0038|pasta

ARABELLA ARMANI

The following week was one of those rare moments of peace for Arabella, where things felt calm, almost normal. Alessio's messages still lingered in her mind, but she knew she couldn't let them control her life. Her dad, Emilio, had noticed that she seemed a bit off lately—he always did—and had suggested they spend the weekend together. Arabella was grateful for the idea. The mansion, with its towering ceilings and endless, echoing hallways, had become too quiet when it was just her. She longed for the normalcy of days when her life was simpler, before everything with Alessio had complicated things.

Arabella had agreed to spend the day with her dad, along with her best friends Sarah and Carter. It wasn't just about getting away from the drama; it was a chance to reconnect with the people she trusted most, the people who didn't carry the weight of secrets.

The sound of the doorbell echoed through the large, empty entryway of the mansion, followed by the soft patter of footsteps. Arabella had already set the table, and Emilio was in the kitchen, finishing up the pasta sauce. He was always the one who made the meal for these kinds of gatherings, despite how busy he was with work. It was his way of showing that family still mattered most.

The door opened, and Sarah and Carter stepped inside, both with big smiles and arms loaded with bags of snacks.

"Smells amazing in here," Sarah said, setting the bags down and pulling off her jacket.

"You're just saying that because you know Emilio is cooking," Carter joked, his eyes already scanning the kitchen. "Man, you're lucky, Arabella. I swear, no one makes pasta like your dad."

Arabella smiled, her heart lightening just at the sight of her friends. They were her constants, her anchors. She hadn't told them everything that had been going on with Alessio, at least not in detail. She couldn't. Emilio was her dad's best friend, and no matter how complicated things had become, she couldn't bring herself to hurt him by sharing the truth.

"We're lucky he's around to cook for us," Arabella said, giving her dad a teasing glance as he stirred the sauce.

Emilio chuckled, wiping his hands on a towel as he walked over to greet their guests. "I try, I try. But it's not luck. I'm just trying to keep up with you two," he said, ruffling Carter's hair as if he were still a teenager.

"Don't make me blush," Carter said dramatically, leaning into the counter. "But seriously, you could open a restaurant, Emilio. This place should be your culinary empire."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Emilio said, setting the pasta on the table. "Alright, everyone, eat up before I start charging for my services."

The table was soon filled with laughter and the delicious hum of conversation. As they dug into their meal, Emilio kept the mood light, cracking jokes and adding his own charm to every interaction. Carter was all smiles, doing his best to keep everyone laughing with his usual antics, while Sarah and Arabella exchanged knowing looks, the kind of silent communication only long-time friends could share.

But despite the comfort of being surrounded by her loved ones, Arabella couldn't shake the weight of the messages she had received from Alessio that morning. His words had been so persistent, so full of longing and promises. She hadn't replied yet. She didn't know if she could, if she should.

Sarah must have noticed the shift in her mood because she leaned in, her voice low but warm. "What's going on, Bells? You've been a little quiet tonight. Everything alright?"

Arabella glanced at her, then at her dad across the table. She couldn't bring herself to lie. Not to Sarah. But she also couldn't tell her the whole truth—not while Emilio was right there. He wouldn't understand.

"I've just been thinking a lot," Arabella said, shrugging lightly, though her heart wasn't in the casual tone. "You know, life... and everything that's been happening. It's just a lot right now."

"Anything we can help with?" Sarah asked, her eyes full of concern.

Arabella hesitated, looking over at Emilio as he spoke to Carter about an upcoming business deal. He looked so easygoing, his broad shoulders relaxed in his chair, his laugh deep and genuine. Her dad had been a constant presence in her life, and despite everything that had happened with Alessio, she didn't want to burden him with the truth. Especially since Alessio was his best friend—how could she possibly explain all of this without causing damage to their relationship?

"I don't know," Arabella said quietly, playing with her fork. "I just... I feel like I've been stuck, you know? Like there's something I need to figure out, but I can't."

"Hey," Sarah said softly, her tone full of empathy, "take it slow. Whatever it is, we're here for you."

Carter joined in, raising his glass in a mock toast. "Exactly. No pressure. You don't have to have it all figured out right now. But if you need a distraction, we can definitely help with that."

The comment made Arabella laugh, the sound of it filling the room, and for a moment, she felt lighter. At least for the time being, she could forget about the complications in her life.

After dinner, they all moved into the living room, where Emilio poured everyone glasses of wine, the rich red color contrasting with the gold accents in the room. The mansion felt like a place of comfort and warmth tonight. They settled into the plush couches, the grand chandelier above casting a soft glow over everything.

"So, what's next for all of us?" Carter asked, leaning back and stretching. "We need another group adventure. Last time we all went hiking, it was a disaster, but this time, I think we should try something with fewer mosquitos and more... entertainment."

"Oh, God, don't remind me of that hike," Sarah said, laughing. "I thought I was going to die."

"Good times, though," Carter grinned. "But seriously, I'm all for a beach trip or something lowkey. I could use the sun."

Emilio leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'd be more than happy to host a beach day. Let's just hope you don't burn your skin off, Carter. You know, you're very fair."

"Thanks for the reminder," Carter said with a wink. "I'll try to stay out of the sun. And I'll bring the sunscreen."

Arabella chuckled, feeling the tension in her shoulders finally ease. This was what she needed: a few hours where Alessio wasn't in her thoughts, where her life felt simple again. But even as they joked and laughed, Arabella felt the pull of the secret she was keeping from her dad, the one about Alessio that she could never share.

She glanced across the room at Emilio, who was talking animatedly with Sarah and Carter, and her heart ached. She wanted to tell him everything. But for now, the walls between them had to stay intact. It wasn't just for her—it was for him, too. She couldn't destroy the relationship he had with his best friend, not when everything was already so complicated.

The night wore on, and Arabella let herself enjoy the moment—the sound of laughter, the comfort of being surrounded by people who cared. She knew the mess of her feelings and the storm that Alessio had stirred up in her life would return soon enough. But for tonight, she would let herself forget it all.

As she caught her dad's eye from across the room, his warm smile reassured her that whatever happened, she was never truly alone.