Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

ALEX

I squeeze Athena's hand and lean in to whisper, "I'll be right back. Tell Luca to

make you a coffee or something. You need a break."

Luca scoffs, "Fuck no. I ain't making shit."

Mum laughs with a shake of her head. "Luca, it's just coffee."

"No can do, Mum. That's where I draw the line." He responds while glaring at me like he can't believe I asked him to do that.

I had no choice though. Ryan is not here and I only trust a handful of people. Besides, it would be crazy to ask mum or dad to make her coffee.

Yes she can do it by herself but that would defeat the whole purpose because she's exhausted as fuck.

"I'll do it." Noah steps forward, a small smile on his face.

But his eyes are afraid. I wonder what the fuck he did wrong this time.

"You know what? Forget coffee. I'll get you a cup myself. Just wait here for me. Stay where Luca can see you." I whisper in her ear.

Athena doesn't let go immediately. Her fingers cling to mine for a second longer than usual, and I catch the flicker of worry in her eyes. I brush my thumb along her knuckles before pulling away.

I push the door open and step inside.

The room smells like antiseptic and flowers. Must be mum's doing, probably.

She loves flowers.

Giana is sitting up, propped against pillows, her eyes trained on the window like she's memorizing the view.

Her silver hair is tied in a bun and her skin is pale, her frame too thin under the hospital gown, but her presence is still magnetic and Regal, even now.

hell,"

scared the shit out of me," I reply, stepping

head, her eyes

us even. I thought I'd die without

a seat beside

really set

"Yes."

"Granny."

made peace with it," she says simply. "This

Smell my roses. Hear the wind and spend my last days watching

My chest tightens.

yet," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "We're not

but full of mischief. "Oh, sweetheart. I've done

lets me

put your bitch of a son in the

eyes harden, "Why is he

get a share

Don't let him go near Sloane or even take her no

how much she means to me. I love her to death and I feel

on protecting her now. We owe her that

I nod in agreement.

she says suddenly, making my

me by my full

"Anything."

program down. To keep Athena safe, the

with your heart,

to find other means. That's the only way I be able to die in peace and face her parents."

me everything you know." I sit up