I’ve tried to not involve her, I really have, but I’m finding that the line between my best friend and Luciano’s sister is a thin one. I want to talk to her about these things, not because he’s her brother, but because she’s the person I talk to about everything.
“I understand, and I wouldn’t blame you if that day comes. You know just as well as I do how stubborn the Paladino men are.”
I nod, but don’t say anything more. Cecilia squeezes the top of my arm in solidarity.
We stand in comfortable silence for a few minutes until the saleswoman comes back and hands me a bag with my necklace inside. She discusses the guarantee and tells me to bring it back in whenever I want to have it cleaned.
When my friends and I leave Cartier, we start walking toward Chanel. “What are you ladies in the mood to eat later?”
“This is going to sound more like a lunch request than dinner,” Vinnie answers immediately, “but I’ve been craving a soup and salad. Something decadent and rich but not overwhelmingly filling.”
“That sounds great.” Cecilia reaches for the door to Chanel, but the doorman quickly opens it for us, causing her cheeks to redden when she notices him. “Thank you.”
We’re hardly inside before we’re approached by a saleswoman asking how she can be of assistance. When we tell her we’re just browsing, she offers us beverages, then excuses herself to fetch us two glasses of champagne and a sparkling water.
Vinnie wanders, and Cecilia takes the opportunity to speak with me directly as we stop at a nearby rack of dresses. I had a feeling she wanted to talk to me when we were in Cartier, but she refrained.
“Look, I know things are tricky because of Vinnie and Luciano being siblings, but if you need to talk to someone, I hope you know you can always come to me.”
“I do know, thank you.” I pick up a dress and look it over before placing it back on the rack. “It’s just difficult to even find the words at this point. I have so much I want to say, but I keep articulating the same thing over and over again—both out loud and in my mind. The bottom line is he asked for space, and I’m giving it to him as best I can. I can’t force him to call me back or want to talk to me.” I stop flicking through the garments and look at her. “But the fact that he won’t give me the opportunity to explain to him how we were both clearly manipulated is infuriating.”
There’s a look of sympathy in her eyes as she says, “I can’t imagine.”
“Even as my damn lawyer, he’s still not taking my calls. It’s like he’s already put me on trial and found me guilty in his head.”
“Why would he even jump to conclusions and believe Javier so freely?”
“That’s what I can’t figure out. He knew Javier was essentially blackmailing me, and he was quick to defend meevery other time. Then Javier spouts more lies and twists his words to make it seem like I’ve been in on his bullshit, and Luciano chooses to believe him.” I shake my head, frustration festering again.
“It’s almost like he was looking for an excuse to run.” Cecilia flinches as she realizes the words she let slip.
They hurt, but they’re nothing I haven’t thought of on my own.
“I think that’s exactly what he’s doing. Everything moved so quickly between us, and I think it’s one of two things. He either doesn’t trust me, or he’s scared. Either way, he better figure it out soon and give me the chance to speak on what happened, because I swear as each day passes, the more I want to put my middle finger up and say fuck it. I love him. I think I’ve been in love with him for far longer than I care to admit, but I’ll be damned if the person I love doesn’t trust and respect me, and right now he certainly isn’t showing either of those.”
“I’m proud of you.” She smiles. “It takes a strong woman to be able to view herself in the way you do and to stand up for herself. I’m not so sure I would have the courage if I was in your position.”
“You would. You’re one of the strongest women I know. But I hope you are never in this position.”
Our conversation ends when Vinnie ambles over to us, rubbing her protruding stomach. “I know we just got here, but I feel like this baby is stealing my nutrients by the second, and I am getting ravenous. Can we go eat? Happy to come back when we’re done.” She grins at me playfully, holding up her crossed fingers.
Looping my arm through hers, I press a kiss to her cheek. “Of course we can. I should have fed you pre-shopping.”
Unfortunately, the saleswoman picked this moment to emerge from the back with our beverages, and we all spot her atthe same time. She’s not going to be happy when we bail on the drinks and she loses her potential commissions.
“You go find us a ride. I’ll go let her down gently.” Cecilia starts walking toward her immediately, and Vinnie and I move toward the front of the store. Seeing us approach, the doorman holds one of the glass doors open for us, and Vinnie squeezes my arm a little tighter in a side hug.
“I love you, Raina. No matter what happens between you and my brother, things between us will never change. You’re the sister I always wanted. I love my brother, and I’ve always felt like he’s hung the moon, but make no mistake, I would never choose between you two. You’re stuck with me for life, especially once this baby is born and you officially become her godmother.”
My eyes widen. “Godmother? Really?” I’m so excited, my mood instantly lifts.
“Of course! Although you’re going to have to share duties with Cecilia, because I could never choose between the two of you, either.”
“Of course!” I pull my best friend into a tight hug. “Shoot, I’d even take the title of godfather if you wanted.”
“Well, I think Sly may have something to say about that. He wants to ask Enzo to be her godfather.”
My nose scrunches as I release her. “I’m confident I will be a much better at it than he will.”
