My suspicions were confirmed that night, when I got out of my car and spotted Robert at the valet with a new Mercedes. I’d arrived early to settle myself for whatever came next. Apparently he had a similar idea, except he’d probably wanted to hide the car.
“What was that?” I asked. Irritation sharpened my tone, and Robert smirked in response.
He watched with amusement as the young man in a crimson vest and matching tie drove the car away. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, you’re claiming bankruptcy. How the hell did you get a new car?”
“Language,” he chided. “Swearing is for the uneducated. Next time, search deep for some big-girl words.”
A wave of nausea washed over me. I wanted to scream. To punch his smug face. Or turn and leave. Camilla’s request was the only thing keeping me there.
I turned on wooden legs and marched toward the door.
Robert followed. “The firm leases new cars for the partners every year,” he said. “You know that. It’s just one more benefit of an advanced degree.”
“Funny,” I said, ducking inside as an outgoing guest held the door. “I recall writing all your law school papers.” He’d bullied me into finishing the bulk of his graduate work while I stayed home with Camilla in the early years, treating me like a loafer, insisting that helping with his class assignments was the least I could do to pull my weight. “Maybe I should have the new car.”
Robert caught up to me easily. Heat blazed in his eyes as he nervously flashed his plastic smile at passersby. “Watch it, Soph. You’re playing a game you can’t win. You can, however, make it worse for yourself.”
Fear trickled down my spine, and I picked up my pace.
A dining room hostess noticed our approach and smiled. She led us to a table for four near the back, and I chose a seat facing the door.
I wanted to see Camilla’s face the moment she arrived. I was sure I’d know what this was about if I could just get a look at her. Was she quitting school? Moving to the Maldives? Did she get an incredible job offer? As long as she wasn’t getting married, I could get through this night.
A server arrived within seconds to take our drink orders. I ordered a glass of chardonnay and Robert asked for scotch. Alone again, he warned me to watch my alcohol consumption, reminding me that my mother drank herself to death.
I imagined tossing the wine in his face when it arrived and wished I’d ordered merlot so it would stain.
Thankfully, Camilla and Jeff arrived before the drinks.
Robert rose to greet them. A cheek kiss for Camilla. A handshake for Jeff.
My gaze zeroed in on her ring finger before she reached my side of the table. A fat round diamond winked and glinted, and my stomach heaved.
She hadn’t gotten engaged in the Maldives. I’d seen her photos and had lunch with her multiple times since the trip. There wasn’t any sign of a ring.
Until now.
“Mom,” she said, bending forward to hug me where I sat. “It’s so good to see you. You look amazing!”
Jeff moved into view when she released me. “Nice to see you again, Mrs. B—” He stopped mid-sentence, looking as if he’d swallowed a bee. “Uhm.” He looked to Camilla for assistance.
She visibly cringed.
Robert barked a laugh. “You can still call her Mrs. Bianco,” he said. “That’s her name.”
“Call me Sophie,” I corrected, interrupting Robert for a change. “From the looks of that ring, we’re going to be family.”
Jeff beamed. “We are,” he said. “I still can’t believe it’s real. I promise I will do everything I can to make Camilla happy every single day of our life together.”
I slanted my eyes at Robert, then forced a bright smile for my daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law. “I love hearing that,” I said. “In truth, I was on the fence about taking back my maiden name, but seeing as how Camilla’s name might also change soon, I think the timing is perfect.”
Camilla took the seat beside me with a gasp. “Oh, Mama, I love that. I think Grandma would be so happy.”
I swallowed an unexpected lump in my throat as I let the thought sink in. Could I do something to make my mom proud? I certainly hoped so. But seeing my daughter’s delight was just as good. Maybe even better.
I felt Robert’s heated gaze on my cheek as I chatted with the happy couple, but I didn’t look his way. Robert Bianco’s hold on me was weakening each day, and that truth had never been so evident.
