She cocks her head to one side.
“Of course.”
“Where?”
“Milan.”
“Why, what’s there?”
“An opportunity.”
I stand, and as I grip Tiffany’s hand tightly, I cut the conversation dead.
* * *
I sawher as soon as we walked into the Savoy Grill.
She has the best table, of course, and I don’t miss her usual guards taking virtually every other one.
This is typical Ravera behavior. We book out the room and fill it with our people, ensuring security is in place and that is always doubled for our mother. She is the most protected person I know, and it’s down to the fact that my father couldn’t bear to be without her and likes to ensure she is safe when she is not at home.
Theirs is an all-consuming passion that is even more surprising when he has a mistress and has had for several years.
He explained to me once that taking a mistress is like pulling on a pair of muddy boots to protect your expensive shoes. He uses her for things he would never subject my mother to, and it kind of made sense at the time.
I’m not so sure now. Could I cheat on Tiffany, knowing how trusting she is? Would it carve me up on the inside when the light dimmed in her eyes because of me?
I don’t love her. I’m incapable of that, but I want her. Isn’t that enough?
I like the idea of the two of us against the world. Shut inside my mansion in Belgravia, keeping the entire world out. That is what I want. To live in my guarded prison with a woman like her. Someone innocent, entertaining, and more beautiful than any of the precious art I have collected over the years.
“Joseph, my darling.”
She stands, the perfect motherly image of sophistication in her beige skirt and matching jacket, her blonde hair piled on top of her head, the pearls wrapped around her throat.
She kisses me and hugs me hard before turning to Tiffany.
“Darling girl, you made it.”
She pulls her in for a hug and whispers in her ear, causing a soft smile to light up Tiffany’s face.
“Come. Tell me what has happened since you met. I can’t wait to hear your story.”
“Can we order first?”
I point to the waiter, and he scoots forward as if he is on rails.
As we take our seats, he hovers beside the table, and as we order drinks, he nods respectfully before handing us each a menu.
We take a minute to make our choices, and as he walks away, Mom leans forward, her eyes sparkling with interest.
“So, I understand you are married already. I must say I’ve been denied three weddings now. I only have Nico’s wedding to compensate me for that.”
I turn to Tiffany and explain.
“Nico is my eldest brother. He decided to marry for love, against my parent’s wishes, and as it happens, Regina is the perfect addition to our family.”
She smiles politely, but I notice the light dim in her eyes as Mom adds quickly, “Your brothers appear very happy with your sisters, Tiffany. Alice and Rose are also the perfect additions to our family.”
