Romero took in everything she said. He thought about all the nights he’d spent thinking of her and beating himself up for not having reacted faster and maybe preventing Fred hitting her. It burned him up for months. Now after all this time he finds out she’d thought that much of him? He didn’t even know how to feel about that. Half way through their lunch, his phone buzzed and he checked it. It was a text from Isabel.

Can’t wait for this day to be over. Work is sucking today and I think I’m coming down with something. How’s your day going? … P.S. I love you.

For the first time since he’d decided to have lunch with Cici, it dawned on him that Isabel might not be thrilled about it. He’d certainly have issues with her going lunch with a dude, even if it was just an old friend. And he wouldn’t even classify Cici as an old friend. She was someone he once had every intention of banging. Those days seemed like another lifetime now. A time he never wanted to revisit.

His life had changed so much since he’d met Isabel. She was what had been missing his entire life. She grounded him—kept the ticking time bomb in him at a safe calm, something new to him. Although it’d been close to going off a few times, he’d never gone this long. If it weren’t for his need to keep that side of him from her, he knew he would’ve had a major meltdown each and every one of the times he’d come so close. But she was the reason why he hadn’t. He liked the newfound somewhat self-control he felt when he was with her. He was getting better at it, too. He’d never felt the kind of love he felt for Izzy, but he didn’t just love her. He needed her.

“Something wrong?”

He glanced up when he realized he’d been staring at his phone—Izzy’s text—that whole time. “I’m sorry. Give me a sec.” He texted Isabel back.

Sorry you’re having a bad day. Mine’s been okay. I’ll tell you about it tonight. I love you, too. Miss you.

“Nah, nothing wrong. The text just reminded me of something.” That maybe he shouldn’t be here—with her.

They finished their food. Cici hadn’t exaggerated about the salad. It was huge. She hadn’t even finished it. Cici had to get back to work and he had a sudden urge to be home. He walked with her halfway back to the jewelry store, but stopped when he reached the direction he needed to go toward the electronics store. He glanced at his watch. Isabel would be off soon.

“It was good catching up, Cici. I’m glad you’re doing better now and I’m glad that dick’s out of your life.”

She smiled and nodded then to his surprise, she hugged him again, tighter this time and she held on longer so he had to embrace her. “I’m so glad I got to see you again.” She finally pulled away. “I thought about stopping by the bar a few times. But then I’d always chickened out.”

“I haven’t worked there in years.”

“That’s right.” She stepped back. He’d told her a little about his security firm over lunch. But mostly they’d talked about her and little Moe.

“I’d love for you to meet my son. You wanna take my number? My sister sometimes brings him to see me here at work.” Romero pulled out his phone and programmed her phone in as she rattled it off. “Send me an empty text just so I can program your number in mine.” Romero did and she smiled when she pulled out her phone and saw the happy face he’d sent. “I’ll text you and you know, if you’re around maybe you can come by.”

“Um…” He didn’t want to make any promises. He didn’t want to stir up any trouble with Isabel.

“Whatever, if you can you can. If not it’s no big deal. At least now I know it’s a possibility.”

Feeling bad, he smiled. “Nah, text me. If I’m in the area I’ll stop by. Sure—why not?”

“Oh and that ring you were looking at. It’s pretty expensive. If you’re seriously thinking about getting it, please come back and see me. I’ll get you a good deal and I could definitely use the commission.”

“For sure.” He smiled.

They said goodbye and he went into the electronics store—the reason he’d gone to the mall to begin with, but with Cici and little Moe on his mind he couldn’t even concentrate.

Isabel’s car was already there when he drove into the parking lot of their apartment building. The whole ride home he’d gotten a little more nervous the closer he got. For a moment, he considered not mentioning Cici. But he’d never been one to lie or hold back anything. Most importantly, that’s not how he wanted their relationship to be. He expected her not to keep anything from him, so he should do the same. Maybe if Cici hadn’t told him about naming her kid after him, he wouldn’t be so damn nervous. He was still trying to understand it so he was sure Isabel wouldn’t.

She wasn’t in the kitchen like she normally was when he got home around that time. “Izzy?” He threw his keys on the counter along with his wallet and sunglasses.

“In here.” He heard her weak voice coming from the bedroom.

He walked in and she lay on the bed looking pale with a bright red nose. “What’s wrong, baby?”

“I’m definitely coming down with something. A couple of the kids have been sick this week and I must’ve picked up something from them.” He walked to the bed and she held her arm out. “Babe, maybe you should stay away. I’m sure I’m contagious, and I really feel like crap. I don’t want you to get sick.”