CHAPTER 33 – ANTONIO
I go to the kitchen for coffee, but Mom decides I need sugar as well.
“Is everything alright?” she asks, handing me a croissant filled with strawberries and cream.
“Yeah.”
“Did you have sweet dreams?” Maria asks, flashing me an innocent smile.
“What? No!” Heat floods my face.
“Who are you dreaming about?” Dad asks in delight.
Mom clasps her hands. “It’s the handsome man from the trattoria, isn’t it?”
I stare at them.
How did this escalate so fast?
It’s my family.
That’s how.
“He’s not—I’m not—we’re not—Madonna!” I shoot Maria a murderous look.
Dad beams. “Look at you go on the love wagon!”
“There is no love wagon!” I protest.
Mom gasps. “Oh, tesoro, are you in love?”
Dad gives me a fond look.
“Remember to tell us if you need to talk about anything sex-wise.”
Aghast, I take my coffee and stomp toward the stairs.
When I get to my room, I take an aggressive sip.
Then I start pacing.
I pace, pause, sip, and strategize.
I need to run into Caspian accidentally and make him realize my interest and availability.
Subtly.
So subtly that it’s basically Caspian who does all the work.
How do I turn that into a doable plan?
Okay. Facts first. Caspian did not ask me out.
That means he didn’t want to—which, in turn, means he’s moved on and is currently writing his wedding vows to a person who handed over their number like a champion of grown-up communication.
Oh, and their dog is called Bim.
I sigh. Maybe that wasn’t a fact.
Should I join a gym and lurk there until he shows up?
I could casually sit in the corner with a protein shake so I’d blend in.
No.
Even if I managed to locate the gym he goes to, I’d drop a dumbbell on my toes and cry. Caspian would flinch, look away, and lock eyes with a himbo in a PUSH THROUGH THE PAIN T-shirt.
Clearly, he’s over me.
For a brief, reckless moment, I consider telling him the truth—that I don’t hate him, quite the opposite—before realizing it would be the worst plan. My voice would crack. Caspian would blink politely before saying he values our friendship, but he has Himbo and Bim now.
If I’m completely honest with myself, I don’t want to pursue him.
I want him to pursue me.
I want him to want me desperately despite all my flaws and unfair expectations.
If I have to explain this to him, we’re obviously doomed.
So I won’t explain it.
I have a better idea.
Tomorrow, in Caspian’s favorite coffee shop, I will do nothing.
He’d better show up.
If I’m willing to let him know I’m available, the least he can do is be there.