“True as gospel,” I attest.
“I’m just getting the project started,” Muffin says, tucking an auburn curl behind her ear. “The plan is to recruit locally. You know, showcase our hometown talent. I figure there’s plenty of material right here in Honey Hollow.”
“How noble,” Duncan says, and the word drips with condescension. “My wife has such creative hobbies.”
The wordhobbieslands like a slap, and I can see Muffin’s jaw tighten.
“Photography is hardly a hobby when you’re making a living at it,” Bunny interjects, and I get the feeling this isn’t the first time she’s defended Muffin.
“A living?” Duncan laughs, but there’s no humor in it. “Let’s not exaggerate.”
My lips press tight because we all know nobody actually has to make a living in this family anyway.
“My goodness, you all have such passion for your work,” Gina says with a laugh that sounds forced around the edges. “That’s what I love about creative families, especially my new family.”
She points across the crowd toward the group of well-dressed men. “That’s my husband, Fairbanks, over there networking with investors.”
I follow her gesture and freeze. Among the investors stands a familiar figure in an expensive suit—Luke Lazzari, mobster extraordinaire, loan shark, and general all-around bad life choice. The last time I encountered Luke, he was deep in criminal enterprises that had nothing in common with Easter bunnies or anything remotely innocent. He’s the head of the infamous Lazzari crime family down in Leeds, that routinely wars with the Canellis, even though oddly enough, Luke and Jimmy Canelli, the head of the Canelli branch, are sort of besties.
“Oh my word, is that Luke Lazzari?” I ask, hoping I’m wrong.
“You know Luke?” Gina looks surprised. “He’s been a family friend for years. You know, business connections.”
Before I can process the implications of mob connections to a chocolate empire, Carlotta spots Luke and perks up like someone just announced an open bar.
Have I mentioned he’s her ex? Pretty much every man over a certain age is either Carlotta’s ex or next.
“Lucky Luke!” she crows, heading toward him like a moth to a very dangerous flame. “How’s my favorite Italian stallion doing? Still breaking hearts and kneecaps?”
She trots over to Luke, who greets her with a kiss on both cheeks and a smile that assures everyone in a ten-mile vicinity their decades-old relationship involves steamy stories I probably don’t want to hear.
“Carlotta seems to know everyone,” Muffin sniffs.
“That’s because she’s dated half the people here,” I mutter, watching her sniff Luke’s neck then migrate down his chest—and that’s my cue to pivot on my heels. There’s only so much my poor eyes can take.
Duncan checks his expensive watch. “I should go make the rounds. Festival publicity waits for no one.”
“How dedicated,” Bunny says dryly.
“How practical,” Duncan counters before glancing my way. “You might try it sometime.”
He walks away, leaving behind the kind of awkward silence that makes people wish for a meteor strike.
I should try it sometime? Was that a dig at my bakery? Or at least the booth my bakery is running. Well, I’m selling just fine, not that he asked. Besides, everyone knows that those chocolate bunnies of his are practically selling themselves.
“Family dynamics,” Gina says with another forced laugh. “You know how it is.”
Actually, I don’t, because most families don’t conduct passive-aggressive warfare at public events, but I nod anyway.
“Well,” Bunny says, “I should get back to my booth. People are asking about my spring cleanse program. It involves giving up chocolate for thirty days, which in this family is basically treason.”
And just like that, I know I’m not interested.
She heads back toward her wellness display, and Muffin excuses herself to photograph some of the festival activities, leaving Gina, Lainey, and me standing near the ring toss.
“They seem... close,” I say, choosing my words as if I had to diffuse a bomb with them.
“Oh, they’re fine.” Gina waves it off dismissively. “Just typical sibling stuff. You know how it is with family businesses.”
