so sorry, Gia.”

“Enough of that, girls. We’re all together for the first time in, what, seven years? Let’s celebrate!”

“I just wish to clarify that I didn’t let anyone know I was coming. Well, except for Clara and Oliver. I didn’t expect to see anyone,” Natasha admitted.

Viviane leaned toward her and grinned. “Sneaking in, huh?”

“No. I’m here for work,” she responded evenly while leaning away from Viviane. It had only been mere minutes, but Natasha felt her old bricks snap into place. When would the time come when she could let Viviane and her words not bother her?

“I’ve always said you should play more, Natasha.”

Always the mediator between the two women, Gianna said softly, “Come on, Viviane.” She moved between the women. “Let’s keep it light.”

Viviane raised her glass and took a sip. “Mm, good.” She topped off her glass and then poured wine into the two others.

Gia lifted her glass. “To us! What’s for dinner?”

Natasha took a quick sip and put the glass back on the counter. “Um. I have chickenbastillain the oven and—”

Behind Gianna and Viviane, a deep rugged voice broke in. “Sweetheart, I didn’t realize we were having company. Sorry I ran late. Stopped to get baklava for dessert since you love it so much, and pastries for tomorrow morning just in case we stay up late. And I helped Clara with her bags.” Bane leaned in through the group and planted a full, juicy kiss on Natasha’s lips. “Mm,” he murmured, loud enough for everyone to hear.

His heat lingered, and her brain short-circuited, leaving Natasha mute.

“Hi, ladies,” he said, nodding to Gianna and Viviane, who stared up at him openmouthed and speechless. He slipped his free arm around Natasha and pulled her close. His other arm was weighted with a heavy canvas bag containing beer and wine, topped with sacks of pastries. “I’m Bane, your gorgeous friend’s husband. Nice to meet you. Welcome to our home.”

The women introduced themselves to Bane, and Gianna insisted that he call her Gia.

Viviane pouted loudly. “Natasha. When did you get married? You never told us!”

“Yes, Natasha. What the hell?” Gia asked, shocked and looking hurt. She stared at the silver band circling Natasha’s finger. “I didn’t even think to look.”

“Bane and I got married while we were on vacation last month. It was a whirlwind.” A happy, dreamy smile covered Natasha’s face. She looked at him adoringly and her pulse skittered. His expression mirrored Natasha’s and encouraged her to keep going. “When you know, you just know,” she explained breathlessly.

Bane squeezed her shoulder, which she took as a signal that she was doing great.

Gia hugged Natasha. “It’s wonderful! But I would have loved to have, you know, returned the favor, been there for you.” A shadow crossed her face, and then it was replaced with a genuine smile. “I’m so happy for you, Natasha. And you too, Bane. You do know you snagged one of the best women?”

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