Im in the bathroom getting ready for breakfast. Nick wasn't in bed this morning but he left me a note saying he just had some work and he'll be here for breakfast.

I didnt really feel like dressing up cuz im sleepy so im just wearing sweatpants and and a long sleeve crop top.

Today im thinking about looking for a job. I know Nick will protest but my argument is that its not at Aunty Tania's bakery so ill be ok.

I walk out of the room and turn the corner to suddenly bump into someone.

"Careful baby"

I look up at him and grin. I go on my toes to kiss him.

"hi" i squeak after pulling away.

"hi" he always mocks my hi's. "youre early, breakfast isnt for another hour babe"

"I know i just wanted to bake something, i feel like all i do is sit around" i pout at him. Layin' the ground work ladies.

"Mm" he husks. "Im going to change, sì?" he asks. I nod, kiss his chest and then make my way to the kitchen.

"Hello Miss, do you need something?" a young girl asks me.

"Oh well i wanted to know if i can make croissants?" i ask her. Im craving chocolate croissants and i wanna bake.

"Oh you dont have to, i can ask-"

"No please, i want too" i tell her. She smiles and nods, helping me find my around the kitchen.

~

"Damn what smells so fuckin good" i hear footsteps approaching.

"Riri what you making it smells like fucking jesus and heaven had a baby" Angelo says. Ew.

"ew, stop. They are chocolate croissants" i say, placing the warm treats on a dish and picking it up to go to the table.

"Oh my Aria, you did this?" Zia Shaina asks and i nod. Everyone praises me and the smell before we're even seated. Nick comes in pecks my head a sits down. Last to come down are Aless and a sad looking Laia. uh oh.

During breakfast everyone is sensing the tension between them when Zio Vince breaks it.

"Dolcezza is something wrong?" he asks Alaia who seems to be lost in thought.

"N-no Zio, im fine" she says lowly. Alessandro sighs.

"Papa I have to go France, Silva is pushing me to close the deal, it could take me anywhere from a week to 4 weeks." he explains. "Grayson cant fly because his doctor said we shouldn't till he's atleast 2."

"How does he expect me to be ok when he literally says he's going away for a month?" Alaia says. Her voice is thick she might cry. Poor baby.

Zio, Aless and Nick continue discussing when i get an idea.

"Oh!" everyone looks at me. I blush and mumble a sorry. "Laia, if you're willing to, i can watch Grayson. Im not working and at home all day, if its something you can do then you should join Alessandro" i say. I know its crazy but ive seen her obsessing over every little thing related to gray and i think she could use a break.

"Oh dolcezza thats so nice, Alaia darling, would you want to?" Zia Shaina asks. Alaia looks conflicted.

"You dont have to tell me now Laia, whenever, just know id be happy to do it."

~

Im in the garden after breakfast, Nick is in Alessandro's office, he said he'll be an hour.

"Aria?" I hear and turn around to see Alaia.

"hi, what's wrong?" She looks timid.

"I-" she pauses then sits next to me. "Im so conflicted Ria, this is so hard. I dont think I can go a month without Aless or gray" she looks sad.

"honest opinion?" I ask her, she nods. "Grayson is 10 months old, and not once in that time have you taken off from being a mom, if you do go away for a while, you shouldn't feel guilty at all, I promise you, if you do decide to leave him with me, i will take really good care of him, and you can facetime all you want, plus you'll be back before you know it, it'll be a nice break for you and Alessandro, you can bond and stuff"

She remains silent for a bit. I let her think it over.

"Okay" she whispers.

"hm?"

"Ok im going to France" she says looking at me. I grin at her.

"Really?"

"Yeahvi guess so" she squeals. "Thankyou Aria, you're the world's best friend".

"No silly, im your best friend" we giggle.