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Carlo: Fine. I’ll see you soon?
Me: Of course.
I drop my phone, ignoring the giddiness lighting up my insides. Sheesh, one would think I’m a teenager having her first crush.
By the end of the day, I’m ready to crawl into bed and not get up for several days. After making sure Carlo’s car is sufficiently taken care of, I head home.
My mom’s in the foyer when I arrive. She smiles brightly at me.
“Hey, sweetie. How was work?”
“Fine,” I tell her.
“I see you didn’t make it home last night. I know you were stopping by to hang out with Carlo but I didn’t think you were going to stay the night. How were things at Carlo’s house?”
I remember she’s the reason I was even in the position I was last night and irritation flares through me. If she hadn’t insisted I spend more time with him, I wouldn’t have had that nightmare and told him everything. Then again, I have a feeling that’s what brought us closer, so I can’t really be mad. My mom’s doing the best she can, encouraging me to chase what makes me happy. I’m glad she’s so supportive.
“It was pretty good, Mom. He made me breakfast. He’s actually a really good cook,” I admit.
She laughs. “One would hope so. His mother and I used to be close and Martina’s an abysmal cook. I’m sure Carlo had to pick up some things over the years.”
“Oh, I hadn’t realized you were close with his mom, too.”
“I was. We were all friends but Carman’s death changed everyone, I guess. Martina never really recovered. She drifted away and I haven’t seen her since the funeral. Do you know where she is,cara?”
“Carlo told me she’s in Milan visiting her sister.”
“Oh. Well, I hope she comes back soon. It’s likely we’ll have a wedding to plan,” my mom says excitedly.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I remind her.
“Why not? The two of you make an amazing couple and honestly honey, you’re not getting any younger. You have to start working on giving me grandchildren.”
I swear if I have to hear her say that one more time.
“Which reminds me…” My mom trails off, going in search of something.
I wait patiently and when she returns, she’s holding gold-embossed invitation cards.
“The Queens are planning an art exhibition. We’re all invited. You should bring Carlo with you.”
The event is a week away. I twirl the cards in my hand, wondering, hoping.
CHAPTER12
Carlo
“It’s a stupid art show and we definitely don’t have to go,” Astoria says.
I chuckle as I grab something from the bedside table, making sure the phone stays placed against my ear.
“Dany happens to be one of the organizers of that stupid art show,” I inform her.
She gasps. “Oh shit. I’m sorry, I had no idea.”
“It’s alright. She has a gallery of her own and she paints, as well. You might have noticed one or two of her paintings hanging on my walls.”
“They were beautiful,” Astoria murmurs.
