Page 5 of Sweet Union
“What about you and Dad? You’ve mentioned before that you used to have issues. How did you overcome them?”
“It was hard. Your dad and I started off differently than you and Luca did. We didn’t love each other, but then, it grew once we started to respect each other. And then, we fell in love, and now, we’d do anything for each other.”
“Like walk into hell?” I smile.
She returns it. “Yes. Exactly like that. I know what it’s like to overcome issues with the man you love. It isn’t easy. But it’s worth it in the end.” She squeezes my arm. “So, talk to him, honey. You’re only going to be in pain if you wait for him to reach out to you.”
I inhale deeply. “No, you’re right. I’ll call him. I just have no clue what to say. I’m worried he won’t give me the answer I’m looking for.”
“And that’s a real possibility. But you have to try.”
“Is this your way of telling me you want me out of here?”
She kisses me on the head before standing up. “Of course not. But you should be back at home with your husband. It’s where you’re most happy. I’ve seen it.”
“I think Dad would disagree. He’s seemed perkier since I’ve been home.”
“That’s because he thinks he’s ‘won.’ He’s just happy he’s able to take care of you again. But I know what makes you the happiest, and that’s Luca. You know the saying. ‘Mother knows best.’ Now, call him.” She shuts the door behind her as she leaves.
I stare down at my phone, willing Luca to call me. When it doesn’t ring after a few minutes, I know I need to suck it up and call him.
My heart pounds fast at the phone rings. He finally answers. “Nat? Are you ok?” At least he’s calling me Nat. That’s a good sign.
“I’m fine. I was just … calling.” I pull at the shaggy bits on my blanket.
“You were just calling.”
“Yes.”
“Ok.”
Silence.
I let out a huff. “It’s good to hear your voice. You haven’t called me the past few days.”
“I was respecting your choice. I figured you wanted your space since you chose to stay with your parents.”
I wince. He’s right. I made that choice. I’ve been making a lot of choices lately that I regret. “Right. Well, I needed that space.”
“And now?”
“Now … I don’t know. I don’t know what you’re thinking or how you’re feeling. I hate this weird tension between us.”
“I do too.” His voice is so warm in my ear.
I open my mouth to tell him to come get me. To come save me again. But the words don’t come. I’m not ready to say sorry for the things I’ve done, and I don’t think Luca is ready either. “Right. So, um … I’ve got to go.” My throat tightens as tears form in my eyes.
“Just like that?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
Luca scoffs. “Nat, stop this. Just come home.”
“I’m not ready.”
“What are you waiting for? Why are you blaming me for this?”
“Because …” Because you’ve disappointed me. But I can’t say that because that will break his heart. Luca was this larger-than-life person when we met, and now, I’ve seen how fallible he is, and I know what I’m feeling isn’t fair, but I’m feeling it all the same.
