Page 108 of When She Loves
Damiano, Ras, and Giorgio greet Rafaele and Nero with as much warmth as an icy breeze on a cold winter morning. My sisters and Mari pause our conversation to regard them for a few seconds.
“We all told them to behave, right?” Gemma asks.
“Oh, yeah.” Vale tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I told Dem I’ll murder him if him or Ras ruin your birthday.”
Mari shrugs. “Gio won’t do anything. He’s always well-behaved.”
Vale arches a brow. “I’m pretty sure I saw him looking at everyone’s home addresses and credit card statements on the flight over. He’s researched the entire guest list to death, hasn’t he? Memorized everyone’s social security numbers? Dug up old family secrets?”
Mari winces. “You know how he is. He doesn’t go anywhere unprepared.”
“Rafe will probably just glare at them the entire night,” I say, noting the frigid look on my husband’s face. He must feel my attention on him, because he glances my way, and a bit of warmth slips into his expression.
“C’mon,” I say, wrapping my arms around Vale and Mari. “Let’s grab a drink.”
Soon, the party is in full swing. I introduce my sisters and Mari to Sandro and Tiny and bring them around to the kitchen to say hi to Luca. Then I take them on a tour of the gardens, excitedly pointing out all the flowers that recently bloomed.
I catch Vale giving me a curious look. “What?”
“Nothing. You just…seem happy,” Vale comments.
Gemma nods in agreement. “You do. How are things with you and Rafaele?”
“He’s growing on me,” I say.
“So you like him?” Mari asks.
Like him? It’s progressed far beyond that. I let out a sigh and glance between my sisters. I can’t believe I’m about to confess that I’ve thoroughly fallen for my husband.
“Cleo!” A voice calling my name grabs my attention. It’s Loretta. She’s standing with an older couple in tow. I vaguely recognize them from the wedding. They must be her parents.
“Give me one sec,” I say to my sisters before I walk over to Loretta.
“Happy birthday, darling,” Loretta says. “You look beautiful. Doesn’t she, Ma?”
Her mother gives me a tight-lipped smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “The skirt is a bit short, but what do I know.”
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. I may have won over Loretta, but I guess her parents are a different matter. Whatever. I don’t care. It’s my birthday and my family is here. I’m not going to let this lady ruin my mood.
Loretta frowns. “Ma, don’t be rude. I told you Cleo’s really helping me with the shop. Why do you have to insult her?”
Surprise bursts through me. I wasn’t expecting Loretta to come to my defense.
“I don’t know what you mean,” her mother says, her cheeks turning pink. “You asked for my opinion, so I gave it to you.”
“Huh. You never seem to have those sorts of opinions about other hosts. Or at least you know well enough to keep them to yourself.”
“It’s okay,” I cut in, for once not in the mood to start any drama.
Loretta shakes her head. “No, it’s not okay. The only reason I’ve been able to pay back all of my debts is because of you, Cleo. I won’t have my own mother disrespect you like that.”
Loretta’s father clears his throat, his expression stoic. “Thank you for your assistance. It’s been a great relief to our daughter, and we appreciate the interest you’ve taken in the business. Right, Claudia?”
Loretta’s mom sniffs, her entire face flushed. “Of course,” she says, clearly embarrassed.
The tension in the air dissipates, and the older couple soon moves on to talk to other guests. I turn to Loretta. “Thank you. I’m touched. You didn’t have to do that.”
Loretta shrugs. “I’m just tired of this family hating on you. Besides, you’ve been a good friend to me.” She flashes me a small smile before heading off to greet another guest.
