“Work?”Carmen said.”What kind of work do you do.”Uh-oh Sage thought what is she gonna say now. She’s not ashamed of her job but no one knows she’s actually working for Bruno except Kim and now isn’t the right time for anyone to know. She silently thanked Bruno for coming back at that moment.”We just getting to know Sage better. She tells us the two of you are friends.”
Bruno smiled.”The first and only woman who can resist my charms and charismatic looks. It’s true aunt we are friends.”
“I never thought I’d see the day when you are friends with a woman Bruno.” Maya told him.
“Neither did I.”His eyes landing on Sage.
“Dinner will be served soon. Let’s head into the dining room.”They all did Sage began to relax through dinner, conversation was kept light not that she took part in it listening in this case was better. They seemed like a nice family very down to earth Maya also seemed different from her sister, she’s genuinely sincere and friendly towards her Sage had thought Maya would shoot daggers at her because her sister is meant to marry Bruno but so far she hasn’t. And Sage is actually surprised at her behavior.”I hope the food is to your choice.” Carmen asked her.
“It’s delicious. Thank you.”Sage replied.
“You don’t drink?”
“I do. Occasionally.”Sage responded, she doesn’t want to drink because she’s still breastfeeding the boys.
“I like you Sage.”Carmen said catching her off guard.”I hope we’ll see more of you. As Bruno’s friend of course.”She added. Sage could do nothing but nod. What can she say.”Are you married or seeing anyone.”
“Aunt…”Bruno jumped in.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”
“No it’s okay.”Sage said.”I’m not married or dating anyone.”
“I’m surprised Bruno.”His brother said.”That you and Sage are friends.”
“What’s so surprising in that.”Lana came strolling in before he could answer she rushed over to Bruno and kissed him all over his jaw.”Lana. That’s enough.”He bit out irritated.
“Why didn’t anyone tell me we having a family dinner. More importantly why wasn’t I invited.”She shot an uninvited glance in Sage’s direction.”What is she doing here.”
“That’s not the way we talk about our guests Lana.”Carmen told her.
“She doesn’t belong here. She wants to steal Bruno from me.”
“Lana.”Bruno warned, there’s no mistaking the deadly warning in his tone.
“I don’t like her, she’s not welcome here.”Lana went on.”I know women like her they want a rich man like my Bruno. Look at her clothing. She’s cheap.”
“Enough!”Bruno growled, the harshness of his tone made Sage jump. “Apologise to Sage. Now.”
“But Bruno she-…”
“Now Lana. I will not ask you again.”His tone cold. Sage looked at Lana, she was right she doesn’t belong here. She never will, these people are above her in their eyes she’s nothing but the help and the day they find out the truth all this friendliness and kindness will flew out the window. It had been a mistake to come here, to think she and Bruno can actually be friends if not lovers but she can see now they can’t even be friends because he’s miles ahead of her and that won’t ever change. Coming here had been a mistake. Sage pushed her chair back and stood.
“Thank you for dinner but if you’ll excuse me.”She didn’t even wait for anyone to say something she took her purse and fled. Oh god what had she been thinking agreeing to come with him she must’ve been out of her mind that must be it. She and Bruno cannot be friends, he runs a big company and she’s working for that company as a cleaner. What happens the day he finds out the truth will he still want her. Desire her. Will he still consider her a friend. Sage doesn’t know and wasn’t sticking around to find out what his reaction will be.
“Sage! Wait.”She heard him say behind her, he caught up with her in the driveway.
“Wait for what Bruno? So your fiance can insult me further.”She saw his lips tighten.
“I apologise on her behalf. Lana has her head in the clouds sometime. When I told her I’m not gonna marry-..”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to me Bruno. You owe me nothing.”Sage drew in a deep breath.”I agree with her on one thing. I don’t belong here and never will. This isn’t my cup of tea. See why I told you from day one it can never be exactly because of this, picture what will happen if I have to enter your social circle your family and friends will humiliate and laugh at me.”
“Not while you with me.”
She gave a harsh disbelieving laugh.”Do you really belief that because I don’t. And Lana just made me realise yet again how far apart we actually are. I have nothing Bruno, my bank balance doesn’t have seven zeros at the end like yours I don’t live in a ten million dollar house or drive a car of five million, or wear designer clothes and expensive jewelry. My god I don’t even like to wear these ridiculous high heels that most women are so fond on, I can never fit into this life because it isn’t meant for me I’m not a queen who’s meant to stay in a palace along side her king. I’m an ordinary woman who has no one but her sons, they are my treasure and wealth. We can never be Bruno. I thought we can be friends but we aren’t even on the same level to be friends. I’m sorry Bruno but it would be best if we don’t see each other anymore. It would be best for everyone.”Including the boys she silently said.”I wish you the best going forward. Marry Lana she’ll be the perfect wife for you, she’s born to live this life not me.”Sage stood on tiptoe and kissed his jaw.”Good bye Bruno.”She turned and left, silent tears streamed down her cheeks and she has no idea why. She has no idea why she has this huge ache in her heart, why it feels as if she’s leaving apart of herself behind. All she knew was she and Bruno can never be. Some things aren’t meant to be and this was one of them, she has no idea how she even got to her apartment or into bed. She never should’ve went with him from now on she’ll stay far away from Bruno Romero it’s best that way.
Sage was busy in the kitchen sterilizing the twins bottles when she heard a knock on the door, she hasn’t seen or heard from Bruno since the dinner with his family a week ago. Looks like he finally got the message that the two of them can never have anything not even a friendship, she handed each of the boys their feeding cups before going to answer it. Her heart sank again for the umpteenth time whenever she opens the door and it wasn’t Bruno.”Nice to see you too.”Kim said as she strolled in.”I brought some junk food, and chocolates and tissues lots of it.”
Sage smiled.”I hope you haven’t forgotten the ice cream.”
“It was at the top of my list.”Kim put the bags on the island and went to give the boys each a kiss.”They growing so fast and quickly.”
“And becoming very cheeky by the day.”They both sit down on the bar stools.
“Are you finally ready to talk.”
“There’s nothing to say Kim Bruno and I realised we are completely from opposite sides of the planet and due to that we agreed not to see each other
anymore.”
“Then why do you look so miserable.”
“I miss home.”Sage lied.”I was thinking of going home for a few days. Do you mind if I take time off.”
“No. When are you planning on leaving.”
“Tomorrow.”
“So soon.”Kim said.”Sage I think you should talk to Bruno it’s clear you guys feel more than you letting on.”
“No Kim, we have nothing to talk about. Can I get you anything.”
“I brought wine.”Sage poured some for her.”Aren’t you drinking.”
“I still need to pump for the night.”
“Luca spoke to Bruno the other day.”Sage bit her tongue to ask what happened.