Page 68 of Bobby

I look down and shake my head. I do tell her things, but not this. That would be one of my other brothers. One of my soon-to-be-dead brothers. I wanted Willow to myself for a while. But now that Mama has seen her, there’s very little chance of that happening.

“I’m going to kill Danny,” I mutter.

“Vinny, dear. If you’re going to do anyone in, at least get the one who needs to have the blame. Otherwise, it’s just a waste.”

Typical Mama. She went in with eyes wide open when she married Dad. She knew what he was, and she stood by his side and helped him make the family what it is. She’s sweet but also knows how to play the game. And how to get revenge. No one talks about it, but Mama was part of taking down the family that killed Papa. Rumor is, she even killed the very man himself who shot Dad, but like I said, no one talks about it. And I know when to ask my mama a question and when to just leave it alone.

Like now.

“I’ll put it in the fridge until Ivy wakes up.” I reach out to take the soup from her.

“Let me get you something to drink.” Willow moves before she’s told not to, rounding the side of the couch quickly and meeting me at the fridge.

Her eyebrows shoot up to her hairline. “Your mother’s here?”

“Appears so.” I don’t hide my frustration at it, but then I look at Willow and nudge her with my shoulder, giving her a small smile. “She’s not so bad. And the soup is actually good. I was trying to remember how to make it without letting her know about all of this because I thought she’d do just what she’s doing.” I look back and see she already has Lily on her lap, reading softly to her like I was. “She has a way of just fusing herself into someone’s life.”

One thing I love about her, even if it’s mildly agitating.

“But it’s your mother. In my house.” She bites her bottom lip and looks around at everything, and I do the same.

Are things out? Yes. It’s a lived-in home with sick kids. Nothing is perfect, and Mama knows that. But Willow doesn’t.

“Wildflower.” I speak quietly so only she can hear as I close the space just a hair between us. There’s still plenty of room, nothing for her to worry about in front of her girls, since I doubt she’s told them about me. Or my mother, with her not-so-subtle side glances.

“She’s here to help. That’s all she cares about. Nothing else. Your home is your home, and Mama would never look down on it. Not ever. Now relax.” I chance the risk because I know the island blocks our hands and squeeze hers.

“Come sit down, breathe, and meet my mother. She doesn’t bite, and if she did, I’ll take the brunt of it before I let any harm come to you or the girls.”

She nods. “Okay. Roberto?” she questions before moving.

I smirk as I pull her along with me, dropping her hand at the last second. “My family is Italian. It might say that on my birth certificate, but everyone calls me Bobby.”

“Unless he’s in trouble. Feel free to use it on him, too, dear.” Mama winks at Willow, who turns beet red, but at least she nods.

Has to be a good sign. Right?

Chapter 25—Willow

“Are you sure it’s okay that we’re coming?” This is the third time I’ve asked. I didn’t accept his first two nods as answers while we drove out to his family’s home. The one he grew up in, which his mom still lives in. It’s not a long trip, but we’ve been driving a good thirty minutes out of the city so far.

“Trust me. If Mama didn’t want you there, she wouldn’t have invited you and the girls last night.”

“Maybe she was just being nice.” I turn to look at him from the passenger seat, almost pleading with him to turn the car around. But it’s not going to happen from the twinkle in his eyes. His mama would probably kill me for making him miss a family lunch anyway.

He snorts. “Not for Sunday lunch.”

“I doubt your mother turns anyone away.” I know he sees me rolling my eyes before looking out the side window.

“Do you see Marco in the car?” he asks as he takes the turnoff.

“No, but that’s because you wanted to drive.” I look back at him, waiting for him to prove his point that I’m not seeing immediately.

He nods. “Because Marco wasn’t invited.” I don’t say anything as he takes his eyes off the road and looks at me before adding, “Mama doesn’t want any competition for me.”

My mouth drops open. “No.”

He laughs at my shocked gasp.