Page 19 of Maximum Risk (The Andrades 3)
Tara glanced back and caught Max watching her even as he spoke to one of his brothers. Her senses went wild, and she swallowed hard. If this is all we have, hey, it’s still pretty damn amazing.
She tore her eyes away from him and was reminded of the other reason she was there. She had almost forgotten Maddy had asked her to watch for trouble. Although, looking around at the high spirits of the large group of people gathered, Tara doubted even Patrice Andrade could do anything to ruin the night. Julia was all smiles. She caught Tara’s eyes and waved at her happily. Gio was at her side and was looking more comfortable as the evening went on. Everywhere Tara looked people were laughing and sharing congratulations for the couple who were finally choosing a wedding date.
Julia walked over and hugged Tara. “I’m so glad you came.”
Although Julia was beautifully dressed and her makeup was expertly applied, Tara thought she looked tired. “Is everything okay?”
“Maddy told me you met Patrice.”
“I did,” Tara said, unsure yet if that was supposed to be a good or bad thing.
“I’d ask Maddy, but you know how she is. If I say anything to her, everyone will know I did. And Gio doesn’t like the idea of me getting involved with his mother. Tell me, how did Patrice look?”
Tara shrugged awkwardly. “She didn’t appear very happy.”
Julia wrinkled her nose. “That’s nothing new. I meant, health-wise. We hear she’s getting worse, but she won’t let her sons visit her lately. Not even Luke. I’m worried she may actually be ill.”
“I’m not a doctor, Julia. I don’t know what to say.”
Julia grimaced. “Of course you don’t. I’m sorry to put this on you. This should be the happiest time for Gio and me. I want to help him any way I can.”
“If I knew anything I’d tell you.”
Julia gave her a grateful, small smile. “I know you would. Maddy has a good friend in you. Thank you for listening.”
No, don’t ask. You’re pulling away from the family. It’s none of your business. “Are things better with Gio’s work?”
Julia leaned closer. “I shouldn’t say anything, but I’m going crazy, and you’re outside all of this enough that I need to hear your opinion. I’m really starting to worry. Gio’s not sleeping. He’s barely eating. Between his mother and whatever is going on at Cogent, I’m beginning to wonder if we should postpone the wedding. I don’t want to add anything else to his plate.”
“Oh, Julia. I’m so sorry.”
Julia dabbed away what looked like a tear ready to spill over and smear her makeup. “It’ll work out. I just wish he would open up to me. The Andrade men are so proud. They think they have to handle everything themselves. But they don’t. How can I prove I will be there for him no matter what happens? A marriage is a partnership. What does it mean that he won’t let me help him?”
Tara wanted to say, from what she knew about Patrice and how she’d raised her sons, it didn’t take a psychologist to figure out why Gio had trust issues. She gave Julia’s hand a supportive squeeze. “I’ve never been in love, Julia, but I recognize it when I see it, and you and Gio were meant to be together. You need to talk to him. Tell him what you know and what you’re afraid of. He’ll come around. My mother used to joke that instead of getting angry with my father she would tell herself he was an alien from another planet, and it was her job to teach him how to be a human being. When he hid things from her, like a tooth abscess that festered until he was almost admitted to the hospital, she was furious, but she forgave him—because of his alien background.”
Julia chuckled. “I can imagine my mother would have once said something like that about my father.”
“Gio is a strong, proud man, and isn’t that part of what you love about him?”
Julia nodded. “Yes.”
“And we both know he had a difficult childhood, but he has you now, and you can show him that real love is unconditional. Talk to him, and guide him as he learns the ways of our culture.” Although the topic wasn’t one Tara found amusing, she tried to use humor to lighten Julia’s mood.
Julia smiled. “Tara, for someone who says she’s never been in love, you give great advice. Thank you. I feel so much better.”
“My parents have been married for more than thirty years. I’ve seen love work.”
Julia hugged her. “Me, too. Thank you for reminding me of that.” She gave Tara a strange look then said, “Are you looking for a relationship?”
Tara coughed. “What?”
“Whatever else Maddy is, you know she’s an excellent matchmaker. You should ask her to find someone for you.” Smiling widely, Julia continued, “What am I thinking? I could do it. Have you met Luke? He’s a surgeon. And he’s single. He is also the sweetest, most caring man I’ve ever met. The two of you would be perfect together.”
“I—”
“Or Max.” Julia looked around until she spotted him. “I don’t know him as well as Gio’s other brothers, but I could introduce you.”
Tara met Max’s eyes across the room and blushed deeply. “We’ve met.”
As if he knew what they were talking about, Max winked.
Julia followed the look back to Tara and said, “I had no idea.”
Mouth suddenly dry, Tara said, “It’s not like that.”
Julia looked pleased and unconvinced. “Hey, your secret is safe with me. I’m happy for you. If things work out
, I’m claiming you for my team.”
Tara remembered Maddy had mentioned matchmaking teams and was about to deny once again that anything was going on between her and Max, when someone waved for Julia to join them.
“I have to go, Tara, but thank you. You made me feel a hundred times better.”
Well, at least I did something right.
Tara was sipping her wine, watching the Andrade family mix and mingle, wondering how Max would approach her next, when Dominic Corisi’s female security person, Alethea, came to stand beside her.
“So, you’re Tara. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Cold green eyes assessed Tara.
Tara raised her chin with pride. She may not be in the same financial standing as the people at the party, but Tara had never been one to be intimidated by wealth. She told herself Alethea was simply doing her job. She’d likely ask a question or two and move on. “And you’re Alethea.”
“Yes, I am.” The woman smiled as if her name alone held a meaning she agreed to. “Maddy says you’re old friends.”
It was easier to go along with Maddy’s story about how they’d met, because Tara knew it was the last time she’d have to. As much as she liked them, she wouldn’t see any of these people again. Alethea clearly didn’t trust her, which oddly made Tara feel better. Misleading someone like Julia was heart-wrenching; lying to Alethea meant next to nothing to her. “It feels like I’ve known Maddy forever.” That part was true at least. A day with Maddy could feel like a year.
“The two of you met while you were both in school in Switzerland, right?”
“Yes,” Tara said, relieved that Alethea was checking facts rather than requesting details. Maddy’s versions of how they’d met were often inconsistent. In this version, apparently they’d gone to school together. “We’ve stayed in touch since, and it’s nice to have this time with her.”
Alethea looked away then back, pinning Tara down with those catlike eyes of hers. “Funny thing about Maddy, she’s never gone to school in Switzerland.”
