Page 7 of Veil of the Past
Mara nods, her expression thoughtful. “Yeah, I guess.”
I take another sip of my coffee, feeling the familiar coolness spread through me. “Well, if you need any more distractions from family drama, you’re welcome to join me in the ER,” I say, trying to lighten the mood. “I had three cases of appendicitis in one night. I’m starting to think it’s a conspiracy.”
Valentina’s eyebrows raise. “Three? That sounds … intense.”
I shrug. “It is, but it’s also kind of nice, you know? To be busy. To have something to focus on that isn’t all … this.” I wave my hand vaguely, trying to encompass everything about our complicated lives in one gesture.
Mara nods. “I get that. Sometimes I wish I had something like that, something that was just mine.”
Valentina gives me a knowing look. “Speaking of things that are just yours, how are your ‘friend lunches’ with Romiro?”
My cheeks warm slightly, and I try to play it off with a shrug. “He’s fine. Annoying, mostly. Keeps stealing food off my plate after he orders something he doesn’t like.”
Mara grins. “Oh, come on, Alessia. You can’t fool us. I’ve seen the way you look at him.”
Valentina nods, her smile widening. “It’s true. You’ve got that look.”
I roll my eyes. “What look?”
“That look,” Valentina says, pointing her spoon at me. “The one that says,I don’t want to like you, but I do, and it’s really annoying.”
I laugh, unable to help myself. “Okay, maybe a little,” I admit. “He’s … he’s different. Not like most of the guys we grew up around. He’s funny and kind of … clueless, but in a sweet way.”
Mara leans in, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Clueless, how?”
I grin, remembering. “Like, he was trying to impress me the other day, and he started talking about some new medical study, but he got all the details wrong. It was like watching a puppy try to learn how to walk.”
Valentina chuckles. “Adorable.”
“Exactly,” I say, shaking my head. “It’s annoying how adorable it is.”
Mara sighs dramatically. “Ugh, I’m so jealous. You’ve got a cutefriend, Valentina has my brother … and I’ve got … a charity event.”
Valentina laughs again, and warmth rushes in my chest. This, right here, is what makes everything bearable—the moments when we can just be ourselves, without the weight of our family names or the expectations that come with them. Just three girls at a café, talking about life and love and all the ridiculous little things in between.
“And you, Valentina?” I ask, shifting the focus. “How’s my dear cousin treating you? Still writing you those cheesy love notes?”
Valentina blushes, her smile turning shy. “Maybe,” she says softly. “He left one in my purse the other day. Something about how my smile is brighter than all the lights in the city.”
Mara groans playfully. “Oh, please. Spare us.”
I laugh. “Don’t be jealous, Mara. One day, you’ll find someone who writes you terrible love notes, too.”
Mara sticks her tongue out. “I doubt it. I’m not exactly the romantic type.”
Valentina’s eyes soften, and she reaches out to touch Mara’s arm gently. “Love isn’t always about grand gestures or perfect words,” she says quietly. “Sometimes, it’s just about being there for each other, no matter what.”
There’s a moment of silence as her words sink in, and I feel a strange mix of emotions swell in my chest. Love has always seemed so complicated in our world, wrapped up in expectations. and alliances and the ever-present threat of danger. But Valentina makes it sound so simple, so pure.
“Maybe,” I say softly, “love really does conquer all, even in our world.”
Mara’s smile is small but genuine. “Maybe,” she echoes. “I guess we’ll find out.”
We sit there for a moment, just the three of us, sipping our drinks and enjoying the calm. Outside, the city moves on, fast and relentless as always. But here, in this little corner of the café, time seems to stand still.
For now, we have our Saturday brunches, our laughter, and each other. And maybe, just maybe, that’s enough. For now.
Jade finally makes her way to us with a tray of our orders, and a plate of three croissants. “Sorry for the delay, ladies. Here’s a plate of some fresh croissants on the house.”
