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I looked over, noticing Mrs. Rossi speaking to my mother. I hated to think of the web of lies being spun over there.
“I think I need to step in.” I motioned to Evie. “Maybe I can convince her to leave.”
“I’m going with you.” She was on my heels. “I don’t want it to get ugly, Jer.”
“Mother, what brings you to this part of town?” I greeted her, letting Mrs. Rossi finish her conversation before she walked to another guest.
“I’d never miss my only son’s wedding reception.?
?? She held her pearls and looked around. “It isn’t where I would have held it, but—”
“Shut up.” I dared her to say something nasty about Bella’s.
Evie wiggled closer to me. “Hi, Mrs. Hartwell.”
“Evelyn is it?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I should congratulate you on joining the family. Being a Hartwell is prestigious in Newton Hills. Our family name means something here.”
“Mother, stop it. Evie’s parents are trying to do something nice for her. For us.”
Her eyes landed on Evie’s flat belly. “No babies, yet?”
If she had been a man, she’d be flat on her back by now after I pummeled her with my fist, but I’d never hit her, no matter how vicious she was.
“Jeremy and I are looking forward to starting a family soon.” Evie’s voice was sugary sweet. “But we’ve been trying to come up with grandparent names. What do you think? Should the kids call you Nana? Or would you like something more downhome and fitting with our little town? MeeMaw? You could definitely pull off MeeMaw. Let’s call that a decision made.”
Mrs. Rossi returned. “Did I hear talk about grandchildren? You know that’s my favorite topic. What did I miss?”
Evie smiled at her mother. “Mom, we were saying one day. One day, we’ll have kids. No announcements tonight.”
“It’s never too soon to have a family. Don’t you agree Sylvia? Grandchildren are the best. Marco and I have so much fun spoiling them. I bet they would love visiting you at the Hartwell House.”
It took a lot to shut my mother up. Somehow the Rossi women had managed to do it. I was impressed. Who knew babies scared the hell out of her? She had a lot of reasons to fear my heir, but this exchange highlighted more than a financial loss. There was something wrong with her. I’d known it my entire life. Could it be she truly despised children?
“Lucinda, it was kind of you to invite me. I think I’ll tell Marco goodnight and head out.”
“But you just got here,” Mrs. Rossi protested.
She shook her head. “It looks like the dancing has begun and I’m short a partner. I don’t think I could sit like a wallflower or dance. Either case would be unpleasant.”
Well played, Mother. Acting like a grieving widow was always a reliable out.
“Oh of course. We are so sorry about Eric. I’m sure it’s hard for you to be here without him. It has to bring up a lot of memories.” Lucinda Rossi was a much kinder woman on every level. “I’ll find Marco for you. I’ll be right back.”
Evie’s mom hurried away.
“Nicely done.” I nodded. “You can slither back to the mansion now and no one will realize what a complete first-class bitch you are. Your secret is safe for another day.”
“I don’t slither,” she hissed. Her back straightened when the Rossis appeared.
“Marco, thank you for the lovely party.” She kissed him lightly on the cheek.
“These two gave us a big shock.” He slapped me on the back. “But your son is a special man. I think they’re going to be ok.”
I didn’t know how I earned Marco Rossi’s approval, but I was damn proud I had. There was a lot of work to do, including some more time drinking Italian wines and learning how to use a wood router, but I could do that. We could golf. We could find things in common. After all, we both loved Evie.
