“Sara said the flavors are up to us, but they asked for a variety, Gina.”
“I know, Ma.” Like she hadn’t looked over the order form before she got started. “I’m gonna do chocolate chip, candied orange, and pistachio.”
“That’s my girl.” Happy with her answer, her mother beamed. “Classic.”
“And some in chocolate, vanilla, and lemon pastry cream.” Shrugging off her mom’s disapproving stare, she stifled a giggle. While not unheard of, they certainly weren’t typical cannoli fillings. “I’ll even make extra for the display case.”
Which meant she’d have to whip up six different batches of filling versus three. She’d be stuck in here all day, but the small act of defiance was so worth it. With a satisfied smile, Gina sifted powdered sugar into the cheese mixture, humming Venery’s latest single. She couldn’t say why the song was in her head, except they played it on the radio all the damn time.
“Vinny’s mother stopped in yesterday.”
Was she supposed to give a shit?
“That’s nice.”
“His sister is getting married soon, and she’s planning the bridal shower. I’m doing the cake, of course.” Her lips twitching, Rosemary set the pastry bag down. “He’s been asking after you.”
“Who?” She knew exactly whohewas, but Gina wasn’t about to give her the satisfaction.
Ignoring the question, Rosemary went right on talking. “Vinny’s a fine young man, Gina. He’s a financial advisor now. Works for a big investment firm on Wabash, downtown.”
Like I fucking care.
“Good for him.”
“He’s sorry, honey.” Coming from behind, her mom hugged her. “At that age, boys think with theircazzo.”
“Ma!” If she only knew. Vinny didn’t just think with his dick, he was a dick.
“I know he regrets your misunderstanding.” Rosemary turned her around, practically batting her heavily mascaraed lashes, her head tipped to the side. “You should give him another chance.”
“Save your breath, because that’s never gonna happen.”
“Why not?” Her mom held her at arm’s length, studying her. “You still have feelings for that boy. Think I’m blind? I haven’t seen you go out with anyone else.”
“Not interested.”At all. “And I don’t feel a goddamn thing for Vinny Passarelli.”
“Grow up, Gina. You’re twenty-three years old.” Throwing her hands up in the air, she let her go. “You were just kids, then. Vinny has a bright future ahead of him. He can provide for you—”
“I don’t need anyone to provide for me, Mom. I can take care of myself.”
Maybe it was time to move out of her parents’ house. Get her own place. She’d been tossing the idea around since she passed her nursing boards, but reasoned she’d wait until she finished grad school. Rent or tuition? She couldn’t afford both, but her sanity was more important. A master’s degree could wait.
“Just think of the beautiful babies you’d make together.”
“Basta!” That’s enough!
Naturally, Sara chose that moment to come in the back door. Her gaze flitting from mother to daughter, she hung her coat up on a hook. “Good morning.”
“Morning, Sara.” Taking a calming breath, Gina untied her apron and plastered on a smile. “I was just gonna run across the street to get a coffee. Want anything?”
“Um…”
“You could make a pot right here, Gina.” Her hip cocked, Rosemary folded her arms across her chest. “That’s our competition, you know.”
The hell?
“How do you figure?”
