My Saving Grace

"Gosh, would you look at this thing? It's probably worth more than my college debt," Ella remarked as she thrust my wrist towards Peter, making tsk-tsk sounds.

"You sure Antonio doesn't have some shady side job we're unaware of?", Peter joked with a raised brow, admiring my ring.

"Well, there was that stripper possibility," I quipped. We all burst out laughing.

"But seriously, Soph, congratulations. You managed to land yourself a total hunk who also has brains. Guys like that are very rare nowadays," Ella said matter-of-factly.

Peter coughed into his hand, and she shot him a pointed look.

"I wasn't talking about you, you idiot."

"So, you do think I'm a hunk with brains?" His lips twitched with amusement.

"Of course! When did I ever make you think otherwise?"

"For the record, Ella, you've always referred to me as the 'clueless frat boy'."

"That's because you do look like one. But hey, I've always had a thing for frat boys."

She quickly covered her mouth, clearing her throat before directing her attention to me. However, the blush forming on her cheeks didn't go unnoticed.

"So, when's the wedding?", she asked, her voice an octave higher than usual.

Could it be possible? Did Ella the hopeless romantic like Peter?

I stole a glance at Peter, who had a stunned look on his boyish face as his lips curled into a smirk.

"Antonio and I were thinking some time in June," I replied.

"June is a wonderful time. And how about you, Peter? Any step closer to finding your significant other whom you can't possibly live or breathe without?"

He leaned back in his chair and folded his hands behind his head, looking deep in thought.

"There's this one girl...actually, we've been seeing each other every day for quite some time now."

"Every day?", Ella's eyebrows shot up like rockets.

"Yeah. We work together so I'm kind of forced to, not like I mind it or anything."

"Wait, she works here with us?", I blurted.

He nodded slowly.

"Well...who is she?", Ella prompted.

Was that jealousy I detected in her tone?

"I'd rather not say," he muttered.

"Why not?", she demanded.

Peter quickly glanced at his watch then stood up with his tray.

"Gotta go, guys. I have to continue running those tests in the lab. See you Friday?"

He was addressing the both of us, but I was able to catch the brief, meaningful look he gave Ella as we both nodded our heads, bidding him good-bye.

"Ugh, what are we going to do with him?", she said once he was out of earshot.

"You and Peter work together. Surely, you've noticed if he's been close to one of the female engineers."

"He talks to all of them, Soph. The guy's a shameless flirt."

"We still love him, though."

"Of course." She smiled tightly before going to dump her tray, with me close behind her.

"You alright, Ella?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

I laughed softly.

"I'll see you Friday then."

"Yeah, see ya," she said distractedly, heading off in the opposite direction.

It was later that evening when Antonio called, and immediately, I spilled the exciting news to him. I hadn't seen him since his holiday break ended, which was a week ago because he'd been busy with work, but to me it'd felt like a month. And already, I was missing him like crazy.

"My best friends are in love with each other. At least that's what I think."

"Who, Ella and Peter?"

"Yes."

"And you just discovered this now?"

So, for the next couple of minutes, I proceeded to tell him about the unusual exchange between the two during our lunch period. To be honest, before today, never did it seem like Ella and Peter liked each other.

I wondered what sparked this sudden display of affection...

"That's awfully cute. From best friends to lovers. Sounds like the perfect plot for another cheesy chick flick," Antonio mused.

"Shut up. I happen to love chick flicks."

"And I love you. So, what are you up to right now?"

"Not much. Just making dinner. Good ol' spaghetti and meatballs. I'm using my mom's old recipe."

"Sounds delicious. Well, I'll let you go now. I'll see you soon, ok?" His deep voice was rich and warm, and I clung to the sound of it.

"Ok. Bye, Antonio."

"Bye, mia bella."

I hung up, and that's when it hit me like a brick to the face.

Today was my mom's fiftieth birthday. How on earth could I have forgotten?

I mentally scolded myself then continued making the meatballs. It was fitting, I thought, me having her signature dish on her birthday. The silence of my apartment became utterly depressing in that moment, so I decided to turn on the TV.

Lester Holt's voice brought my kitchen to life as I ate and watched NBC Nightly News. My eyes were glued to the screen, but my mind was elsewhere, reminiscing on happier days when the three of us—Nick, my dad, and I—were actually able to get together to celebrate the birthday of the most important woman in our lives.

As the years passed, we all got caught up in the busyness of our grown-up lives, but still, we always took the time to remember her. Picking up my glass of wine, I made a mental toast to my remarkable mother.

"I sure hope heaven is treating you well, Mom. You deserve nothing but the best," I spoke aloud to the empty chair in front of me before downing the contents of my glass in a single gulp.

After washing the dishes, I changed into a pair of pajama pants and an old DisneyWorld T-shirt before settling on the couch with my newest book in hand. The cover had a picture of a young couple gazing lovingly into each other's eyes, and it took all my strength to not cry.

During Christmas break, Antonio and I got to spend every day together—not having him by my side this past week had left an empty void inside of me. Now, sitting on this couch on my deceased mother's birthday while missing my fiancé, I felt lonelier than ever.

