“How did you know that I—”
“Tamara,” Luca gritted.
Luca was clearly losing his patience, so Tammy decided against testing it.
“My mom. I-I was with Beverly. Why?”
Tammy was unable to contain her curiosity. “Why?” she asked again.
Luca was hesitant, and Tammy could tell that he was having a debate on whether or not to answer her question.
“Angel saw this man with your mother,” he blurted, pointing to the man lying at his feet. “When you left the restaurant, she went to sit with him.”
Tammy furrowed her brow as she studied Luca. She had no idea what Luca was getting at. “Oookay? And?”
“Tammy, your mother had a meeting with one of the men that ambushed our wedding. Do you think that’s a coincidence?”
“Maybe. I mean…maybe she was just flirting. Or maybe he was just casing her to get to me, to get to you.”
“No, Tammy,” Angel interjected. “I’m sorry, but, she deliberately waited until you were gone, and then she got up and went to sit with him.”
Damn!
Tammy had to admit that she had wondered why her mother had suddenly popped up out of nowhere.
“Oh my God,” Tammy breathed, covering her eyes.
Her mother had entered her life, pretending that she wanted to make amends. And when that didn't work, she pretended that she wanted a place in Giovanni’s. Memories of her mother’s curiosity about the wedding location flooded Tammy’s thoughts.
Luca pulled Tammy into his arms and kissed the top of her head. Tammy held him tight as she realized just how naive she had been. Beverly had never given a damn about her. Why would she all of a sudden be so interested in being a part of her life? Was it her fault for talking too much? Had she brought this drama to her family and friends?”
“It’s okay, amour. Don't worry about it. Go help the others. I’ll take care of everything.”
“But, Luca—”
“It’ll be fine. Don't worry, bella. Go.”
Luca stepped back and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“Go,” he urged.
Tammy inhaled a deep breath and wiped a tear from her cheek.
“Okay,” she agreed.
Tammy turned to walk away but stalled after a few steps. She looked back at Luca. With eyes narrowed, and meaning every word, she said, “Luca, don't you kill my mother.”
After a brief pause, he nodded. It was hardly a promise, but it was all that he was offering. Tammy turned to leave, but as she walked away, she wondered if she really cared whether or not Luca killed the woman that had given birth to her.
