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My mother continued to worry about me as if I was a child, not a woman who’d been living on her own for years. Granted, I was the only girl in a large family. We were close, or at least had been up until the loss of my brother in the Marines four years before. Then the family get-togethers and celebrations had all but stopped. That’s why this one had been deemed so important.
“I’m fine. I just got in late and was exhausted.” I gave her a bear hug, eyeing the oversized backyard. My older brothers all had kids of their own, one of my nephews only a few years younger than I was. They all seemed happy while my life had been derailed.
“You’re alone. Why?”
“Because it was necessary,” I snapped, hating the fact I had. She didn’t deserve my wrath. “I have my reasons.”
Like safety. I couldn’t risk it at this point.
I put the eclairs on the buffet table, noticing she stared at the label on the box.
“At least I didn’t forget the eclairs.”
She pulled away, her brow furrowing. “You went to La Travitorria?”
Why was she shaking? “It was about the only place open by the time the plane landed. Why?”
I’d never heard my parents talk about the location, but the look of fear on her face surprised me. It was a lovely restaurant, no matter what family owned it.
“I wish you came back to New York,” she said absently, ignoring my question.
“I’m happy in Chicago, Mother. Very happy.”
“You’re all alone and that work you do is terrifying.”
“And I love it,” I insisted. “I’m not a cop like a brother of mine I know.”
“Leave her alone, Mom.” Josh grinned at me from the doorway of the kitchen.
“Speaking of the cop,” I teased.
“Detective first grade, thank you,” Josh said, his eyes twinkling as he laughed. He’d wanted to be a cop from the time I could remember. While he’d been promoted at least three years before, I couldn’t help but to tease him.
“You were always on her side,” my mother said, acting as if she was exasperated. I knew better. Josh had her wrapped around his little finger and always had.
“Mom was ready to send out a search party for you.” Josh lifted me off my feet. He’d been my champion, arguing with our father about the career I’d chosen. It had always been assumed I’d become a doctor or God forbid an attorney. At least my second oldest brother had accepted the position of doctor instead of me, eliminating some of the pressure.
My thoughts drifted to Valentin like they had far too many times over the past few hours. I was even wearing the lingerie he’d purchased for me.
“Where’s the graduating senior?” I asked as I pushed Josh away, feeling the old familiar creep of embarrassment crowding my cheeks.
“His usual. Playing football.” Josh grinned, winking at me as he nodded toward the outside door. “He has more reason to hone his skills now, so what the heck?”
“Oh, my God. He got a scholarship?” I asked, ready to jump out of my skin.
“Ohio State University, baby!”
“That’s fantastic. I’m so happy for you guys.” I’d never seen my brother this excited. I waved to the rest of the family, pulling on Josh’s arm to keep him back for a few minutes. I was an investigative reporter. My mind was still fuzzy from the night before and I needed a clear reason to stay away from Valentin.
“Yeah, he worked hard. Even managed to pull his grades up. I’m proud of him. You okay? You seem out of sorts.”
Sighing, I studied the backyard. My parents had moved there after I was a teenager, but I’d always imagined growing up with a huge backyard, a swing set just like the one my father purchased for the grandkids. “I’m fine. Just working a lot.”
“And Molly?”
“Mischievous as usual.”
“You didn’t bring her,” he said, narrowing his eyes.
