Bittersweet Love

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Allison's POV

Fettucini Alfredo with Chicken $24.99

Spaghetti and Meatballs $17.99

Lasagna 18.99

I looked through the expensive menu of the restaurant of "Mi Bella," attempting to avoid the sharp gaze of James De Luca.

The past day had been very tense between us and James had become more distant ever since Jennifer arrived at his office yesterday. But I was okay with that because I needed a little reminder.

James was only my boss and I was his personal assistant. Nothing more and nothing less.

"Hey guys, sorry I'm late. I had to check in with my daughter's babysitter and tell her when I would be getting home." A flushed Adrian explained quickly, pulling out a chair from the center of the table.

I gazed up at James for the first time since we had arrived in confusion. Why was Adrian here? Sally said he would be going to lunch with Leo.

James ran a hand through his neat dark brown hair and shyly smiled. "Oh yeah, Miss Green. I hope you don't mind but Adrian will be joining us for lunch today. I have a few important matters to discuss with him."

"If you mean about my love life then no, James. I didn't go to lunch with Leo because of the same reason. He keeps trying to set me up with this friend of his and I have constantly told him no. I just want to focus on Olivia, my daughter." Adrian angrily responded and took a sip of the glass of water provided by the restaurant.

A pregnant period of silence broke out and the two brothers in front of me didn't meet each other's eyes. After a minute, I cleared my throat and broke the quiet tone, grabbing both of their attention.

"So Adrian, you have a daughter. I keep hearing about this wonderful little girl and I would love to know more about her."

Adrian's face immediately lit up causing James and I to chuckle at his kid like expression. "Well my daughter's name is Olivia De Luca and she is two years old, turning three next month. She is my little sweetheart and James' goddaughter."

I thought back to my conversation with Sally about Adrian and my curiosity got the best of me. Before I knew what I was doing I asked,"If you don't mind me asking, what happened to your wife?"

The blood quickly drained from both brothers' faces and I immediately regretted asking my question. "I am so sorry. I shouldn't have asked that. You don't have to tell me. It's fine," I apologized, placing my hand on his.

Adrian nodded his head and his brother gave him a look of sorrow. Seconds later, he straightened up in his seat and turned to face me with a sad smile. "My wife passed away a year ago in a car accident because of a drunk driver," He paused and I gripped his hand in comfort.

"One day I was coming home from work and I got a call that my wife was in the hospital. I rushed over there and when I got there it was too late. I ran into her room and saw her give her last breathe. I remember that I couldn't stop crying and it felt almost unreal. I didn't think I came to comprehend what was happening until the funeral."

I noticed Adrian wiped his eyes as tears started to form. I could tell he was still very delicate about the topic of his wife but I knew what would cheer him up. "How was she?"

"Esme was the most beautiful woman in the world. She was kind, smart, funny, and had the biggest heart. She was a great wife and mother. I couldn't have asked for a better wife and I know that she would want me to be happy. But like I have said a million times, I don't feel ready to date yet or commit to someone else," Adrian admitted while fiddling with his wedding ring.