Page 72 of Luca
It’s true.
She looks healthier than she has in years, more solid somehow. "How are you managing?"
"I got a job at a small gallery. Cash work, no questions asked. It's not much, but I can afford to eat and have a place to sleep." She gestures toward the hostel. "I've been staying here on and off, but I found a small flat I might be able to afford next month."
"I have money for you.” I take an envelope of cash out of my jacket pocket and hand it to her. “Use this to get the flat now. You need to be careful. Papa's desperate enough to hire people to look for you. And Luca..." I trail off, not sure how to explain the growing suspicion in my husband's eyes.
"He suspects something's wrong?"
"I think so. I don't know how much, but he's been asking questions I can't answer."
Sofia's face crumples with guilt. "This is all my fault. I should never have run. I should never have let you take my place."
"No." I squeeze her hands tightly. "You did exactly what you needed to do. You're alive. You're free. You're building a life for yourself. That's what matters. Tell me about your job. What you've been doing."
Her face lights up in a way I've never seen before. "I enjoy it. I'm working at the gallery during the day, learning about restoration and authentication."
"And you're happy?"
"I'm free." The word comes out like a prayer. "I wake up every morning and decide what I want to do with my day. I choose what to eat, what to wear, how to spend my time. I make my own money even if it’s not much and answer to no one."
The joy in her voice breaks my heart and fills it at the same time.
"I'm so glad," I tell her, and I mean it completely.
"But what about you? How much longer can you keep this up?"
"As long as necessary."
"You can't live my life forever. What about your own dreams, your own freedom?"
"My freedom was never the kind you needed. I can survive being trapped because I've learned how to be myself regardless of circumstances. I’m making it fine.”
"But what happens if he finds out?"
"I don't know. But whatever happens to me, you stay hidden. You keep building this life or a different one somewhere else. Promise me."
"Gabby—"
"Promise me! Don’t come back to Rome, not ever. You can't save me, Sofia. But you can save yourself. Don't throw that away. I will be fine, whatever happens with Luca."
She's crying now, tears streaming down her face as she nods. "I promise. But I hate this. I hate that you're in danger because of me."
"I made this choice. And I'd make it again." I pull her into a fierce hug, holding my sister tight. "I love you. Stay safe and stay hidden. If anyone comes around asking questions besides me, grab your things and go. Keep moving and find a way to contact me. We can do this."
“I’m scared for you,” she says.
“Don’t be and don’t worry about Luca. He’s growing on me.”
She draws back to look at me closely. “You’re planning to stay married to him?”
“Maybe,” I reply, shrugging. “I don’t know yet. Just remember, no matter what happens, I love you and I want you to be free.”
"I love you too," she whispers against my shoulder.
We hold each other, and I try to memorize this feeling. My sister, alive and safe. Whatever happens next, this was worth it.
Absolutely one hundred percent worth it.