It was a couple of minutes later when I made up my mind, and standing up, I went to grab my purse and keys off of the kitchen counter before slipping on a pair of flip flops and heading out the door.

Forty-five minutes later, I arrived at Antonio's apartment and instantly regretted my decision. First of all, I hadn't even informed him of my visit, and for all I knew, he could still be out. Second, I hated clingy and needy people, but I was being exactly that.

After moments of contemplation, I decided to just head inside. If I drove home now, I'd be wasting precious gas, which was becoming pricier each day.

Disregarding the fact that I looked completely out of place in this building with my current state of dress, I took the elevator up to the fifth floor, a wistful smile tugging at my lips as I remembered the last time I'd shown up outside Antonio's door unannounced, trying to salvage our "relationship."

This time, thankfully, I was showing up as his fiancée.

Once I reached his apartment, I hesitated for a bit before knocking lightly on the door. I allowed a full minute to pass before knocking again, and when I got the same dead silence, I turned on my heel to leave. Rounding the corner, I collided into something hard.

"Ouch," I said, rubbing my forehead.

"Sophia?"

The thing spoke?

I quickly glanced up, and the sight of Antonio's surprised face sent my heart leaping out of its chest.

"Antonio! Funny seeing you here," I exclaimed joyfully.

He raised a perfectly arched brow.

"I live here."

"Of course I know that, silly."

"What are you doing here?", he asked, eyeing me from head to toe before adding, "wearing that?"

"I knew I should have changed," I muttered to myself.

"I think you look absolutely adorable." His eyes were twinkling with mirth.

He was wearing a pair of black sweatpants and gray T-shirt, his hair wet from taking a shower.

"Did I come at a bad time?", I asked.

"I actually have friends over right now for a guys' night. We haven't had one in months," he replied.

"Oh...I should have called beforehand then." My shoulders slumped against their will.

"Yeah...you should have."

His words hurt more than they should have, and I turned to leave, looking like a kid who'd just been caught stealing from the cookie jar when I felt his large hand on my shoulder.

"Guys' night was yesterday, sweetheart."

"Huh?"

I looked up at his face and was stunned to see that he was biting back a smile.

"Why, you—," I began to scold when he pulled me tight against his body for a hug. I sighed contentedly at the feel of his strong arms wrapped around me after what had seemed like an eternity.

"I was just checking my mailbox," he said, pressing a chaste kiss to my forehead before we pulled apart. "So, what brings you here to my humble abode—" he briefly glanced at his watch, "at nine pm on a Tuesday?"

I simply stood there, gazing up into his handsome face as his lips formed a frown.

"Is something wrong? Shit, you're crying."

His fingers reached out to brush away the tear that had fallen down my cheek, unbeknownst to me. I simply shook my head and managed a quiet laugh.

"You're gonna think it's dumb," I said.

"What's dumb?" He raised a brow in confusion.

I stared at his collarbone, feeling painfully shy.

"I came because I missed you, that's all," I murmured.

I heard him exhale then his thumb was under my chin, tilting my head up so that I was gazing into his warm, brown eyes.

"Well, I'm glad. Because I fucking missed you, too."

And when his lips crashed against mine, I felt like I was home at last. Hours later, after he'd thoroughly made love to me, I lay in his arms, listening to the sound of his steady breathing.

"If you'd move in with me, we could be together just like this...every single night," he murmured enticingly, caressing my breast.

"But—"

"Yeah, I know. Work. But once we're married, we're buying a house right in the middle of USC and Abbott."

"Sounds perfect."

I yawned, snuggling closer to his warm body.

"I should've made time to take you to dinner or something this past week," he said, his lips drawn in a tight line. "I'm such a shitty fiancé."

"Don't say that," I whispered, kissing the corner of his mouth.

"I'll make it up to you this weekend. I promise."

"Mhmm."

His fingertips grazed my back as my eyes drifted closed.

"I almost forgot today was my mom's birthday. Can you believe that?", I murmured against his chest. His caresses suddenly ceased.

"Today was her birthday?"

"Yes. She would've been fifty."

"So young..."

My body trembled as I gulped back tears.

"It felt so lonely. During dinner. Eating her favorite dish on her birthday. Without her."
Antonio rubbed my back soothingly.

"And I was missing you...so much," I admitted quietly.

I heard his sharp intake of breath as he held me tighter, his forehead pressed against mine.

"Cuore mio...I'm so sorry," he whispered.

A new Italian phrase?

"W-what did you call me?"

A faint smile touched the corners of his lips.

"I called you 'my heart'...because without you, I'm nothing."

My insides turned to goo.

"I'm always here for you, Sophia. My home is yours, too, so you're welcomed to come and go as you please," he added meaningfully.

"Even at four in the morning?", I joked.

"You'd have to use the key I gave you. Then you can sneak into my bed." He grinned playfully.

"In six months, you're gonna make me the happiest wife alive, you know that?"

