Quinn #3
He nods. “True. But did you have to antagonize her? You know it always ends up with Mam and Da losing their damn minds, and it’s you that always gets the shitty end of the stick.”
I sigh. “I know but I’m not going to let her walk all over me, I never let her get away with treating me like shit and I’m not about to now either.”
“I know, but Da’s on edge and after last night, I’m not sure how far he’ll go. Your face is—”
“Not here,” I tell him, not wanting him to say it, who knows who’s listening? The last thing we need is any more animosity between the families. If Lorenzo finds out that I have a bruise on my face due to my father’s actions, who knows what’ll happen?
Marco greets us at the door and gives me the same warm smile as before. “Good evening, Mr. Marco. This is my brother, Caden. Caden, this is Mr. Marco.”
Caden nods to him. “It’s nice to meet you,” Caden says.
“Likewise, Mr. Caden, if you’ll follow me. Mr. Mariano and the family are waiting.”
Caden and I follow him, and I notice that Mam and Da are trailing behind us.
It’s then that I realize that Marco didn’t greet them at all.
Then again, I know what my parents are like, and I doubt they’d have spoken to Marco at all.
We’re led to the main room, and my gaze sweeps across the room.
I recognize Elisabetta, Sofia, and Valentina from functions over the years.
They’re Lorenzo’s sisters. Cesare and Vittoria are seated close to one another, their son Matteo in her arms. Opposite them are Lorenzo and his brothers, Giovanni and Ciro.
Vittoria stands and welcomes us, and quickly introduces us.
I know that I’m being watched by every single Mariano in this room, as well as my parents.
They’re all waiting for me to make a mistake.
They’re unsure of me as I’m not the one who’s supposed to be here.
I’m just the replacement. I know how to do this. I've been doing this my entire life.
It goes smoothly, and we’re brought to the dining room where dinner will be served. It’s on my way into the room that Vittoria saunters up to me and smiles softly at me. That smile pauses on her lips as she looks at my face.
"The lighting in here is gorgeous," she says as we take our seats, and I’m sat right beside her. "Though it can be unforgiving sometimes."
I have a feeling that her words have a deeper meaning but I don’t want her to expand on it. “Your home is beautiful.”
"Thank you,” she responds with a smile, but leans in closer. “Is everything alright?" she asks, quiet enough that only I can hear her.
"Perfect," I say. I let the faintest edge of dry come into my voice. "I may have walked into a door. Coordination has never been my strong suit."
Vittoria looks at me with so much pain that it takes everything I have to not flinch.
"I remember those days,” she says. “You might want to try a different shade on the outer edge," she says quietly, reaching for her wine. "A little more warm-toned. Blends better under this light."
"I'll remember that," I say, willing my cheeks not to heat.
God, how did she know about my bruise? I did my makeup flawlessly for this evening.
I'm glad my da is so occupied with Cesare and Lorenzo that he hasn’t sat down yet. Mam is sitting beside Caden, keeping her distracted. Mine and Vittoria’s conversation hasn’t been overheard, and I’m so very thankful for that.
Once Da and Cesare take their seats, the conversation changes completely, no more talk about Syndicate or business.
Instead, the conversation turns to family, and I listen dutifully, knowing better than to interject at all.
But I take all the information in, knowing that it may come in useful later.
"I'm so glad you're going to be part of the family," Elisabetta says, her smile is bright. "And the wedding is going to be amazing."
I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. She’s been kind. In fact, all of Lorenzo’s sisters have been very welcoming to me. I hope that it isn’t just for show. “Thank you,” I reply softly. “I appreciate that, it means a lot.”
“If you need any help with the wedding,” Sofia says. “We can help.”
Ma joins us, and I tense, not exactly sure what she’s going to say. “That’ll be wonderful. Thank you all for such a beautiful evening, but it’s time for us to be leaving.”
We say our goodbyes and I wait for it, knowing that there’s going to be some reprimand the moment we’re alone. I don’t have to wait long. As soon as Fergal is driving home, Mam turns to me, a nasty snarl on her face.
“You may be marrying into the Mariano family, but you will not be better than us, do you understand?”
“Bridget,” Da says with roughness I haven’t heard him have with her for a while. “She did well this evening, she’s helping mend things with the Mariano family. Leave it be.”
Caden nudges my leg with his own. “You’ve always been good at making friends. It’s because you’re the nicest one of us all.”
Mam huffs in disagreement but I don’t let it affect me. I smile at Caden grateful for his praise.
Maybe living with the Mariano family will be better than with my own?
God, I can only hope so.