Page 7 of Always You
Oh, wow.This is so sudden. I said I would date, but this is too soon. Beads of sweat trickle down my back. It’s just dinner. He’s handsome and kind.You can do this, Mila.
“Uh… okay, I need to find a sitter first,” I declare, with so little enthusiasm.
“I can babysit,” Sophie blurts out as she stands behind Brian.
I’m not sure if I want to strangle her or thank her.No, no, I can’t do this.It’s not just dinner. It’s a date. The last date I was on was with Dominic. I muster a smile.
“Okay, Saturday it is. I’ll pick you up. Let’s say seven? Does that work for you?” The corners of his mouth turn up.
I bite my lip nervously. “Sure.”
He stands from his seat. “Better get back to work. See you Saturday, pretty girl.”
I nod. He walks back to the counter. Sophie sits in his spot with a stupid smile on her beautiful face. “Whoa, is it gettin' hot in here? Did you see the way he was looking at you?”
“Thanks for babysitting,” I grumble rolling my eyes.
“Are you not attracted to him?”
“Yes, he’s sweet and handsome…” I pause.
“No buts,” Sophie murmurs with pleasure as she savors the taste of her espresso, and licks away the foam from her lips.
I sigh. “You know how I feel. I’ve slept with a total of three men and had one relationship. It’s been two years since I’ve had sex. My heart can’t take another heartbreak. I’ve lost so much in my life. More than anything, I’m scared to fall in love. Will it erase Dominic? God, Sophie, I miss him so much. I loved watching him at his baseball games. During his practices, he would sneak me under the bleachers to make out.” A tear rolls down my cheek.
“Oh, babe, he will always live in your heart and through Dante. Always. He would want you to be happy.”
I wipe my tears with a napkin and then take a sip of my iced coffee. I take a moment to compose myself and focus on Sophie.
“So, how are things with you and Ryder? Are you guys official?”
Sophie has been seeing a guy she met at a bar. She went out with him a couple of nights ago. Sophie is the fun, adventurous, and free type, while I’m the introvert—her complete opposite.
“I’m not sure; I don’t want a serious relationship; I feel like he does, but I’m just not ready to settle down again yet.”
“I know you and Eric dated for a little over three years. He did you dirty by cheating on you with one of your friends.”
She guards her heart like armor. Staring out the window, I notice a man who looks just like Dominic on the phone. He’s a couple of feet away—my heart races.
“What are you looking at?”
I squint, trying to get a better view. As if it even helps.
“That guy looks just like Dominic. I think it’s one of Dominic’s brothers, Santiago or Mark.”
Sophie hisses. “Those fucking assholes. Let’s confront him and ask him why they treated you like shit—ignored your calls, didn’t even tell you when his service was or where he’s buried. You didn’t even get the chance to tell them you were pregnant.” She grimaces, shaking her head.
“It’s been five years, Sophie; I don’t want them to know about Dante now. They had their chance. Since we’ve moved back, I’ve thought about calling funeral homes to see what information I can come up with.”
The front door squeaks open as the guy who looks like Dominic walks in. God, he looks just like him. His powerful well-muscled body moves with ease. His chiseled jaw stretches across his smooth olive skin, and his short brown hair is slightly tousled. There’s a light stubble on his gorgeous face—a face so familiar, it makes me gasp for air.
“Why don’t you go talk to his brother?” Sophie whispers.
I can’t breathe. I feel my insides are caving in. My heart is pounding beneath my rib cage. I feel the color draining from my face.No, no, it can’t be Dominic.
“Sophie,” I squeak. Then I see the scar on his eyebrow. I think I’m going to pass out. All I feel now is betrayal. He lied to me. I want to run to him, hug him, kiss him. But I can’t stomach it. His betrayal seethes through my soul. He doesn’t see me. He’s ordering a coffee when he gives Brian his name.
I hear him say, “Dominic,” and I bolt out of my chair, running out the back door which leads outside the coffee shop. Sophie runs after me.
