Chapter 121 Unsteady
ARYA’S POV
"I still can't believe you spent forty dollars trying to win a stuffed elephant that probably costs ten in a store," I said, clutching the oversized plush toy to my chest as Marco and I walked back from the amusement park.
"It's the principle of the thing," Marco insisted, grinning. "Besides, you wanted it. I saw your face when you looked at it."
I rolled my eyes, although there was a smile on my lips. "I mentioned it was cute. Once."
"And that was enough." He bumped my shoulder playfully. "What kind of man would I be if I couldn't win a simple carnival game for you.”
I laughed, surprised by how light I felt. We spent the entire afternoon at the small amusement park on the outskirts of the city riding the gentle carousel (it was only ride Marco would let me go on, citing my "delicate condition"), eating cotton candy, ans playing ridiculous games.
It had been perfect. Like I was just a regular woman on a date with…
Not a date, I reminded myself quickly. Just two friends spending time together.
My foot caught on an uneven piece of pavement, and I stumbled forward. The elephant went flying as I tried to catch myself.
Marco's arm shot out, catching me around the waist and pulling me upright before I could fall.
"Careful!" His other hand came up to steady my shoulder. "Are you okay?"
I held onto him, sucking a sharp breath. "I'm fine." But my heart was racing, and not just from the near-fall.
He was close again, his fresh scent tickling my nose. But was Marco, who I had known since childhood.
He retrieved the elephant from where it had fallen and handed it back to me, then gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear that had come loose from my ponytail.
"You look beautiful today," he said softly. "Have I mentioned that?"
"Three times." My voice came out breathier than I intended. "But thank you."
His hand lingered near my face, and I became acutely aware of how many dateswe'd been on lately.
The movies last week. Dinner at that little Italian place. The museum on Tuesday. Today's amusement park adventure.
Marco's hand moved to my stomach, resting gently on the small bump that had finally started to show.
At five months, I couldn't hide it anymore, not completely. The gentle swell was visible in tighter clothes, undeniable proof of the life growing inside me.
"He's getting bigger," Marco said, his voice full of wonder.
"Could be a she," I reminded him.
"Then she's getting bigger." He smiled, but there was something intense in his expression.
Something that made my stomach flutter with more than just pregnancy hormones.
"Arya, I need to tell you something.” He said, licking his lips nervously.
My throat seized tightly . He had been doing this lately, starting sentences that felt like they were leading somewhere I wasn't ready to go.
"Oh, look!" I said suddenly, spotting Cherry's distinctive pink hair down the street. "Cherry's here! Cherry!"
I pulled away from Marco's hand and waved frantically. Cherry looked up from her phone, spotted us, and headed over.
"Hey, you two!" She grinned at us. "How was the park?"
"Amazing," I said quickly, grateful for the interruption. "Marco won this elephant. It took him twelve tries."
Cherry laughed, and just like that, the moment was broken.
I watched them banter, surprised by how well they got along now. Cherry had been so suspicious of Marco at first, but lately, she warmed up to him.
After twenty minutes, Marco checked his watch. "I should get going. Early meeting tomorrow."
"Of course. Thank you for today.” I said with a smile.
He leaned in and kissed my forehead. "Sweet dreams, Arya."
Then he was gone, and it was just me and Cherry standing on the street corner.
"He's totally in love with you," Cherry said immediately.
I groaned. "Cherry."
"No, I'm serious. I know I had my doubts before, but Arya, that man is head over heels.”
I shook my head firmly and she linked her arm through mine. "Come on. Let's get you home. You look exhausted."
Back in my room, I collapsed onto the bed while Cherry made tea in my little kettle.
"He tried to tell me something again today," I admitted. "AndI panicked and used you as an excuse.”
She looked up from the kettle. "What do you think he wants to say?"
"I think..." I pressed my hand to my stomach. "I think he wants more than friendship. And I don't know how I feel about that."
Cherry walked towards me and sat beside me. "Do you like him?"
"Of course I like him.” I said. “He's been amazing and supportive.”
She raised a brow. "But?"
"But I'm pregnant with another man's baby. A man I…" I stopped myself. "It doesn't matter. He made it very clear what he thought of me. I can't keep living in the past."
"Then maybe Marco is your future," Cherry said gently. "I was wrong about him, Arya. I thought he was trying to control you, but he's not. He genuinely cares about you. Maybe even loves you. Would that be so terrible?"
"I don't know." I stared into space. "Sometimes I think it would be easy to just let myself feel something for him. But other times, it feels wrong.”
"Or maybe you're just scared," Cherry suggested. "Scared to trust someone after everything you've been through."
Maybe she was right.
"Just promise me you'll think about it," Cherry said. "Really think about whether Marco could make you happy.”
I nodded. "I promise."
Cherry was quiet for a moment, then took a deep breath. "Speaking of promises... there's something I need to tell you."
Something in her tone made my heart sink. "What?"
"I'm moving to Milan. My cousin got me a job at a better club with more money and good benefits."
I almost stopped breathing. "What? When?"
"End of the month.” She said with a wince. “I know the timing is awful, and I'm so sorry, but this is a real opportunity for me.”
I shook my head and took her hand in minr. "No, I understand. I do. It's just…"
Tears burned behind my eyes. "You're the only real friend I have here"
"Hey." Cherry grabbed my hands. "I'll be back before the baby comes. I promise.”
I blinked at her. "You promise?"
"I swear on my collection of ridiculous platform heels.” She said sternly. “I will be here when you give birth."
I wanted to believe her but as I looked at her earnest face, I felt something break inside me anyway.
"Okay," I whispered. "But you have to call and send pictures of Milan."
"Every day if you want." She pulled me into a hug. "You're not getting rid of me that easily."