Page 86 of Family Bonds- Gabriela & Luca

“I’ve insulted you,” his mother said. “It wasn’t my intention.”

He sighed. “I know. I get it. But I’m moving on.”

“You are and we are happy. I’m sorry. I can see the change in you and I’m thrilled.”

He waited a beat. “Did you tell Susan about Gabriela?”

“No,” his mother rushed out. “Why would you ask that?”

“She called me earlier. Wanted to wish me happy holidays. I think she was checking in. She said she saw you not that long ago.”

“We still talk and have lunch now and again. You know how close our families were.”

“I do.”

“But I wouldn’t tell her without your permission. And the truth is, you’re just dating. It’s not serious, is it?”

He wasn’t so sure.

It felt a lot more serious in his mind, but maybe it was because he’d known nothing else.

Didn’t date often before he was married.

Was more hard-wired for relationships than flings.

“We get along well,” he said. “We are taking it slow, I think. It’s complicated when it shouldn’t be.”

This time there was silence on the other end. “What’s her background? Has she been married or engaged? Any long-term relationships? You said she’s in her early thirties, by then most would be, unless she’s got some issues or is hard to get along with.”

“Mom. Don’t go looking for problems. She’s got a busy career and that has come first. Not everyone can understand that for one. Second of all, she comes from a lot of money. It makes her and those in her family cautious.”

“I guess I didn’t realize that about her family. What am I missing?”

“She’s from the Bond family.”

“Oh,” his mother said. “The ones who founded the island? How is she related?”

He gave his mother a brief outline. “So you see, in this area, it’s well known. She wants to be in a relationship. She wants to be married and have kids. But it’s not been easy. Not through lack of trying.”

No reason to share more.

“Then I’m happy to hear that. I don’t suppose we’ll get to meet her at some point.”

He blew a breath out, his lips flapping with it. “Mom, it’s early, like I said. I like her and she likes me. We have a lot in common but not a lot of time together. We have five days off together, then ten days we don’t see each other.”

“Which can slow things down.”

“It’s pacing us. I’m good with it and I think she is too.”

“Did talking to Susan make you feel bad about Gabriela?”

He didn’t want to admit that, but it was hard to lie.

“Not bad. Just a reminder. Maybe some guilt. But she’d said Zoe would want me to move on and I know she would. It’s all good. Everyone moves at their own speed.”

“I’m just glad you’re hitting the gas,” his mother said.

“Me too.”