Page 15 of The Great Dating Fake Off
How romantic.
“Benjamino!” Veronica waves from across the lobby. She approaches us like a fish darting toward a sprinkling of food. “And Nora! Sorry, I didn’t see you there behind all these tall people.”
Sebastian steps aside to make room for Veronica, guiding Alessia two feet away to whisper in her ear.
Veronica wraps her cold hands around mine. “How was your trip up?”
I smile as wide as my cheeks will allow. “It was great. Benji drove the whole way. Is Rosalina here yet? I’d love to say hello.”
“She’s busy unloading her whole life into a hotel room. So many accessories when you’re the bride! You’ll see when it’s your turn.” Her sneaky smile is all lips and no teeth, showcasing coral lipstick. “Soon enough, right?”
The question does not sound rhetorical.
“Let’s not pressure her,” Benji warns. “She might get spooked and leave. Nora, are you feeling spooked? Be honest. We can go.” His pointed stare suggests let’s go is the only thing he’s interested in hearing.
I shoot him a quelling look.
Veronica’s face is pure mirth as she extends her arms toward her son. “She doesn’t look spooked in the slightest. Now come here and give Mamma V a hug. I’m glad to see you. You know, for a while there, I was worried you’d miss this. You’re always so busy.”
Benji sighs, relaxing into her hug. “Wouldn’t want to miss Rosalina’s big day.”
When they’re finished, Veronica captures me in an equally enthusiastic squeeze, cloaking me in her sweet, syrupy perfume. Her voice is low and warm in my ear. “It’s such a joy to have you here, honey.”
My stomach swoops. “Thank you, Veronica.”
Her hands clasp beneath her chin. “Call me Mamma V. Most people do.”
I beam at this. “I’m grateful you were able to make room for me, Mamma V.”
“Make room for you?” Her smoky laugh fills the air. “You’re not a turkey in the fridge, silly girl. You’re going to be included in everything! Rosalina rearranged the seating chart for the big meals so you’re both at the same table as the bridal party.”
My hand moves to my chest as the line shifts forward. “She did?”
Mamma V levels me with an unblinking stare. “I’m confused. Did she not text you? She said she asked Benjamino for your number.”
My blood pressure ticks up a notch as Benji clears his throat. “Oh, did I not give Rosalina your number? I meant to.”
Great. Now the bride thinks we’re ignoring her.
“That’s okay,” Mamma V insists. “We have full access to you now that you’re here! Have you gotten your room yet? We’re on floor four. Maybe we’re neighbors.”
“We haven’t gotten our rooms yet. We’re still waiting.” Benji swings his arm toward the long line for emphasis, almost clotheslining Alessia from the side. Judging by how fast she reacted, she was paying attention. Can’t say I blame her; Mamma V is a one-woman show. One that I hate to admit I’m enjoying, because that feels like a betrayal of Benji proportions.
“Rooms?” Mamma V cocks her head to the side, her black bob swinging. “You mean room?”
His mouth opens and closes. Twice. “I— Well, we were, uh… Nora?”
Time takes a stuttering breath.
I eye the crucifix dangling over Mamma V’s ample cleavage. “Uh— I wanted my own room, out of respect for the family. With us being unmarried.”
“Oh. Well, that’s unnecessary. You’re welcome to share and enjoy your trip.” Mamma V drops to a near whisper. “The good lord and everyone else know Benjamino is over thirty years old and has needs.”
I look up at Benji, seeing my own horror reflected in his eyes. I could live a thousand lives and it’d still be too soon to hear Benji’s mother discuss his needs and how welcome I am to meet them.
Benji glances at his watch and then surveys the room, the universal symbol for how swiftly can I end this? “Hey, Dad seems to be lost. Maybe he’s looking for you?”
Mamma V rolls her eyes. “He’s been ‘lost’ since our wedding day. Lost in the kitchen when it’s time to cook, lost in the garden when it’s time to mow, lost in every room, really. Better go find him before he acts up. I’ll see you two tonight. Dress code is upscale casual!”
