Page 57

They both winced at the thought.

‘Having a baby here will create clutter and mess. This is a very tidy house. In fact, I’d even say it’s quite empty. It’s going to end up full of baby stuff.’

Rocco looked around at the minimalist décor. ‘Someone recently told me they thought this is a party house.’

Valentina gave a snort of derision. ‘In the what, four years since you bought and completely renovated this place, you’ve never once thrown a party.’ Her eyes narrowed. ‘Unless you did and didn’t invite me and that’s a whole other conversation we need to have.’

‘Er, no, actually, I don’t think I have.’ Rocco was quite surprised at this revelation. He’d always meant to have a party, one with champagne on ice, caterers to make fancy little canapés, everyone in black tie… But he’d never got past the planning stage.

‘I’ve had you guys round for dinner.’

‘What, me, Frankie, Mum and Dad? We hardly constitute a night of revelry.’

‘I sometimes do… entertaining,’ he said euphemistically.

‘Your latest totty for a night of delight doesn’t count.’

‘A little harsh, but… fair point. But, this is a bachelor pad.’

‘What would a bachelor want with five bedrooms? Is it for all the overnight guests from the parties you don’t have?’

‘I’m a sociable person.’

‘You’re the most introverted so-called extrovert I’ve ever met.’

‘I’m not an introvert!’ Rocco laughed. ‘I may not host them, but I go to parties.’

‘You used to sometimes go to parties. You take an expensive bottle of wine to drink yourself, watch other people and leave early. You often just go to pull. Because you do sometimes want company but very much on your terms and in small doses.’

Did that make him an introvert?

Valentina looked around her thoughtfully before saying, ‘I think you’ve created a family home that’s waiting for the family.’

Rocco looked at his surroundings through his sister’s eyes. Valentina’s description made him feel quite melancholy.

Valentina studied him for a moment before saying, ‘Maybe in the back of your mind you wanted it to become a family home. You and your partner in here while two or three children run about. Or zooming around the kitchen island on those little tricycles.’

‘That’s too close to The Shining for my liking.’ Rocco tried to laugh but realised he had a slight lump in his throat. He liked that image. He swallowed. ‘But I’ve no interest in settling down.’

‘That’s what you tell yourself. You hook up with completely unsuitable types because you’re probably in denial of what it is you really need. And want.’

It appeared both of them were in denial.

‘Oh, so I just need to find the right woman, is that it?’ he joked.

‘Obviously, duh! Someone that you have things in common with, that interests you and you won’t get bored with.

Rocco was now having serious doubts about having Valentina to stay, if she was going to be psychoanalysing him all the time. And she was actually being quite mean.

‘I think you’ve realised it’s time to move on. Your subconscious realised it when you designed the place. Your conscious part has taken a bit of time to catch up. You simply needed a bit of prodding from your favourite sister.’

‘You certainly won’t be my favourite if you carry on like this.’

Rocco suddenly felt quite emotional. Either Valentina’s pregnancy hormones were catching or his sister had hit a nerve. Was Rocco ready to settle down?

Had he been doing his own version of nesting?

Valentina patted his hand reassuringly. ‘Well, until you get a family of your own, I guess you can try it out with me and bubba.’ Valentina clinked her glass of Sprite against his. ‘I’d love to move in, thank you.’