Can't Have You (#wattys2019)

Part 35

"Oh my god." Patty gasps. "I was gone for five minutes." She puts her hand on her mouth, trying to hide her laughter.

"What?" Joe rose his hands, showing off his freshly painted nails. "They look beautifull in red."

"C'mon mommy, let's paint yours." Sofia beggs but Patty picks her up and plants a kiss her soft cheek.

Little girl wrapps her hands around her neck, snuggling her nose in the crock of her neck. "It's time for bed." She turns to Joe who was starring at her butt. Patty kicks him with his leg.

"Aouu, what was that for?" Joe rubbs his knee, acting like a drama queen he is. "What did I do now?"

"That's for your sister." Patty smirks.

Joe chuckles, walking closer to them. "You are never gonna let this go aren't you?" He leans down to kiss Sofia who is almost full asleep now. "It's not my fault you tought she is dating me." He turns his face, now inches from hers. "Miss Patty, are you jeallous?"

"Don't be stupid. Been there done that." She makes a hand motion in front of his face. "Anyways... Don't go anywhere we need to talk."

Joe sits in Patty's kitchen, looking at the pictures that are hanging on the wall. Sofia's birthdays, her first christmas, the valentines day photos... Tears formed in his eyes and anger came over him. He was about to punch a wall when he felt Patty's presence. "I'm sorry." He cried, pulling her in the tight hug.

"It is what it is." She pulls away, leaning on the counter. "All you can do is stay in her life now."

"I'll do anything." He leans on the counter next to her, brushing his hand over hers. The electricity runs from his hand and to his heart leaving him speachless for a moment. "I think we bonded really good in this past few hours. When are we going to tell her the truth?"

Patty chuckles. "She bonded with the next door cat yesterday also."

"I missed this." Joe walks in between her legs, leaning his hands on each side of her. "I missed you." He starts leaning in for a kiss but Patty turns her head around so instead he kisses her cheek.

"I don't want you wanting me just because Sophia." Patty tryes to get away from him. "I know what you really mean about me." Her head bowed down, looking at the floor.

Joe softly grabbed her face, lifting it up. "That was anger talking." He whispered, his voice full of pain and regret.

Patty was lost in his eyes and for both of them it felt like the time has stop. "Let me get this thing off your nails. No one will take you serious at your meeting tomorrow." She faked a cough, jumping away from him.

"Oh yeah, the restaurant bussines." He suddenly remembered he had important things planned for tomorrow. "I'm freaking out."

"Why, you are Joe fucking Bastianich, the best chef and restauranter in Italy." Patty looks at him with furrowed eyebrows, smirking down at him and it only pain him more. Not only did he lost the love of his life but also his best friend and he couldn't decide what hurts him the most.