Bittersweet

~~ It's all about the Dress ~~

~ ~ Jenna ~ ~

As per our arrangement, I dropped off Ava with Vivi, Tony's mother.  It suited me fine, I could easily avoid Tony and Marco this way as they were both working. It also gave Vivi some alone time with Ava.

But today something felt a little off.  Ava wasn't her usual happy self.  Dropping down to eye level, I double checked she had everything for the night.  "Now remember you didn't want to bring Annabel or Teddy with you. So, I will look after them both, whilst Daddy looks after you."  I kissed her head.  "Now give me a big hug, because I'm going to miss you."

She nodded her little head as she wrapped her small arms around me. A gut-wrenching feeling spread through my stomach.

Should I cancel tonight?

"C'mon little nipotina. I've got a surprise inside for you." Ava stepped away from me and looked up to Vivi.  "But, give your Nonna a big smile first."  She scooped her up, placing an exaggerated kiss on her cheek. "Little Mikey is waiting for you inside. Go run and play."

I heaved a sigh of relief as finally, my little Angel's face lit up.

"Nonna will follow you in a moment and make your favourite milkshake."

"Bye-Bye, Mommy." 

"Love you and don't forget if you want to talk to me, ask Daddy to let you use his phone, okay Angel?"

She smiled and turned, running inside.

I stood up straight, rubbing my hands up my bare arms; it wasn't cold. It was to reassure myself that she was okay. "I'm worried about her; she hasn't been her usual bright and bubbly self today."

Vivi looked over her shoulder before returning her attention to me, sighing. "It's always so difficult on the little ones.  And it saddens me so much that it turned out this way, Jenna.  If I could have knocked some sense into that boy of mine—I would have."

I nodded.  The fallout from Tony's choices would always affect our daughter.

"Too much like his father, I'm afraid."

I wanted to ask who Gabriele took after, but I was sure—No, positive he was nothing like Marco. Thank god.

Vivi took my hand and squeezed.  "Now my other boy, Gabriele.  Well, he's got my heart.  And my boy deserves the best."  She hummed slightly, a sparkle in her eyes.

Surely Gabe wouldn't have said anything to his mother? I wasn't ready for anyone in the family to think or know about anything between us.

Hold on... there wasn't anything between us. We haven't even been on a date... yet. 

And perhaps Gabriele only wanted to be friends.  Yes, we did almost have sex—but alcohol was clearly a factor in that decision.  And maybe I'd read the signals he was giving, all wrong?  It wouldn't be the first time, that's for sure.