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I sigh, then drop my shoulders a little. “That’s true.”
She looks around us, perhaps to make sure he’s still in the kitchen. I hear ice cubes hitting a glass. “Are you sure you’re not using him for a way out of your marriage?”
I thread my fingers together and place them on my lap. How much can I say? I can’t lie to her. She’s already had so much taken away—her marriage, the chance of seeing her son live a free, happy life. Going into deep details about my journey won’t do any of us favors, though. “I would lie if I said that wasn’t my initial intention. But a lot has changed,” I say in an even voice, even if my inside cracks from anxiety. “I mean it.”
She tilts her head in the slightest nod. “You’re honest. I like that.”
My shoulders loosen, and a current of coolness surges through me. “Listen, I know I don’t have much to offer you. My honesty is the very least I can give. I’m so sorry about what my father did to your family. Also, what my mom did to your marriage.” After I say these things, I sit back on the couch, feeling lighter. Apologies don’t have the power to rewrite history, of course. But at least I’m keeping it real.
She watches me in silence, and every small movement of her eyes shows me a different emotion.
Frustration.
Resentment.
Understanding.
I cross my legs and a second later, uncross them, unsure about what to do. I hear Matteo’s footfalls returning to the living room.
She glances at me and says in a measured tone, “I appreciate the sentiment, but these aren’t your burdens to carry.”
I lick my lips. Does that mean she’s on my side?
Matteo joins me, holding a glass of water. “What did I miss?”
“Not much,” I say, then grab his glass and take a generous sip of water. “Your mom is really nice.”
She waves me off. “Don’t judge me so quickly… you may change your mind.”
I chuckle nervously.
“You won’t,” he says, and winks at me. “That’s why I wanted you two to meet… I have the feeling we’ll all get along well,” he says, and I hope to God he means it.
20
Matteo
From my mother’skitchen window, I stare at Sienna. She’s fascinated with the lush koi pond in the backyard.
I came to grab some more appetizers that my mom whipped up and enjoyed seeing her in an environment that was familiar and safe to me for once.
I didn’t plan on bringing her here today. But after Antonio took me to his office and shared that Francesco was supposed to leave prison even earlier than anticipated, thanks to the overcrowding in the big house, I panicked.
We have to move faster.
I needed Sienna to meet my mom to see how they got along. And now, I’ve made up my mind. Sienna will leave with us for Brazil. I’ll tell her about my plan tonight.
I trust her.
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” my mother says, cutting a few different fruits for the platter she’s been preparing. “Getting cozy with Antonio’s daughter?”
I told my mom in passing that I’d be watching Sienna as my last mission before finally escaping Antonio’s clutches. My jaw locks into place. “She’s nothing like him.”
“That’s reassuring, but you know what I mean—she’s not at fault for her parents’ mistake, sure, but she can’t help her family ties. If anyone finds out she’s sleeping with you,” she says, then touches her chest. “I can’t lose you.”
“You will not.”
My mother shakes her head. Now that Sienna is not by her side, she can show her emotions. And she’s worried. “What’s going to happen? We’re supposed to go away after she’s married. Please tell me I haven’t been learning Portuguese for nothing.”
