Page 49 of Secrets of the Brother
Bianca looked around again and then leaned forward before continuing. “Actually, I was really glad to spot you today. I could use a friend, and it’s impossible to find anyone within a thousand kilometers who doesn't worship the Cavalieris like some kind of living gods.”
Alfonso snort-laughed and covered it with a cough.
Feeling like a fraud, I shook my head. “Bianca, I’m not sure I’m the—”
“Please, Milana. I’m desperate for some advice.”
Cazzo! What the hell am I supposed to do now?
Before I could respond, she rushed on in a heightened whisper, “I slept with Enzo.”
Decision made.
I leaned forward and whispered back, “Holy shit! When? Where? How did it happen?”
She propped her elbow on the table and covered her eyes. “Yesterday. I know what you’re thinking. I’m a horrible person.”
I frowned. “Why would I be thinking that?”
“Because he’s my ex. Because we broke up. Because he’s my brother-in-law. Because my sister just died. Because he’s a Cavalieri”—once again, she glanced around her— “and there arerumors.”
I lowered my voice. “Rumors?”
“About how my sister died.”
I played with the handle of my spoon. “I wouldn’t put much stock in those rumors. You know how the people in this village like to gossip.”
“So you’ve heard them too?”
Oops.
I shrugged. “I’ve heard some nonsense, but I didn’t believe it. Enzo isn’t capable of murder.”
Bianca’s shoulders sagged with relief. “You have no idea how glad I am to hear you say that.”
“Really?”
“I was worried I was letting my past feelings for him cloud my judgment. I don’t think he did it either." She gestured toward me. “But if someone who hates the Cavalieris as much as you do would give Enzo the benefit of the doubt, then that makes me feel better.”
I let out a short laugh. “Yes! Yes,totallybecause Ireally hatethem.”
I wassogoing to hell for this conversation.
She played with the handle of her caffe cup. “Although it won’t make a difference in the end, at least I didn’t sleep with a murderer.”
“You mean, you’re not going to try things again with Enzo?”
Bianca looked up at me. “Can you imagine allowing yourself to fall in love with a man who betrayed you?”
And just like that, this gets even more awkward.
I cleared my throat. “Actually… yes. I can. As lame as it may sound, the heart wants what it wants. And you know, like you said, sometimes emotion can cloud our judgment. That works both ways. Would it be so terrible to give him a second chance? I mean you’re obviously still attracted to him.”
“Enzo and I together isn’t a relationship, it’s a plot from a soap opera.”
“I’ll admit dating your sister’s widower sounds a bit melodramatic, but let’s be honest, I was a catering server at your sister’s wedding, and even I could see it wasn’t a real marriage. Talk about hearing rumors!”
She leaned back in her seat and rested her forearms on the armrests. “I thought you’d be the one person in this town to knock some sense into me by raining fire and brimstone-level hatred for the Cavalieris down on my head. Why are you defending Enzo? It’s almost like you want me to get together with him?”
