I froze, recalling Ria's words.
''I'll tell you his name, only if you promise me, solemnly, you won't do anything. His family is more influential than you think, and you don't want to cross them.'' I foolishly agreed back then, curiosity getting the best of me.
''His name is Niccolò Palermo'' she hesitantly said. ''There's only one family bearing that name here in Amalfi. So when you hear that name, walk in the opposite direction'' she quietly asked me. I frowned back then, not understanding.
"Do it for me" she said, and I obeyed with a solemn nod.
I think I just broke my promise.
The ride was quiet, and I didn't know what to feel. This felt like betrayal. This felt a lot like betrayal. But on the other hand I don't want anything with this lady. I just wanted to help a child.
I searched the remote and watched as the garden gate opened allowing me to park the car in reverse, as I'd probably have to drive her back home later on. We got out, and walked over to the door. The lights inside turned on as Caesar walked by, startling her.
"By the way, I have a dog" I let her know. "But he's a sweetheart, really" I felt obliged to add as a look of doubt crossed her face. I opened the door and Caesar welcomed me with a hug, jumping on me. I picked him up and explained who the lady was, and he tilted his head in a confused manner.
I showed her around, a process that only took a few minutes and a lot of anxiety, and we arrived back at the door. Silence took over as I put my loafers on, awkwardly waiting for her to tie her shoelaces.
''I believe you can take him'' she finally said, putting and end to my internal suffering. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, and started laughing in relief.
''That's great, that's—'' I abruptly stopped as my face fell. ''What if he doesn't want to live with me?'' I asked, vividly seeing what a disaster that would be. She started laughing, in that mysterious manner again.
"He will" she replied eventually.
_______________
The drive back to the café was short, and we agreed on me taking care of the legal side, and if it ran smoothly, I could take him home tomorrow.
Now I had another problem. I was about to pick Ria up from the hospital as her shift would end in a few minutes. And I had no idea how I should tell her what I just did.
I pulled into the parking lot of the hospital and waited, until I saw her figure, rushing out of the sliding doors, with a helmet in her hand. I drove up to the entrance, allowing her to get in without getting her clothes wet.
"Hey!" she said as she leaned in for a kiss. I wrapped my arms around her, inhaling her scent, and immediately felt like crying.
"You look... distressed" she said, pulling back to get a better look at me. "Are you okay?" she asked, concern rising in her tired eyes. I couldn't tell her all this. Not now.
"I'm good, let's get home" I replied, taking the helmet from her and putting it on the backseat. I started to drive as she gave me a look, but decided to drop it when I grabbed her hand. I kissed her palm as she leaned back in the leather seat. Few minutes later, she fell asleep, leaving me wondering what the best approach to breaking the news would be.
After we arrived home, Ria went to take a shower, and I was left in the kitchen, cutting tomatoes, thinking about the possible outcomes of the conversation that had yet to take place. For once, she could hate me for doing this without asking her first. She might want to leave and perhaps leave me as well. I might lose her because of this. I might lose the only person I've ever truly loved. And I'd hurt her a lot. And I'd rather die before that happens. But I couldn't leave a helpless kid just like that.
