“I broke up with Rosa,” he blurted.
“You did?” I wasn’t surprised, but again, this was his story to tell. “How did she take it?”
“Same as always, although this time I’m not going back.”
“Good.” I shaded the tops of my glasses. “I never thought you two were a good match.”
“I have, I mean, I think I have someone else in mind.”
“Oh?” I sucked on the cool juice of the grape while he came to terms with it.
“Only problem is, he’s a he. Other problem is, I don’t think he’s gay.”
Resting my bowl on the table, I moved around to face him dead-on. I knew it would only be a matter of time before Wyatt admitted the truth to himself. “I’m proud of you, Wyatt. You’ve never really been happy with any of your relationships. Now I think you will be. You’ve got this, my friend.”
“Thanks for letting me figure this out on my own time.”
“Of course. It’s not my path, it’s yours.”
“You’ve known for a while, I take it?” He removed his glasses, pretending to wipe them clean with his shirt as he studied my face. “I’m scared. It’s new territory for me.”
“If you weren’t scared, I would be a little worried,” I rubbed his arm lovingly. “Here’s how I would look at it. You’re referring to Vinni, right?” He nodded, not even questioning how I knew. “What is it about him that you find attractive?”
“He’s good looking, kind, and funny.”
“That’s your starting point, but I do believe he’s straight.” I watched his brows as I spoke, trying to gauge how my comment might affect him. “But at least now you know what you’re looking for, and you just go from there.”
“True.” He let my words sink in, and I was relieved to see his shoulders sag with relief.
“It’s not going to be easy.” I covered his hand. “But remember how terrified I was when we met, and how you promised you’d always be there for me? No matter what, I will be at your side.”
“You’ve always been there for me.” He stopped suddenly, and I felt his mood change. I instantly knew it wasn’t Elio as a pair of cool hands landed on my shoulders.
“Good morning, Sienna.” Mariano’s attempt to massage me felt creepy, but of course I had to play my part. “I had someone cover my bitch shift at the dockyard tonight so we could spend some time together.”
“It’s Vinni’s birthday tonight.”
“So?”
“So, I’m attending.”
He sat down on my chair and pressed against my legs so he could sit with me. His hand slid up and down my leg as he settled there, and it took all my self-control not to brush it away.
“There are family parties monthly. Skipping one won’t insult them. I doubt they’d even notice if you weren’t there.”
Gee, thanks.
“It’s my last night here,” Wyatt said, and my jaw dropped. This was news to me. “Our boss offered me an assignment that will take me south for a few weeks. It’s big, and I couldn’t say no. So, if it’s all right with you,” he smiled his hope at Mariano, “I’d love to have one more night with my best friend before I go.”
Mariano looked at him for a beat or two then back at me.
“Fine,” he ran a frustrated hand through his hair and forced a smile, “but you better keep all the slow dances for me.” I cringed at the thought and spotted Elio on the phone staring at us. Mariano gave my hip a painful slap and stood. “Well, I have to go meet someone, so I’ll see you tonight.”
“Mariano,” I called after him, “maybe you should work tonight and take another off? We could go for dinner.”
“And miss seeing you in a party dress? There are too many wolves circling you as it is.” He made a point of shifting his gaze to Elio, who missed his death stare.
Damn.