Page 158 of Vita Mia

Dominic tossed back the drink in his hand and then walked back over to his desk and computer. He sat behind it.

“Domi?”

“What do you need from me?”

“To talk.”

He looked up at her and his head titled to the left. He stared at her as if she were a servant asking for permission to end her day.

“I haven’t seen you in weeks. I told you I just got all of the kids bathed and Sophia and Martha are catching them to take them to bed.”

He didn’t respond.

“You didn’t ask about Zia,” Catalina changed subject.

“What about her?” Dominic sighed.

“She’s taken to bed with a cold. The doctors said she’ll recover, but she’s been weak from it all week. I’m worried.”

Dominic wiped his hand down his face as if waking from his own trance. The hardened scowl on his face melted. “How bad is it?”

“I don’t know. She’s just so weak lately. It’s scaring me.”

He nodded. He looked at all the documents on the desk and moved them around until he found what he searched for. “I have some doctors here, I put them on the payroll. Use this list from now on for her and the kids.”

He handed her the paper.

Catalina frowned.

“A list? You’re giving me a list?”

Dominic stared at her unfazed by her tone.

“I’m telling you she isn’t feeling well, and you give me a list!”

“What the fuck do you expect Catalina?”

“I want you to go upstairs and see our son, and then spend time with your aunt. I want you to be here to comfort us! To be present.”

Dominic chuckled.

“Are you serious?” he asked.

“Domi? I’ve been calling you, leaving messages. When you are here, you’re locked in the office. I know a lot is going on but you have a family.”

“I have shit!” he slammed his fist down on the desk. “This isn’t a family. It’s never been a fucking family,” he said and returned his attention to the computer.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “You lost someone too and I know you’re hurting.”

“We’re done,” he said and kept typing.

“Domi.”

“We’re done!” he said and turned his gaze to her.

“We aren’t done,” she crossed her arms. “It’s me. You can talk to me.”

“I’m done talking,” he mumbled. “I’ll check on the boy and Zia later. Now get the hell out.”

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