Penelope stared at the phone for a moment before she reached for it, closing her hand over the phone, not taking it from Luca. “I’ll ring.”
“That’s the conviction I was looking for earlier.”
She held his gaze with her own, not flinching from the intensity. “I will live my life.” She took the phone from him, rising to her feet so he was forced to do the same. She was sick of letting other people live it for her.
“Good.”
She smiled when he let his feelings wash over her. It was good. Now if only she could hold onto her conviction the next time she faced down her mother. Or her grandmother. Pushing aside those worries, she called the priest.
“Father Joe.”
“It’s Penelope.”
“Can I help you, Penelope?”
“I don’t know.”
“Did you receive my text?”
“Yes.”
“Is that why you’re calling?”
I
