My Saving Grace

Chapter 15

Two weeks later, I was driving home from half apps with Ella and Peter when my music was interrupted by an incoming call. I briefly glanced at the control panel then answered with the touch of a button, a wide smile on my face.

"Hello, Antonio."

"Sophia. God, I've missed hearing your voice."

"Can't say I feel the same way."

His laugh echoed through the car speakers.

"How have you been?"

"Great. How was D.C.?"

"The usual. Presented my research to several renowned chemists, entered in students' grades during down time, slept in a decent hotel..."

I laughed.

"Anyway, are you doing anything tomorrow?", he asked.

"Not that I know of."

"Perfect. I'll come pick you up, say, around five in the evening?"

"What are we going to do?"

"Does it matter? You get to be with me." I could hear the smugness in his voice, and that's when I truly began to miss him.

"Whatever you say, Antonio."

He chuckled.

"Are you out right now or at home?"

"I'm driving home. Just finished having half-apps with my friends."

"I see. Well, I'll let you go now. Drive safely."

"I always do. And see you tomorrow."

"Yup, tomorrow. Good night, mia bella."

"Night, Antonio."

When I got home, I brushed my teeth then slipped out of my clothes, throwing on an oversized tshirt before climbing into bed.

Within minutes, I was in a deep sleep, dreaming of a tall, tan, smooth talking German-Italian who I had yet to admit that I was developing the slightest feelings for.

The next day, I spent most of my time cleaning around the apartment and doing laundry. Nick and Alyssa also stopped by for lunch, and we made plans to drive down to Dad's the following weekend for Easter.

By a quarter to five, I was showered, dressed, and ready for my date with Antonio. If it was considered a date, even. At this point, I didn't really care. As long as I still got to see him, nothing else mattered.

At exactly five, the doorbell rang, and I went to go answer it. Antonio stood there clad in a dark blue checkered shirt and slim-fitting jeans, a pair of designer sunglasses propped on his head. He also carried a small white gift bag in his hand.

"Hey, Sophia," he greeted.

"Hey, yourself."

"I got you something in D.C. Un pensierino."

A little gift.

My eyes lit up in surprise.

"You thought about me over there?", I asked.

"I always think about you, mia bella."

His alluring gaze made me weak in the knees as he reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. Then he handed me the small bag, and inside lay a snow globe containing the White House. I pulled it out to have a better look at it.

"It's lovely."

"Like the woman holding it." A smile touched the corners of his mouth, and his eyes warmed.