Page 62 of Ruthless Roses
“Still mad,” Sasha sighs.
“Is she still interested in him?”
“She hasn’t said. I think… she just doesn’t want me to date a guy she’s dated.”
“Oh.”’
I let another few seconds pass where neither of us speaks a word. I’m mulling over this new piece of information and deciding what I even think.
Ultimately, all three of them are my good friends.
I’m not sure who belongs with Stitches—or if either of them even do—but I do know I want them to be happy.
Medjine and Stitches’s date had caught me off guard. So has the idea of Sasha and Stitches, even if I’d teased her about it in the past.
“Sorry,” I say.
Sasha arches a brow. “Why are you sorry?”
“I should’ve been picking up on these things. I had no clue there was trouble between the two of you or I wouldn’t have suggested a girl’s lunch.”
“Delphine, please. You have a lot on your plate. Baby Dom, Salvatore, your law firm, your dad is suddenly alive,andyou’re pregnant again.” Her gaze drops to my stomach.
I haven’t started showing much beyond a slight bump that could just as easily be food bloat.
“But I’m still your friend—andMedjine’s. Keep me updated what’s going on,” I say, reaching into Dominic’s stroller and grabbing his baggy of fruit slices. One of his favorite snacks. “Tell me what’s going on between you and Francis.”
“It’s only been one date. We haven’t even kissed.”
“He asked you?”
She nods. “He says he’s been wanting to for a very long time.”
“Do you think you’re ready to date?”
“That’s the thing… I’m still not sure. Sometimes I feel like I am. Other times, I’m just trying to focus on me and Bryce.”
“Francis is a good guy. He’ll understand no matter what you decide.”
Her lips curve into a wide smile that’s containing a laugh. “Look at him. He’s trying to pretend like he’s not interested in what we’re talking about… as he feeds ducks by the pond and keeps glancing over here.”
I laugh. “If he’s not careful he’ll be falling into that pond.”
“How about you? How are things with your dad? Have you given any thought to reconciling?”
“I haven’t spoken to him since that afternoon at my house. I can’t deal with his issues right now. Salvatore and I are happy. We’re focused on raising Dominic and our new baby. My dad’s made it clear he’s never going to be able to accept that I love Salvatore and want him as my husband. They’re never going to be able to get along.”
“So you have to do what’s best for your family.”
A conflicted sigh leaves my lungs. “That’s the gist of it. He’s my dad and a part of me will always love him—even now, after everything—but I have my own family to think about.”
“You’re making the right call,” Sasha says.
“I think I am too. He’ll either accept it or live out the rest of his days mad about it.” I run a hand over my bloated-looking belly and then direct my attention to Stitches at the pond. Several of the ducks have gathered around him in hopes he’ll toss them some breadcrumbs. “Hey, Francis!” I call out. “How about some ice cream?”
The two don’t understand until Stitches is walking over with an eager light in his eyes and I’m beelining toward the other security.
“See you later!” I wink at the puzzled pair as I ask the rest of the security team to take Dominic and I to the car.