“Isa.” My tone carries a warning. “Enough.” I walk past her, counting to ten in my head.
“Just be careful, and remember you hired her to be Elio’s nanny, not your plaything.”
I whirl around and glare at her. She’s pushed me too far this time. “You are way out of line, and I think it’s time you were going.”
Hurt splays across her face. “I know when I’m not wanted.” Removing her apron, she shoves it into my hands. “Your dinner is keeping warm in the oven, and Elio is drawing in the living room.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll be here in the morning unless you’ve changed your mind about me training her?”
I run a hand through my hair. “I would still like you to show Sloane the ropes, and it would be better for Elio if there’s a transition from you to her, but let’s just do it for the next couple days, yeah? I’m sure you could use the extra time to prepare for your wedding. You’ll be paid in full, of course.” I don’t want Isa around Sloane any longer than necessary because I can’t be sure she won’t run her off.
I think Isa is jealous because Sloane is drop-dead gorgeous. But I’ve been pondering if maybe Gia is right, even if it doesn’t seem to make sense, because Isa hasn’t ever hit on me, and she’s marrying Carmine by choice. I’ve concluded she’s one of those women who is naturally competitive with other women. I dated a girl like that once, but the relationship didn’t last long. I ditched her fast because I can’t stand catty women.
“Fine.” Isa glares at me. “I’ll just say goodbye to Elio, and then I’ll be out of your hair.”
Why did I say I wanted a woman again? Honestly, at times like this, I’m glad I’m single.
4
SLOANE
“This is delicious,” I admit after tasting the first mouthful of my chicken pasta dish. Isotta may be a nasty bitch, but she’s a fantastic cook.
“It’s yummy,” Elio agrees from his seat across the table beside his dad.
He’s a gorgeous little kid and a future heartbreaker with those big green eyes, cute dimples, smooth olive complexion, and thick, dark hair. I don’t know if Isotta resembles her dead sister or not, but I don’t see much of his mother in the little boy. He’s so much like Cristian, and he clearly takes after the paternal side of the family. I don’t know what happened to his bio parents, and though I’m curious, there’s no way I’m asking.
“Why did Auntie Isa leave? She always has dinner with us.” Elio looks expectantly at Cristian.
“She is having dinner with Carmine from now on, and Sloane will be having dinner with us.”
Elio’s nose scrunches up. “Carmine’s a poop.”
My lips fight a smile.
“That’s not very nice,” Cristian says, ruffling his son’s hair. “Your auntie is marrying him soon, and he’ll be your uncle.”
“I don’t need other uncles. I have lots and lots of them.” His arms expand, and I smile.
“Which uncle is the most fun?” I ask in between bites of the scrumptious dinner.
“Uncle Caleb!” he shrieks. “He flies me like I’m Superman, and he plays guns and wrestling with me, and he’s awesome.”
“Caleb is one of my best friends,” Cristian explains. “He’s basically a big kid, but Elio loves him.”
Elio pops a piece of chopped-up chicken into his mouth. “I love Uncle Zumo too,” he says over his food. “He’s funny.”
“Don’t talk with your mouth full. Remember.” Cristian rubs some tomato sauce from his son’s cheek. “It’s rude, and you could choke. Chew first. Talk after.”
“Okay, Daddy,” he says while still chewing his food.
I can’t help grinning. He’s such a little cutie. “Another friend or family?” I ask, meeting Cristian’s attentive gaze.
He sets his silverware down on his empty plate. “Friend. My sister Sabina is my only other sibling. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, but we rarely see them.”
“That’s a shame.” I finish my dinner and reach for my glass of water.
