Chapter 28
Twenty-Eight
Mark
Like a fool, I played all my cards. She should have no doubt in her mind where I stand with her.
But the way her expression hardened and she stepped away, breaking that promising moment, means either she hasn’t forgiven my pessimism about her trip or this sparring we fall so easily into doesn’t ignite her the way it does me.
My phone rings, and I check the caller. Dad. Already?
I answer and he asks, “What’s wrong?”
My hello must have sounded as dejected as I feel. “What do I do if I mess up with someone? Like, potentially ruined our relationship, even if my intentions were good?”
There’s a long silence. “You’re asking the man who hasn’t spoken to his father in thirty-five years? I’m obviously not an expert.”
My heart sinks. He’s telling me it’s probably too late for both of us.
Except the crack in his voice when he says the words.
He must wish, deep down, that things weren’t beyond repair with Nonno. That gives me hope.
And then he says, “What I was calling to tell you is that I looked some things up, made a few phone calls, and I think I have a marble source that might be a match, but it’s hard to say without having seen the mosaic in person.
This is a chance of a lifetime restoration—not just an old villa, but a mosaic reconstruction with the international preservation society’s eyes on it.
Not to mention getting to work with you.
If you can get the bid for this job—” He takes a deep breath, as if summoning courage to speak the next words. “I’m in.”