Bella laughed, but it faded quickly. "Nonna is busy, Jay."
Jay's grin softened into something more gentle. He stepped forward and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Hey. You don't need Nonna. You have something better." He squeezed gently. "You have him. For real this time. The real Leo, not the ice version. He'll come around. He always does. It just takes him a minute to remember he's not actually made of ice."
Bella looked up at him. "You think so?"
"I know so." Jay smiled. "That man is so gone for you it's almost pathetic. Give him a day or two. He'll crack."
Bella nodded slowly, some of the weight lifting.
"Thanks, Jay Jay."
"Anytime, Bella Bell." He winked. "Now go do something annoying to remind him you exist. I recommend stealing his favorite pen."
Bella laughed at that.
⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹
Bella understood Leo.
