“—and Gianna is clearly a Moretti fan, not a Belen fan—red is better, come on—the only solution is obvious: we should all go on vacation.”
Lucia turned to Alexander, stunned. “I’m sorry—what? Did you just say we’re in love? Where the hell did that come from?”
Alexander looked equally thrown. “And how does any of this even connect?”
Nicola muttered, “I am a ray of sunshine.”
“Way to just jump the gun, bud,” Alexander added, dry as ever.
Gianna perked up, eyes wide and curious. “Who’s in love?”
“It’s nothing, baby,” Lucia said quickly, scooping her up and heading to the balcony, Alexander immediately following behind. My gaze caught, anxiety taking root that my words upset my sister. I loved Lucia, I loved Alexander, and they obviously loved each other, so it was about damn time they admitted it.
Nicola tilted her head. “And there’s enough space at this place?”
“Plenty,” I nodded. “Everyone gets their own room. Monty can come if you want. There’s a private pool, beach access, and a kitchen we’re absolutely not going to use.”
Nicola narrowed her eyes. “What’s the catch, DeLuca?”
“No catch,” I grinned. “Just vibes. And wine.” She stared at me too long, like she was trying not to smile. Gianna ran back inside and began twirling in her dress.
“Can we play princesses on holiday?” Gianna asked, eyes going large and bottom lip jutting out. I sighed, as if I could ever say no to this one.
“Of course!” I scooped her into my arms and spun her around. Then, I planted her right in front of me as we both stared over at the feisty brunette. I needed maximum impact here. “Nicola? You on board?”
She sighed, long and dramatic. “Fine. But if you play theMamma Mia!soundtrack unironically, I’m stealing your passport.”
I beamed. “So that’s a yes?”
She crossed her arms. “It’s a threat, DeLuca.”
We sat for a while, spying on the two on the balcony before Nicola spoke up in barely a whisper, “I’m not miserable.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been extra spiteful lately.” Her gaze flickered,the tiniest crack in the wall. “Relaxation would be good for everyone,” I added gently.
She exhaled like she wanted to say something else, then hesitated. “There’s this event I’m trying to show that I can lead. It’s important. And I—” She stopped mid-sentence, the softness disappearing as quickly as it came. Her shoulders went rigid again. “But who can say no to a free trip and the beach?” she said with a plastic smile.
Something was off—more than usual. She was hiding something.
“There will be Wi-Fi,” I said, more carefully now. “I was being dramatic. I just…thought we could all use a break.”
“It’s a good idea, Matteo.” Her voice was quiet, and for once, real. She swatted my arm and pointed out the window where my sister was kissing my best friend.
“About damn time!” Nicola shouted across the room.They turned and smiled at us, and I couldn’t help my own smile grow. Mission complete.
“So I booked us all on a flight in an hour to Italy,” I announced.
“Yeah, not a chance.” Nicola glared. Alexander and Lucia walked back in.
“Mate, what do you mean you booked a flight?”
“I texted Anna!” I said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“Hmm.” Alexander picked up his phone and started typing. After a minute he looked over to Lucia. “How about tomorrow, Angel? Is that enough time?”
“That’s better than in an hour,” she laughed.
“Thank God.” Nicola rolled her eyes.
