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“Nope,” Aunt Berta replied as they met her in the foyer. “Just me. Didn’t you get Jess’s note? She said she left one when you guys didn’t show up after work.”
“We got it,” Tony growled. “Where is she? Why didn’t you tell us she was leaving? How could you let her pack up and go like that? Where have you been?”
Aunt Berta narrowed her eyes, clearly displeased with Tony’s tone. “I was busy helping Jess move and set up her new place.”
“How long have you known she was leaving?” This time Tony sounded less angry and more hurt.
Aunt Berta sighed and headed for the kitchen, the two of them following in her wake. “Bruno called this morning, right after you and Rhys left for work.”
“Bruno?” Rhys asked, trying to figure out what Tony’s cousin had to do with Jess’s departure.
Aunt Berta pulled on her apron before she pushed a button on the oven to preheat it, then she pulled a pan of lasagna she had thawing out of the refrigerator. “He has that apartment behind his garage that he rents out. The last person moved out and Bruno said Jess could have it. He waved the security deposit because it needs a bit of painting and cleaning up. It really is ideal, because Jasper can continue at the same school, and it’s in a safe part of the city. Plus, Bruno will be there during the day to keep an eye on them. I’m going to stay on as Jasper’s babysitter, thank goodness. I told Jess the only way I’d help her move was if she promised me that. Sweet girl teared up and acted as if I’d given her a block of gold when really it’s me who wins. I’m crazy about that sweet boy.”
Aunt Berta had continued moving around the kitchen, preparing dinner as she spoke.
All that stopped when Tony erupted.
“Jesus Christ! What the hell is Bruno doing? Sticking his nose in where it doesn’t belong!” Tony threw his hands up in frustration. While Rhys could see how Aunt Berta and Jess would think Bruno’s offer was the answer to a prayer, all Tony had heard was that his aunt and cousin had taken Jess away from them.
“Excuse me? Why are you angry? This is what Jess has been working toward all this time. I thought you’d be happy for her.”
“Happy?!” Tony’s Italian temper was full-blown. “Happy?!” he repeated, even louder.
Aunt Berta picked up a wooden spoon, wielding it like a sword. Rhys was amused when Tony took a quick step back. Obviously, he was no stranger to Italian females waving wooden spoons.
“You have thirty seconds to explain yourself, Tony Moretti, or you’re going to feel my wrath.”
Rhys intervened quickly, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Tony. Calm down. We’re going to get her back.”
Aunt Berta looked completely perplexed, lowering the spoon. “Get her back? Why?”
Tony blew out a long, slow breath. “We’re in love with her, Aunt Berta.”
“We?” Aunt Berta’s gaze traveled from Tony to Rhys as recognition dawned. “You’re both in love with her.” There was no question. Just understanding. “Did you tellherthat?”
“We were going to,” Tony replied.
“When?”
“Tonight,” Rhys explained. “We should have done it before this, but…” He raised his hands. “This isn’t exactly normal.”
Aunt Berta took off her apron and turned off the oven, scoffing. “If it’s right, then it’s normal. I think it’s right. Do you?”
Rhys and Tony both nodded.
“And now I understand why Jess was so subdued today. I couldn’t understand why she wasn’t excited about the new apartment.”
“She wasn’t excited?” Rhys asked, Aunt Berta’s words giving him hope.
“No. She looked almost sad.” Aunt Berta smiled. “Get your keys, Tony. We’re going to go get her.”
“We?” Tony asked.
Aunt Berta rolled her eyes. “Don’t make me pick that spoon back up to beat some sense into you. Yes,we. Someone has to take Jasper out so you two can tell her how you feel properly.” Aunt Berta left the kitchen, muttering something under her breath about men being idiots.
“Let’s go get our girl.” Tony slapped him on the shoulder, and Rhys smiled.
Jess scooped out a bowlful of macaroni and cheese—the orange stuff from the box, not the amazingly gooey goodness that Aunt Berta made from scratch—and handed it to her son. Not that Jasper noticed the quality of the food as he lifted the spoon and started shoveling it in.
