“You aren’t.”
“Yes, I am. I’m responsible for missing out on these past six weeks.”
“But we’re talking now.”
“We are. About Rhett…”
I tense.
This conversation was going so well.
“Mom—”
“I was wrong.”
Holy Jesus.
“I shouldn’t have said those nasty things without knowing him.” I open my mouth to answer, but she doesn’t give me a chance. “Stefano was repugnant. So was his family. And so was that Cardi slut. I allowed my agenda to cloud my judgment. I knew your relationship with him was different from the one I share with Daddy, but I stuck my head in the sand, refusing to see the writing on the wall.”
Wow.
“You’re right, we almost forced Stefano down your throat. I guess I should say,Idid. Daddy always felt we should take a step back. I was a bit too involved… too obsessed. I shouldn’t have been that persistent because after all, it’s your life. Your happiness.” She lets out a small laugh. “I had big dreams for you since you’re my baby and my only daughter. And that’s normal. Closing the door in your face because you found someone who doesn’t fit the image of who I think is right for you, isn’t.” She pauses. “I’m so, so sorry, Carina.”
“You have no idea what it means to hear you say that.”
“My stubbornness cost us precious weeks. Instead of hearing about your amazing journey, I had to read about it online and in the papers like everyone else. I’m so stupid.”
“Don’t say that. I’m so happy you kept track of my career. There’s so much I wanted to share with you.”
“You’re everywhere. You’re nearly at Riley’s celebrity status.”
“Let’s not exaggerate. I still have a few more months to go before we stand shoulder to shoulder.”
We both laugh.
“Rhett seems like a good man,” she says.
I exhale in relief.
“He’s amazing, Mom.”
“I had to learn about him through the internet. That should’ve happened over a string of hearty meals and a lot of good wine.”
You’ll never take the Italian out of her.
“It isn’t too late,” I say.
“You’re right.”
“He has several photo shoots in New York soon, and I’m working with Riley to see if I can come up with him. We can drop by.”
“Absolutely.”
“We’re still waiting for a few confirmations, but the second I have them, I’ll text you.”
“Rhett’s career is on fire,” Mom says.
“So much so, he had to reduce his hours at the ranch to a bare minimum. Jake and Hunter had already hired more ranch hands who were able to pick up my Rhett’s extra hours.”
