“Rocco, I didn’t expect your call,” he said.
We all turned toward the conversation.
Luca glanced in my direction. “Liliana is doing well.”
My father had only called once the entire summer to ask how I was. For some reason I worried about the true reasons for his check-in.
“Tomorrow? That’s short notice. Has something happened?”
I put my fork down, my stomach tightening with anxiety.
“Of course. She’ll be there,” Luca said with a frown. He hung up and returned to the table, lowering his large frame into the chair.
“What’s going on?” Aria asked before I could even utter a word. She looked as worried as I felt. Did she think Father had found out something about Romero and me? If that were the case, the call wouldn’t have gone over so peacefully, that much was sure. And who should have told them? Nobody in this house would.
“Your father wants Liliana to come home tomorrow,” Luca said, lips tight with concern.
“What?” I said, shocked. Romero didn’t quite manage to hide his surprise either. I had to force myself to tear my gaze away from him quickly before Luca got suspicious. “So soon?”
Matteo laughed. “You’ve been here for three months.”
Gianna rammed her elbow into his side and he rubbed the spot with a smirk.
“I was joking, damn it. Why do you have to be so violent?” he asked.
I wasn’t in the mood for jokes. I felt like the rug had been pulled out from under my feet. I’d always known I’d have to return eventually but now that I was being faced with my father’s order, I felt heartbroken.
“He wants you on the earliest flight. He booked the ticket already,” Luca continued as if his brother and Gianna weren’t still bickering.
“Did he say why?” I asked.
“He said something about social responsibilities. Apparently there are a few parties he wants you to attend, but he wasn’t very forthcoming with information.”
My eyes darted to Romero again, but then I focused on Luca. “Did he say how long I had to stay in Chicago?”
Luca narrowed his eyes. “No. Chicago is your home, so I had no right to ask.”
“Lily is of age, she could simply refuse to return,” Gianna said snidely. Matteo had his arm wrapped around her shoulder. As usual their fighting hadn’t lasted very long. They’d probably soon go to their room to make up.
Luca glowered. “Then I’d drag her onto that plane if necessary. If her father wants her to come home, she’ll go. I won’t risk a conflict over something as ridiculous as this.”
I bit my lip. “It’s okay. I’ll go. I’ll survive a few parties, and I’m excited about seeing Fabi again. I missed him. I’ll plead Father to let me return to New York as soon as possible.”
I didn’t talk for the rest of dinner and was glad when I could finally get up. It was ridiculous of me to be so nervous about going home; because despite everything Chicago was still supposed to be my home. I headed out toward the terrace and wrapped my arms around myself, feeling inexplicably cold even though it was still warm.
The door slid open behind me again and Aria walked up beside me, giving me an understanding smile. “I’ll call Father and ask him to send you back for another visit soon. It’s not like he needs you in Chicago. You’ll be back before you know it.”
“You’re probably glad I’ll be gone because that means I can’t see Romero for a while,” I snapped. I felt instantly bad for lashing out at my sister. Closing my eyes, I said, “Sorry.”
Aria touched my shoulder lightly. “Don’t worry. And I really don’t want you to leave, please believe me.”
I nodded. “I’ve gotten used to life here. I’ve been happy. I don’t even remember the last time I was happy in Chicago.”
“This is only a temporary thing. You’ll be back here in no time, and while you’re in Chicago I’ll talk to Luca about Romero. Maybe when you’re back we’ll have made a plan on how to convince Father to accept Romero as your husband.”
Hope flared up in me. I looked at my sister. “You’re right. I should see it as a short vacation. Maybe soon I’ll be able to call New York my home for good.”
We didn’t say anything after that, only stood beside each other and watched the boisterous ocean. What I really wanted to do was talk to Romero, be in his arms and convince myself that this thing between us was meant to last, but it was way too early to retire to bed and we couldn’t risk anything with everyone still awake.
When the breeze picked up, Aria and I returned into the living room. Romero caught my eyes from across the room. I couldn’t wait to be alone with him tonight, to feel his body sliding against mine. I’d never needed him more.
* * *
Earlier than usual I crept out of my room and headed for Romero’s. I wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. He didn’t look surprised when I slipped in.
He was sitting on the edge of his bed, arms braced on his knees. He pushed to his feet when I closed the door. For a while we only stared at each other until the pressure in my chest threatened to crush my rib cage. Why was I being so emotional about this? Romero crossed the room and gripped me by the hips, then he turned us around and led me backwards toward the bed until my calves bumped against it and we both fell back on the mattress.
Our hands roamed each other’s bodies almost frantically, undressing and caressing. Who knew when we’d get the chance to feel each other again? It could be weeks. Too long. We needed to make the
