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“What the hell, Sia. Joe is a good guy.”
“I didn’t say he wasn’t.”
“So, what’s the problem?” She scowled.
“I’m not like you, Bella.”
“Like me? What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Forget it.” I didn’t want confrontation, least of all here, in front of everyone.
“Yeah, whatever.” She flounced off and grabbed a guy from our class, pressing her body up close to his.
She didn’t even care that her parents were sitting right there, watching their daughter flirt and dirty dance with a boy.
But that was Bella.
She was as unapologetic and fearless as they came.
All danced out, I made my way over to the buffet table and plucked up a couple of hors d’oeuvres.
“Enjoying the party?” My brother appeared, snagging a tiramisu cup.
“Yeah,” I said, nibbling the mini bruschetta.
“So why are you over here when you could be on the dancefloor with your friends?”
“Come on, Nic, you know this isn’t me.”
I wasn’t a party girl. I preferred quiet nights in with a good book or curled up in front of the television.
He gave me a thin smile. “You know, we’re so proud of you, Sia. All we want is for you to be happy. I know it isn’t easy being—”
“Don’t.” A lump clogged my throat. “I love my family, Nicco. More than anything.”
Family was everything to me, even if being the Marchetti princess made things difficult at times.
“I know. But I also know you’re not a child anymore. In a few weeks, you’ll be leaving for college—”
“I’m hardly leaving.” I chuckled but it came out strained.
“You know what I mean. It’s a big deal. You and Bella will be living it up in University Hill. That kind of freedom can be overwhelming.”
I turned my attention back to the buffet table and let out a little indignant huff. “I think I can handle it.”
“Sia, that’s not…” Nicco drew in a sharp breath. “I’m just saying, college is your chance to spread your wings. Meet new people. Meet a nice young—”
My eyes snapped up to his. “So help me God, if you’re about to start giving me dating advice, stop. Stop right now.”
“We can talk about this stuff,” he insisted.
“No, we really can’t.”
“There isn’t… someone you like, is there?”
“What?” My heart catapulted into my throat. “No, why would you say that?”
Nicco jerked back, frowning. “Relax, Sia. I’m joking. It’s a joke.”
