Even if she hadn't been there.
"I'm fine," Marco said.
On the sofa, Veronica shifted slightly.
"I'll give you guys a moment," she said, already beginning to rise.
But Marco reacted immediately.
"No, stay."
Veronica paused mid-motion, her eyes flicking between them. Marco's gaze didn't leave Valentina.
"You have to stay." he added. "I cannot be alone with her."
"I broke up with Ricardo."
"Which is why I am here," he said.
"I'll go," Veronica said again, more firmly this time, pushing herself up from the sofa. "I'll be right in the kitchen. Within earshot."
This time, Marco didn't stop her.
"I hate this," Valentina said. "I hate us like this."
Marco swallowed slightly. "I'm sorry I ruined everything," he said.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Val asked. "Why didn't you say something?"
"I guess I was being an idiot," Marco admitted. "As Luca has been constantly calling me for the past few days."
"This isn't funny," she whispered.
"I know," he said quietly.
