*Caterina*
I knew as soon as Olivia had declared it was time for them to leave… as soon as Elio got to his feet, trudging to the closet where he’d stashed their coats and umbrellas. But I mostly knew from how Giovani had risen without a single word and followed Elio to the hallway.
I sighed in disappointment as I watched the truce Elio and his father had come to over the evening literally walk away.
“Oh, Gio,” Olivia sighed, then she gave me a small, sad smile when I looked at her in surprise. “They like to think we’re oblivious, but we’re not. Gio’s been trying to catch him alone all evening, but he’s been glued to your side.”
I chuckled. It was true. He’d been stuck to me like Velcro, following me around like a lost puppy. I wasn’t sure he even realized he was doing it, but as exasperating as it was, I also couldn’t help but think it was adorable.
