The Italian

“I’m just about to get on a plane to come home to you.”

“Good.” I smile.

“Don’t go to work today.”

“What?”

“I want to see you when I get home. Call in sick.”

“I can’t do that.”

“You can.” His voice is commanding. “In fact, why don’t you just resign. You don’t need to work for someone else. You can start your own company now.”

Ugh, not this again.

“I’m not doing that, we already discussed this. And besides, I have meetings all day.” What does he think this is? I can’t just have a day off or resign every time he snaps his fingers.

“I don’t want you going to work until I get home.” “That’s ridiculous. I’ll see you tonight.” “Olivia,” he warns.

He’s beginning to annoy me now. “I have to go, Enrico. I’m going to be late. Have a safe flight. I love you.” I hang up.

The phone rings immediately again and his name lights up the screen.

I exhale heavily. “Yes?”

“Don’t hang up on me.” The phone goes dead as he returns the favor.

I roll my eyes at his dramatics. God, somebody got out of the wrong side of the bed. What’s up his ass? I drag myself out of bed and make my way into the bathroom to pick up the pregnancy test stick that sits on the counter. I stare at it again.

Two lines.

Two perfect lines—the ones that will perhaps change our lives.

I need to book into see a doctor this afternoon. I don’t want to get all excit

ed for nothing. It may be a false alarm. After all, I am on the pill. I think back to the last few months and how regular I’ve been taking them. I missed a few, but I took them the very next day. I’ve accidently done this every once and a while, and never fallen pregnant before.

Excitement bubbles in my stomach and Enrico’s request to have a day off doesn’t seem so ridiculous. How am I supposed to concentrate on fabric when I am possibly making a baby?

I walk back into the bathroom and text Lorenzo.

Good Morning.

Are you awake?

A text bounces straight back.

Outside your door.

I frown. That’s odd. I text back.

Can we go back to the apartment so I can get ready for work?

He replies.

Yes, of course.

See you soon.