45. Lucia

The evening sun bathed our home in a warm golden glow as I bustled around the kitchen, preparing supper for the family. The savory aromas filled the air, creating an ambiance of comfort and anticipation. With each chop of vegetables and stir of simmering sauce, I reveled in the joyous task.

This always made me so happy, just cooking and getting lost in everything. But tonight I have Nikki here with me.

“Frankie doesn’t seem to be interested in me at all,” she remarks again. “He’s almost never home, and we actually sleep in separate rooms.”

I frown at this and look at the glass of wine in her hand. “Were you supposed to tell me that?” I ask, chuckling, and she waves the glass around.

“I don’t care anymore. I’m thinking of doing what Frankie does and just going out to find myself someone on the side. It would make the long nights bearable—”

“Nikki!” I exclaim, looking around and hoping no one hears her. “Let’s keep that conversation for when we’re alone, okay?”

She takes a sip of her g