Chapter 52
Chapter Fifty-Two
Natalia, Luna, and Gio, and the rest of her staff met Aria at the door in a flurry of excitement when she walked into Libri Stellari. Aria hugged them one by one as they all talked over one another.
“We’re so proud of you. You’ve inspired us all,” Natalia said as heads nodded around the room.
Aria told them about Madrid, and Natalia caught her up on everything since their last phone call a few days earlier.
After everyone got back to work, Aria and Natalia stepped into Aria’s office and closed the door.
“I started editing your book as soon as you sent it in and I can’t put it down, Aria. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried. I know I’m biased, but I think this is going to be bigger than Thomas’ book. Why haven’t you been writing until now?” Natalia asked when they sat down.
“You really think so? I don’t know what to say. I do think you’re just a tiny bit biased, but I’ll happily take your compliment,” she answered with a chuckle. “To answer your question—life, loss, responsibilities. So many things.”
“I don’t want to pry, but the character Dante sounds an awful lot like a famous photographer we know,” Natalia said with a smirk, tilting her head. “He called here the day you left, you know.”
Aria took a deep breath in, her emotions still raw from her visit to his house.
“I don’t know if he will take me back,” she answered, shrugging her shoulders.
Natalia reached her hand out to hold Aria’s.
“Well, for what it’s worth, I don’t think he’s going to give up that easily.”
“We’ll see. Come on, enough of that. Let’s get back to work, friend. We have so much to do.”
Giving her hand a squeeze, Natalia nodded and headed to her office.
Aria and Corinna were out to dinner a few nights later when Enzo walked in, a surprised look on his face as he walked over to them.
“Hey Corinna,” he said with a nod before turning to Aria. “Hi, Aria, I didn’t know you were back. How are you doing?”
“Good, just got back from Madrid a few days.”
“I, ah, heard you had left on a trip.”
He looked uncomfortable, but Aria still hoped he would mention Alex.
“Yes, I went to see my brother. And to settle some things.”
Corinna shifted in her chair before adding, “How are you doing? How’s Alex?”
Aria gave her a look of warning, but Corinna didn’t back down. She faced Enzo, ignoring his look of discomfort. He shifted on his feet before answering.
“Ah, well, I’m working on a new project. Looking for a place for my second location. And Alex… He’s doing alright, I guess. Loving being a part of the well project.”
His eyes flicked to Aria’s and she hoped he didn’t see the heat that rose across her cheeks.
Aria nodded her head, not sure what else to say.
Enzo mirrored her movement and finally said, “Well, I’m going to head out. It was good seeing you both again.”
Aria took a deep breath in as he walked away with a wave. Corinna reached across the table and rubbed her shoulder with a knowing look.
“It’s going to be alright, love. Whether it’s Alex or someone else, you’ll find love again. I’m sure of it.”
But all Aria could think about was how she would never love a man the way she loved Alex Rossi.