Chapter One-Two-Zero: Scolded

"Your nose looks great."

I hate that my first words to Victoria feel like a mean girl movie taunt. I am not proud of what I did to her, but she has a way of coiling around your skin.

Her expression darkens as her eyes meet mine squarely. My arms around Luca’s sleeping body tighten.

Maybe I shouldn't poke a bear with nothing to lose.

After a loud sigh, Matteo steps in front of me and a flurry of Italian words leaves Matteo's mouth, each making Victoria pale more and more until finally, tears stream from her eyes, and she also responds in Italian.

Maybe I should learn Italian.

It's uncomfortable watching them speak because both seem to be trying to convey their feelings to the other. While Matteo started off irritated, the moment Victoria started crying, his tone softened.

It's like watching an exchange between exes; I almost feel like I'm intruding.

Should we go, maybe wait somewhere else for them to finish?

A black SUV approaches from the distance.

The two cars look alike, but one of