4. Sofia

4

SOFIA

I sit across from Paulie at the restaurant, pushing my salad around the plate. My mind keeps drifting to the carnival, Tyson’s intense gaze, and how he saved my life. I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to him than meets the eye.

Paulie’s voice snaps me back to reality. “Babe, you’re not even listening to me.” He scowls, stabbing his steak with unnecessary force.

“Sorry, I’m just... distracted.” I take a sip of wine, trying to focus.

“Yeah, well, snap out of it. I’m trying to tell you about the new club opening downtown. We’re going tonight.” It’s not a question but a demand.

I sigh, setting down my fork. “Paulie, I’m not in the mood for a club. I almost died yesterday, remember?”

He rolls his eyes. “Oh, come on. You’re fine. Besides, it’ll be good for you to get out and have fun.”

“Fun? You think getting drunk and grinding on strangers is fun?” I can’t keep the disgust out of my voice.

Paulie leans back in his chair, smirking. “Don’t knock it ’til you try it, babe. You might surprise yourself.”

I shake my head, pushing my plate away. “I think I’ll pass. I have some things I need to take care of anyway.”

“What things? Shopping for more designer handbags?” He laughs, but there’s an edge to it.

“No. I’m going to visit my grandmother. She’s been sick, and I want to check on her.” It’s a white lie since she’s not sick, but I don’t care. I need an excuse to get away from him.

Paulie’s face darkens. “You’re choosing some old lady over me? I’m your fiancé, Sofia. You should be making me your priority.”

I stand up, grabbing my purse. “She’s not some old lady. She’s family. And right now, she needs me more than you do.”

Walking away, I feel Paulie’s eyes boring into my back. But for once, I don’t care about his anger or his threats. I can only think about how Tyson looked at me as if he noticed something special that no one else did. And I can’t help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, he’s the one who can save me from this life I never wanted.

I hail a cab outside the restaurant, eager to put some distance between myself and Paulie. As I slide into the backseat, I give the driver my grandmother’s address on the other side of town.

Nonna Maria is my favorite person in the world. She’s always been there for me, offering a shoulder to cry on. I can tell her anything without fear of judgment .

The cab weaves through the busy streets, and I feel lost in thought. Yesterday’s events swirl in my mind—the attack in the parking lot, Tyson’s unexpected rescue, and the strange pull I feel toward him despite my better judgment.

Before I know it, the cab pulls up in front of Nonna’s house. I pay the driver and make my way up the familiar steps, knocking on the door.

“Sofia, my darling!” Nonna exclaims as she opens the door and pulls me into a warm hug. The scent of her perfume and the warmth of her hug instantly calm my nerves.

“Hi, Nonna,” I say, the tension draining from my body. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“Nonsense, you’re always welcome here.” She ushers me inside, leading me to the cozy living room. “Now, tell me what’s troubling you.”

I sink onto the sofa, fiddling with the hem of my skirt. “It’s just... everything. The wedding, Paulie, and....”

Nonna’s eyes widen with concern. “Sofia, are you okay? Your father told me about the attempt on your life. I was so shocked and worried about you.”

I nod, taking a deep breath. “I’m okay, Nonna. It was terrifying, but that’s not what has me so conflicted.”

She tilts her head, studying me. “What is it then, my dear?”

I bite my lip, unsure how to explain my desire for Tyson. “It’s... the man who saved my life. The ringmaster of the carnival. ”

Nonna raises an eyebrow. “The ringmaster? What about him?”

I fidget with my hands, trying to find the right words. “He’s just... different. When he looked at me, it was like he saw through to the real me. And the way he saved me, without hesitation... I can’t stop thinking about him.”

She reaches out, taking my hand in hers. “Sofia, it’s natural to feel a connection to someone who saved your life. But you need to be careful. You don’t know anything about this man.”

I nod. “I know, Nonna. But there’s just something about him. I can’t explain it.”

She squeezes my hand. “I understand what it’s like to be drawn to someone, even when it doesn’t make sense. But you have to think about your future, Sofia. You’re engaged to Paulie.”

I sigh, the weight of my impending marriage heavy on my shoulders. “I know.”

“Come,” Nonna says, rising from her seat. “Let me fix you some of my famous lasagna. I made it fresh this morning.”

The smell of garlic and herbs wafts from her kitchen, making my mouth water. “You always know exactly what I need.”

She makes herself busy preparing our plates while I lean against her counter, watching her practiced movements. “A good meal can heal many troubles,” she says, sliding a generous portion onto a plate.

“I wish everything was simpler.” I take a bite of the lasagna, savoring the rich flavor. “Like your cooking. It’s straightforward, honest, perfect.”

She sits across from me, her wise eyes studying my face. “Life is rarely simple, my dear. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find joy in the complicated parts.”

I try to focus on my food, but Tyson’s face keeps appearing in my mind—his intense gaze, the way he moved confidently. I shake my head, attempting to dispel the thoughts.

“You’re thinking about him again,” Nonna observes.

“I’m trying not to.” I take another bite, letting the familiar taste of her cooking ground me. “It’s just whenever I close my eyes...”

“Some people leave an impression on our hearts, whether we want them to or not.” She reaches across the table, patting my hand. “But remember who you are, Sofia. You’re strong.”

“I know.” I manage a small smile. “This lasagna helps. Everything seems clearer when I’m here with you.”

“Then stay for dessert too. I made tiramisu.”

I laugh. “You’re spoiling me, Nonna.”

“That’s what grandmothers are for.” She stands to get the dessert, and I try once again to push thoughts of Tyson from my mind. But even surrounded by the comfort of Nonna’s kitchen and her incredible cooking, his image lingers like a shadow I can’t quite shake.