Gina had been gathering some things to take to Matt’s when her mother barged into her room.
“I’ve got plans this afternoon.” She didn’t, but her mom didn’t need to know that. “Matt’s waiting for me.”
“Well, he’s going to be waiting a while.” Rosemary meant business. Tapping her foot on the wood floor, she crossed her arms in front of her. “We’ve got company downstairs, so you’ll be staying for dinner.”
Dammit!
“It wouldn’t look right if you just up and left now, would it?”
“Let me invite Matt to dinner, then,” Gina said, tossing an extra box of tampons into her bag.
“Absolutely not.”
“Why not?” She had to make her mom see reason. “He’s my boyfriend, I love him, and he’s not going anywhere.”
“Do you think I want people to know you’re involved with that man?” Moving in closer, she emphatically shook her head. “No, no, no. Whatever feelings you think you have are going to fizzle out. Mark my words.”
“Why do you hate him so much?”
“Hate is such a strong word, Gina. I don’t hate him, but I don’t want to see you with him, either.” Her mom sat on the bed beside her and smoothed her hair. “People will talk, honey. Everyone knows where he came from.”
“Yeah, from around the corner. What the hell are you talking about?”
“Never you mind.” And back to business, she stood. “Now, put on a pretty dress and get downstairs.”
Figuring the sooner she complied, the sooner she could get back to Matt, Gina changed into a casual mid-length burgundy dress. With long sleeves and a scoop neck, it hugged her curves without showing too much cleavage.Heaven forbid!She giggled and added a taupe leather belt and a pair of matching boots.
Teo met her at the bottom of the stairs. “I’m sorry, Gina.”
“Sorry for what?”
But the moment she glanced into the living room, she knew. “What the fuck ishedoing here?”
“Guess.” She didn’t have to. “I was just coming up to warn you. Luca and I can distract them while you slip out the back door.”
“Fuck that.” She’d had it with her mother’s meddling. “I’m putting an end to this bullshit once and for all.”
And holding her head high, with a smile plastered on her face, Gina strode into the room.
“Why, hello, Mrs. Passarelli. Isn’t this a pleasant surprise?”Not. Politely, she hugged the woman, then glanced over at her son. “Vinny.”
“Wine?” Tony smirked, and putting a glass in her hand, he leaned into her ear. “Don’t you dare make a scene and embarrass Mom,capisce?”
Wouldn’t think of it.
She would, but she’d save it for later.
“Vinny, can we talk in private for a minute?”
“Sure, babe.” Vinny grinned like he’d already won. She wanted to smack it right off his face. “We’ll be right back, folks.”
“It’s going to work out.” Gina heard his mother say.
“I think so, too.”
He followed her into the den, closing the door behind him. Then, she laid into him. “What do you think you’re doing, Vinny?”
“Getting my girl back,” he said with a shrug, stalking toward her.
