Chapter 458 : In the Lion's Den

*Olivia*

“Peek-a-boo!" I yelled, sending Elio into a fit of screaming giggles.

My phone rang, vibrating the coffee table I'd left it on.

“Mama's gotta check her phone," I cooed as I scooped him up.

The pediatrician had said that the more we talked to him, the quicker he would pick up language, and that meant I spent about half my days chattering away at him.

I bent to scoop up the phone. Sal's name lit the screen, though I hadn't set a picture for him yet.

I hesitated a moment before picking up the call. Hadn't set it yet? The last few meetings had been great, and I was excited, but was I that certain he would be a part of my life?

I picked up the call before I could overthink this.

“What's up?" I asked.

His voice crackled over the line, still warm despite the distortion. “Livi! Just calling to che……