Page 177 of Carnal

Disappointment fills me, but I try not to show it. I kiss the back of her hand. "It's all right. We just need to give it some time."

She twists the ring on her finger. "Is it true that this is your mom's?"

I swallow more emotions down my throat, admitting, "Yeah, it was hers."

Pina's forehead wrinkles. "Was? Is she not here anymore?"

I sniff hard. "Mamma died years ago."

She reaches for my cheek, just like she used to. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Tristano. When Biagio told me my family was dead, I felt like I was crumbling. I can't imagine what you've gone through."

I shrug. "It is what it is. But Biagio lied. Your parents and siblings are all fine. They can't wait to see you."

She twists a lock of hair around her finger. "I can't wait to see them, either. But I only remember them from when I was a kid. Do you think they look the same?"

I lace my fingers through hers. "I have no idea. I didn't know them when you were a kid. But I can assure you that you'll recognize them since they're your family."

"What if I don't?"

"Then you don't. But it's not going to stop them from loving you."

"How do you know?"

My voice breaks a little when I reply, "Because it hasn't stopped me from loving you." I blink hard, cursing at myself to keep it together.

She doesn't say anything. A gust of air blows across the pool, making the water ripple. We stare at it as a comfortable silence fills the air.

I blurt out, "Do you want to go out with me?"

She looks at me in surprise. "Go out with you?"

Those damn butterflies in my stomach expand. "Yeah. Do you want to go on a date?"

So much time passes, I think she's going to say no, yet she answers, "Sure. Why not? When?"

"Tonight?" I suggest, then realize I'm pushing it when nervousness fills her expression. I quickly state, "That wasn't fair. I know you're still recovering. It doesn't have to be tonight. But maybe soon?"

She takes a deep breath and then slowly nods. "Okay, I think I'll like that."

"Yes!" I lift my arm in a victory pose.

She laughs, but then she starts to cry.

I can't handle it anymore. I pick her up and place her on my lap. She curls into my chest, sobbing. I hold her as tight as I can.

She wails, "What if I never get my memory back?"

"Shh. You will. You'll get through this, baby girl, I promise. And no matter what, I'll never give up on you."

She lifts her chin and locks eyes with me. "Please don't." She sobs harder.

I hug her tighter, vowing, "I won't. I'll never give up on you, no matter what happens to your memory. And if it doesn't come back, we'll make new memories."

She shakes in my arms. My T-shirt turns wet from her tears.

"Everything will be fine," I say, over and over, trying to calm her, but I wonder if it will ever be the same again.

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