"You bet your cute ass I will. Now go to sleep, we both have work in the morning."

He pulled the comforter up to our chins.

"Good night, my soon-to-be husband."

He chuckled lightly, kissing me once on the lips.

"Good night, my soon-to-be wife."

God, that sounded nice.

I slept soundly like a baby, dreaming of my mother for the first time in a long while, but they were happy dreams.

At the crack of dawn, I felt Antonio stirring awake next to me, and just as he was about to get up, my arm reached out to draw him back towards me.

"Don't go," I mumbled groggily into the pillow, my eyes remaining closed.

I heard his low chuckle.

"I'd stay if I could. Sadly, duty calls," he said softly, brushing strands of hair out of my face.

I made a sound that awfully resembled a sick cow.

"Go back to sleep, mia bella. You still have another two hours until you have to leave for work."

My eyes slowly fluttered open to see him smiling down at me, his expression tender.

"I'll see you this weekend?", I asked.

"Yes, this weekend," he murmured, bringing my face up to his for a passionate kiss that made my toes curl.

Then, he headed into the bathroom, and almost instantly, I drifted back to sleep.

An hour later, I woke up and took a shower, changing into a blouse and pair of black skinny pants that I left in Antonio's closet. After touching up my face with light makeup, I strolled into the kitchen, smiling at the sight of pancakes and bacon sitting on a plate on the counter. Next to it was a mug of fresh-brewed coffee.

How the hell did I get so lucky?

I finished everything in under ten minutes then quickly washed the dishes before leaving. The moment I stepped outside, I sighed in delight, relishing the warm sunlight and ocean breeze. Grabbing my keys from my purse, I began heading in the direction of my Jeep when I heard a woman's voice go, "Excuse me?"

I whipped my head around to see a tall, slim woman approaching me, who appeared to be in her late twenties to early thirties. And holy cow, she was absolutely gorgeous. I was talking model looks—perfectly curled brunette hair, wide brown eyes, and glowing, tan skin. The sheath dress she wore looked like it cost half of my annual salary.

"Yes?", I asked.

"Do you have a moment to talk?"

Oh, she was one of those people.

"I'm sure what you're selling is great, but I actually have to head to work," I said, smiling politely.

The next words out of her mouth, however, were like a slap to the face.

"I don't know if your fiancé has told you about me before. My name is Veronica."

My jaw dropped in bewilderment.

"You're Veronica?"

She nodded solemnly.

I mentally went over Antonio's verbal description of his former fiancée's physical appearance that one night during dinner, and indeed, the woman standing before me matched it.

"Wow, you're beautiful," I spoke in an almost trance-like state when reality hit me. "Wait, how do you know who I am?"

This absolute goddess of a woman was the enemy, I reminded myself.

To my surprise, she began to laugh.

"Gosh, you really are cute. No wonder Antonio's so infatuated with you," she said in a maternal tone. I was more confused than ever.

"You didn't answer my question."

She immediately turned serious.

"I was in the area two years ago and saw you and Antonio leaving his apartment."

My eyebrows shot up.

"You've been stalking us?", I exclaimed.

"A mutual friend of Antonio and I told me he recently got engaged to you, and I couldn't believe it. Until now." She glanced down at my left hand where the sun was making my ring sparkle.

"You need to leave," I ordered, my tone hostile.

"What did Antonio tell you about why our engagement ended?", she demanded.

"He said you cheated on him," I spat.

Her eyes grew dark as she carefully studied my face.

"Listen, Veronica, I'm sorry about the stair accident, but if you're here to try and get Antonio back, then—"

"I don't want your precious fiancé back. You know why? Because he's a lying, manipulative, bastard. And if you knew what was good for you, you'd leave him," she said hotly, her eyes blazing. I clenched my fists.

"You bi—"

"I'm here because I don't want you to go through what I did." Her expression suddenly turned sympathetic, pitiful almost.

I shook my head in utter rage, shooting daggers at the woman in front of me.

"You hurt him. He loved you, you know. Didn't that mean anything to you?"

I saw her flinch, and to my shock, she grew misty-eyed as her upper lip slightly trembled.

"It did. It meant everything to me. But it wasn't enough," she muttered under her breath.

I exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of my nose.

"Veronica, I know about women just like you. My dad's former secretary, for example. When you can't have what you want, you go and ruin everything for someone else." My voice was eerily calm.

"Shut up. You have no idea what you're talking about because you're so blinded by your love for him. Tell him to tell you the truth about our relationship. The good and bad things."

I stood up on my tippy toes until I was in her face.

"Leave. Me. The. Hell. Alone."

With that, I turned on my heel to stomp towards my car, and behind me, I heard Veronica yell her last words.

"Marrying Antonio is going to be the biggest mistake of your life."

It took all the strength I had to not turn back around and slap some sense into her, but in the end, I decided that she wasn't worth my being late to work and continued to my car. When I got inside, I could still see her rooted to the same spot in my rearview mirror, and the slow shake of her head was the last thing I saw before I sped off.

Notes