Chapter 102 Moving Forward
Not particularly expecting anyone to interrupt their discussion about wine, Celia and Isabella looked up to see a rather unfamiliar man.
That must have been the least expected approach, as the ladies were there to relax.
"Hello!", The man said again, now stopping right in front of the ladies.
"Hello!", Isabella said courteously as Celia didn't like that he interrupted her.
"You were also wine tasting earlier!", Isabella said, remembering that she had gotten a glance of the man while they were wine tasting earlier.
"Yes I was!
My name is Esteban!
Esteban Roberto!", He answered, still on his feet.
"Ohh!
I'm Maria, and this is my friend, Celia!", Isabella said, introducing herself with the fake name, like she'd been doing since she moved to Umbria.
"Oh hi ladies!
Very nice to meet you!", Esteban said cheerfully.
"You too!
Here! Have a seat!", Isabella said as she gestured towards the empty seat on their table of three.
"Thank you ladies!", Esteban said as he sat, moving the chair slightly towards Isabella.
He hadn't said it yet, but the ladies already knew why he sat with them.
He had his eyes on Isabella.
The entire conversation, Celia brought out her phone, respecting Isabella's privacy, but also not leaving her.
She knew Isabella didn't know her way around.
She smiled as she had the thought, Isabella's still got it.
She was about four months postpartum and still looked drop dead gorgeous.
What a woman!!
Esteban was a local, he just moved back because he got a good job offer, thus, he was going to be in Umbria for a while.
Celia completely zoned out their conversation from her head as she caught up on hot gossip on her phone.
She only knew they were done with their conversation when Esteban stood up.
"Alright ladies!
I hope you enjoy the rest of the event!
I have to be somewhere in about ten minutes, otherwise I would have hovered around till the end of the day!", Esteban said, giving handshakes to the ladies before he left.
"Even I would want your number if I was a man!", Celia said, taking a sip from her wine.
"Oh come on Celia!", Isabella said, blushing a little.
"I actually am serious.
He's cute though!
Think anything might happen?!", Celia asked, fully aware Isabella wasn't looking to date anyone.
"What? Oh with him?
I don't know yet to be honest! I honestly don't know!", Isabella answered truthfully.
"I see!", Celia said, respecting her decision.
"No, I am actually serious.
I told him about Sophia and I wasn't looking for anything at the moment, but he still insisted that we be friends!", Isabella said.
"Well okay! I didn't ask for details Isa!
It's your choice!
Nobody's going to force you to do what you don't want to!", Celia reassured.
"Okay!
But he was fine though!", Isabella said, the ladies bursting into laughter.
Hearing his intentions, Isabella couldn't help but think back to Luciano.
Afterall, he was the father of her child.
The possibility he might find her one day immediately ruined her mood.
But, the possibility that nothing would ever happen between them, despite their child, made her somewhat sour.
This is frustrating, Isabella thought as she pondered on her feelings.
I don't need all that!
I'll just focus on me and Sophia being comfortable!
With that!
Isabella decided to enjoy the rest of the event.
She was supposed to enjoy her day, thus, she was going to do so.
She sent a quick text to Miss Gina, asking about Sophia.
The routine would soon wear out however as Miss Gina was leaving the following day.
Isabella and Celia stayed for a few more hours before they called it a day.
The aunties made sure they had enough snacks and souvenirs to take home.
\~~~~
Isabella walked into the compound, quite excited she left earlier.
She couldn't particularly place if it was the rest she would eventually get, or her yearning for her baby, but she always looked forward to coming home.
The one she had created all by herself.
"You were supposed to be gone the whole day!", Miss Gina said, looking up to the whole clock as she opened the door.
"I tried!
But I missed my baby so much so I had to come back quickly!", Isabella explained, closing the door behind her.
"How was it?!
Did you enjoy your time out?!", Miss Gina asked, wanting all the juicy details.
"Oh it was so much fun !
We had wine! Quite a few actually!
And we danced!
We had snacks!
And this man came by!", Isabella said, arranging the things she had brought in the fridge.
"A man!?!", Miss Gina repeated, wanting the details.
"Yes!
He asked for my number!
But I'm not ready for anything at the moment!
I'm way too busy with Sophia, and me, and my job!", Isabella replied.
"Well okay!", Miss Gina said, going to check up on Sophia who started crying.
More than anyone, Isabella knew she wasn't ready!
It wasn't because of her job or her baby or anything.
Deep down, She still hoped something would happen with Luciano.
"She was really gentle today!
She only cried once and that was because I had to change her diapers!" Miss Gina said, holding Sophia in her arms.
"Ouuu what a good girl! Such a good girl!", Isabella cooed as she carried Sophia.
"Packed up!?!", Isabella asked, like she hadn't asked a million times already.
"Yes! You've asked before and it was the same answer!", Miss Gina replied, taking out a plate to scoop some food for Isabella.
"I know! It's just that I'll miss you!
I honestly can't thank you enough for being present the whole time!", Isabella said in all earnestness.
She wouldn't have any idea what to do if Miss Gina wasn't around.
She didn't unnecessarily pry into her business.
She respected her decisions, and she was with Isabella and her baby every step of the way.
"I know you'll be fine!
You'll do just great! I know it!
And if there's anything you're not sure of, or that you need help with make sure you give me a call! Alright?!", Miss Gina asked, turning from setting Isabella's plate to see the lady crying.
"Oh my God! I cannot believe you're doing this!", Miss Gina said, shaking her head.
"I know, I told myself I won't cry! But here I am. Around what time will you be leaving!", Isabella asked.
"Around noon!", Miss Gina answered.
\~~~
Isabella had Sophia in her arms as she looked at the taxi Miss Gina had just boarded.
It had to happen, Isabella thought as the white taxi got smaller the farther it went.
She didn't know precisely what the future held for them, but she would be fine because she had her daughter.
Sophia was all she needed.