Page 128 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

“Would we get to come too? If it’s somewhere exotic?” Diego asked.

Viv leaned down, captured the little guy’s face between her hands, and planted a kiss to his forehead. “Probably not, mio caro.”

She did the same with Dante. “I better get going.” She tossed an arm around her mom and gave her a squeeze. “Thanks again for helping with the boys.”

“It’s my absolute pleasure,” Mom cooed. And well Viv knew it. Thank heavens the twins had such loving, involved grandparents. Viv couldn’t imagine playing the role of single mother without them.

Mom followed her through the dining room and toward the front door. “So, are you going to meet him today? The guy you’re interviewing?”

Her mom was a real fan girl of several of Hollywood’s finest. Already, Viv had interviewed one of her favorites, which said something considering Viv’s unique specialty. She only interviewed high-profile people whose reputation had been soiled in some way. Those needing redemption.

“I bet it’s one of three people,” Mom said. “Thomas Findsley from all of those soap operas.”

Yep, that one made sense after word of his recent affairs hit the news.

“The gold medalist who got caught fraternizing with one of the judges…what’s her name.”

“Leighona Stone?”

“That’sit.”

“So who’s the third one?” Viv looped the strap of her purse over her shoulder before second-guessing herself. She creaked open the custom bench seat where she stashed some of her extra handbags.

“I really do love this home, Vivia,” her mother said. “I mean, you’re going to have a hard time parting with it when the time comes.”

Viv nodded, feeling the truth of it in her gut. “I know. But I’ve got a lot of money tied up in it. Plus, I want to keep renovating other homes in the valley, you know? Up the value in this area.”

Her mom sighed. “I know. I love that about you.” Her eyes widened suddenly. “I can’t wait to hear who your interview’s with.”

Viv smiled. “I’ll call you as soon as my meeting’s over. Bye, guys.” She gave the twins a final wave.

A waft of warmth greeted her on the sunlit porch. Her shadow stretched over the pavement as she hurried down the porch steps toward her car.

“I didn’t tell you who I think the third one could be,” Mom called.

Viv pointed her remote at her Mustang until it let out a beep. “Who is it?” When the reply didn’t come right away, Viv glanced over her shoulder.

Hesitation played over Mom’s face. Pinched lips and that heavy tilt of her head. “I don’t know if I should say.”

Viv scrunched her forehead. “Why?”

“Because it’s…well, due to that whole scandal with the live TV wedding and all, it just seems like Duke Benton is probably seeking redemption about now.”

Viv felt the blood drain from her face and rush like lava to her heart. “Oh.”

“I’m sorry. Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned it. I know how you feel about him.”

“No,” Viv assured as she climbed behind the steering wheel. “It’s fine. And let’s just hope that it’snothim.” She closed the door and gripped onto the wheel with both hands. Viv released two heavy sighs before sliding the key into the ignition.

The muffled sound of Mom’s voice carried beyond the windows. With the press of a button, Viv slid the passenger side down. “Yeah?”

“What would you do if it was?” she called.

A knot of anger dug into the center of Viv’s chest as she considered that. “A shot at redemption? From me, of all people?” A cold laugh slipped from her lips. “That’s not going to happen.”

Now Mom was racing down the steps, holding a hand to her chest as she went. “Vivia Maria Tripoli,” she started. “You can’t go by the name Veritå and give someone a biased report. That’s not how we raised you.”

But Viv only grinned. “I know that. If it ends up being Duke, then I’ll reject the job altogether.” With that, Viv turned to look over her shoulder and backed onto the street. She forced herself to breathe out through pursed lips, slowly against the wild thumping in her chest.