Redeemed (Dirty Air 4)

I cut him off. “What do you think of having dinner together to celebrate the end of the busy season?”

Matteo smiles. “I’d love that. And we can celebrate you finding your stride, baby bird. You’ve spent a summer under my wing, and it’s time for you to get out in the world.”

I nod, finding it difficult to speak with the lump in my throat.

This baby bird is about to fly out of the nest. Let’s hope I survive the fall because if I don’t, a broken neck would be merciful.

I throw myself on the couch, covering my eyes with the crook of my elbow.

Santiago drags my arm away from my face. “What’s wrong?”

I blink up at him, catching the frown on his face. “Matteo is firing me because the busy season is dying down; I haven’t made any progress in our relationship.” I spit out all the facts like word vomit.

“Maybe this is for the best.”

I bolt up from my position. “How can you say that?”

Santiago takes a seat beside me. “Because you’ve been putting this off for months already.”

I scowl. “Things like this take time.”

“And things like this take courage.”

?

??I’m courageous.”

“Trust me, I’m well aware. Not many people would’ve accomplished what you did to begin with.” He offers me a timid smile.

“Then what’s your point?”

“Chloe…” He grabs onto my hand and laces our fingers together. “You’ve been helping me, and it’s time I do the same.”

My eyes dart to the opposite side of the living room, focusing on the painting hanging above the brick fireplace.

He squeezes my hand, forcing me to focus back on him. “You need to tell him.”

“But what if he rejects me?”

“A wise and sassy woman taught me how things we fear the most are often worth overcoming because it’s not about the risk. It’s about the reward.”

“Who is this wise woman and where can I find her?”

He cracks a smile. “Don’t let the opportunity slip away. You’ll end up regretting it, and that’s not your style.”

“Since when did you get all enlightened and stuff?”

“Since you came into my life.”

That feeling inside of me? Where my heart races and my chest grows uncomfortably tight? It’s not something I’ll forget in this lifetime. It feels a lot like love, and I’m not sure what to make of it.

Dammit, Santiago Alatorre.

My fork rattles against the ceramic plate as I push my dinner around in circles. Our goodbye dinner has been nothing but pleasant. With good conversations and great food, thanks to Santiago, it should be amazing to sit with my father. No distractions, no son blabbing away. Santiago isn’t even here vying for everyone’s attention since he left the house earlier to give me privacy.

Everything was set up to make tonight perfect, but in reality, this dinner is an epic fail. I can’t gather the courage to say what I need to. It’s like my tongue loses the will to move every time I think about speaking out.

Matteo takes a swig of wine, not a care in the world. “This dinner was incredible, Chloe. I appreciate you taking the time to do this for me.”