Italian Obsession

Chapter 28

Danny

"Danny, talk to me."

I looked at Natalia and scowled. "I..."

I heard the front door open followed by the sound of footsteps. "Danny, why is Natalia's car..." Valentina entered the bedroom and scowled. "Ah, I see that she's here."

"What do you want?"

"I wanted to come home and talk but I see that you'd rather spend time with her instead. I'd rather have her not be around my children."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

"You're the one who left, not me."

"You're acting like I'm the bad guy here when I did NOTHING to deserve this."

"Well, if you actually gave me a minute to explain myself, things would be a lot different right now, but you didn't allow that to happen so in that case, I'm going to Drew's for the night."

"What?"

I got up and grabbed my jacket and backpack. "See you, Valentina."

"Did I say that we were done with this conversation?"

Ignoring her, I went downstairs and got in my car. I felt like a total asshole right now by the way I just treated her, but I needed space from her for the rest of the night.

Valentina

"Why were you texting Danny?"

Natalia smiled. "Because I wanted to have another chance."

"He wasn't yours anymore, Natalia. Why would you even bother to do it?"

"Well, it sure seems like things are over for you guys so I can have him all to myself now."

"Is this your way of revenge?"

"You're the one who took my husband away from me, Val. That was not my doing."

"I can't help it, Natalia. I knew it was wrong and I apologize but that was not only my choice, but Danny's as well."

"Well, you ruined our marriage and what made it even worse is that HE is the father of your kid when he said he didn't want to ever have kids. What made him change his mind? You?"

"Accidents happen."

"How's it feel to be a single mom? I am sure your daughter's father is far gone."

"As a matter of fact, he isn't."

"Wow, I am shocked."

"I've had a long day, can you leave?"

Natalia laughed. "It's not your house, it's Danny's."

"It's not yours either, Natalia."

Natalia stood up and grabbed her purse. "Don't cry when he comes back to me."

"Whatever."

After Natalia left, I put the kids to bed and poured myself a glass of wine, calling Nico. "Hey, what's up?"

"Just drinking wine, you?"

"Writing some emails, need some company?"

"Could you? He left."

"Be there soon."

I knew it was a bad idea having Nico at the house but at this point, it's whatever.

*** 30 minutes later: Nico arrived, and I handed him a Budlight. "Your favorite."

"I can't believe that you remembered."

"It's the only beer he has."

"Perfect."

I sat next to him on the couch and turned the TV on. "So..."

"What's going on, Val?"

"I just feel like everything's gone wrong."

"Don't say that."

"I had my husband walk out on me and it just feels like he wants nothing to do with me."

"Well, I have some news for you. I want everything to do with you and I'll do anything to make you happy."

"I appreciate it."

"I know you're hurting, and I completely understand, but I am here to talk to you."

"I know Danny deserves someone else."

"Why do you say that?"

"Someone, I don't know... prettier, nicer and just..."

"Stop right there. You are beyond gorgeous, and any man would be out of their damn minds if they found you unattractive."

"Thanks."

"And our daughter is just as beautiful as her stunning mother. I would do anything for my child and your son."

"I appreciate it. But I don't forgive cheaters."

"I am not asking for you to be with me, but I want to be in your life. If you want."

"Of course, I do, but with my current situation, I really am not interested in even considering another relationship."

"I didn't ask for that, Valentina. I just want to be here for not only you but our kids."

"Maverick isn't yours."

"You know what I mean, Valentina. If he chooses to be a total asshole and leave, that is his loss because I will be here for you no matter what."

"That's what you said last time."

"I was selfish and stupid. This time will be different."