I sat up to face her as Ren and Corinna talked about the latest Turkish show they were watching.
“Iamhappy, Mama. Work is busy, and Elena said just the other day that she’s having to hire another designer to help with the workload. I’m doing everything I’ve ever wanted.”
I knew I hadn’t convinced her when she stood up and shooed me into the kitchen.
“Victoria, my beautiful girl, you are doing everything you set out to do and more. I’m so proud of you and the neighbors are tired of hearing me talk about you.” We both laughed because I knew it was true. Whenever I visited the house, the neighbors hurried into their own. It was wonderful to have my own apartment, my own space again.
“Why do I feel like there’s a ‘but’ coming?”
“Because there is. Do you honestly think I didn’t notice how sad you’ve been since you got home? It didn’t make sense then, and now I’m worried even more. You’d kicked butt and took numbers in San Diego and came back having proved yourself to this Elena,” she said with conviction. “I don’t understand.”
“Kick butt and takenames, Mama, not numbers,” I gently corrected. Her English had improved lately, even though I had been so busy. “And I’m fine.”
“I’m not sure I believe you. You’re keeping something from me.” She put both hands up in frustration, her silver bracelets tinkling with the movement. Taking a closer look at her, I wasn’t sure how I’d missed the makeup she was wearing. Taking her all in now, I could see that her hair was different, too.
“Mama, you look amazing. You’re almost glowing. New hair, new makeup. Jewelry,” I said lovingly. “What’s going on?”
She pursed her lips, a sure sign she was holding back something she wanted to say but was hesitating.
“Mama?” I teased. “Have youmetsomeone?” I asked, all of it falling into place.
In a second, she was shushing me wildly. “Don’t let your brother hear you,” she hissed.
Before I could get the scoop, the doorbell rang, and while I was still teasing her to give me an answer, Leonardo Rossi walked into the kitchen.
He and Mama’s eyes met immediately as mine widened. I bit my cheek to keep from laughing out loud.
“Good afternoon, Katerina,” he said, producing a gorgeous bouquet. “Oh, hi, Vicky.”
Mama blushed adorably and took them from him. I waved but was pretty sure he hadn’t noticed.
“Thank you, Leon. They’re beautiful.” As they stared at one another, I was putting it all together.
Leonardo was Sofia and Alex’s father. He owned Aura Cosmetics here in Positano. Being a widower, I could see how he and Mama would find things in common. I couldn’t wait to get the details.
When he finally took his eyes off her and walked into the living room, I pushed her into a corner.
“Leonardo Rossi? You little minx. Or should I call him Leon?” I teased, my voice deepening at her nickname for him.
“Victoria, behave yourself,” she said, trying to be upset but suppressing a smile.
“I know you guys have met before, but how did this happen?” I asked excitedly.
“We met on the Facebook,” she whispered, making me snort.
Her face turned serious, and she asked, “Didn’t I say it right? He’s been helping me practice my English.”
“Ah, I see. Anything else he’s helping you practice?” I teased. She gasped and turned beet red.
“Hey, get in here, Ren has an announcement,” Corinna yelled from the other room.
When Mama and I walked in and sat down, Ren said, “Idohave an announcement. You’re all family to me and Vicky, you’re like my sister, so I hope you won’t be mad at me for not telling you first. I’m just so excited.”
“Ren, it’s fine,” I said enthusiastically. “We’ll all find out soon enough anyway. Go on!”
Clapping her hands with a little squeal that made Ruby do the same, she said, “I’ve been offered a position with Palazzo Design Group inTuscany. They’ve been watching my career and want to bring me on as a senior designer!”
“Ren, that’s amazing,” I said over everyone’s congratulations. “Girl, they’re a big deal. But what’s the bad news?” Her face fell just as the lightbulb went off in my head.
