CHAPTER THREE
“A delina Belfiore….” My name and honors were announced at our ceremony on the lawn in front of Williamson Hall. A rush of excitement filled my veins as I left my lawn chair to reach the small stage. A scatter of claps and a scream by Cassidy erupted. I shook our president’s hand and accepted the degree. Glancing over the crowd, Mama clapped from her seat at the end of the fourth row. While Mrs. Belfiore sat in the top honors section with the trustees, and the nearest to her shook her hand for a job well done.
I placed my degree in my lap to cheer Cassidy as she did a twirl on the stage. My heart swelled, thinking of all we had been through together. She stuck to me the second I walked into Saint Agnes boarding school and had never left throughout the four years at Mount Crest College. She was sure I was going to be her best friend, and I loved her audaciousness. I thought about our runs in the mornings, late-night food raids, and movie breaks during our exams. She made my life fun and joyful. That, along with the lectures and research, enriched my life. This place had become my home. I’ll miss it. I’ll miss her.
The announcements and speaker’s address went by quickly. Nerves danced in my stomach, knowing I would leave at the end. Then the time came. The college president announced, “Congratulations, new graduates.”
I rushed over to Cassidy, who was a few rows in front of me. She burst into tears and threw her arms around my neck. “I’m going to miss you so much, Lina. I better hear from you or I’m sending a search party.”
I squeezed her waist and swallowed hard.
Mama came over and hugged me. “I couldn’t be prouder. See? It all worked out.”
I let go and introduced her to my professors. Soon, Cassidy came over with her mom and dad. They were very bohemian chic; her mom wore a vibrant printed sundress, while her dad wore a printed T-shirt under his designer linen suit.
“We have a present for you.” Mrs. Cosgrove handed me an envelope, which Mama quickly tucked into her purse. “I’ll hold on to it for you.”
I kept my smile.
“So nice to see you again, Mrs. Talbot,” Mrs. Cosgrove said cheerily.
“Where’s Glenn?” Mr. Cosgrove asked.
“He had an important tournament,” Mama said, ignoring his pause when she didn’t elaborate. Her husband Glenn was an ornament on a tree—a shiny decoration I’d forgotten about most times. Too bad my graduation fell on his golf day.
“I’m so proud of our daughters.” Mrs. Cosgrove squeezed my hand. “Adelina’s such a talented artist. That Bumble Bee Ball book she illustrated was outstanding—”
“It was a hobby, Mrs. Cosgrove,” Mama interrupted her. “Adelina has much more important plans ahead of her. Excuse us.”
Their smiles wilted. Cassidy gave me a quick hug before Mama moved us on. Mrs. Belfiore was ahead with the college president, but she steered us behind the massive sycamore tree on the lawn. “We’ll tell my mother that we left to re-check your dorm room.” Her tone was brisk. She pinched her throat.
“Are you okay, Mama?” I repeated when she didn’t answer the first time.
“I am. Please, stop asking me that,” she snapped. The tips of her fingers rubbed her forehead. “Sorry, Adelina.”
I lifted my shoulders. “Don’t worry. I’m fine.”
Her eyes darted around. “We’re going to my parents’ house and won’t have much time alone. You need to stay calm and keep your face as expressionless as possible. But this may be the only time I get to tell you what’s going to happen…Mother’s in a good mood, and when she’s happy, everyone needs to be. They have a way of making things more difficult if they know you’re affected. I…I can’t protect you.”
I smirked. “Seriously, Mama, stop worrying. I’m fine; I can handle it.”
She frowned. “I was once as na?ve as you are, but I can’t let you go in cold. Your future husband will be at my parents’ home either tonight or tomorrow. I already told them it’s fast, but they reminded me of my failure with your father.”
I ran my hands down the goosebumps that broke out on my skin. “I expected that.”
She nodded and licked her lips. “I thought so, but I want you to be smarter about this than I was. His name is William Ashford, but he prefers Willy. He’s a partner in a top brokerage firm in Manhattan, and will soon to be running for governor. He’s got the connections and financial backing. He’s…a young forty-one.”
I hadn’t expected my grandparents to choose a man my age, but did they have to pick one nineteen years older? “Okay. A young forty-one doesn’t sound too bad—”
“He lives with his widowed mother in Nantucket. That’s where you’ll be staying until the election in two years. She’ll claim to move into the mother-in-law’s suite and give you the house, but that’s a test. She wants a woman to do whatever she asks.”
I scoffed. “So, Willy’s a mama’s boy. I need to make friends with her, and I will.”
She shook her head. “She’s the type who thinks no one’s good enough. You’ll be miserable.” She lowered her head. “You don’t deserve this. I wish I could tell them no, but I don’t want you out there…alone.” Her eyes watered, and my heart ached. That was what had Mama on edge. If I ruined the arranged marriage, they’d throw me out of the family like they had done to her. But they needed the money, and if it didn’t work out for them, it wouldn’t for the rest of us.
I couldn’t expect Mama to give up her new life for me, but Jacob depended on them even more. Yarwood Springs cost them twenty thousand dollars a month. He had multiple sclerosis and seizures that made it so he often needed frequent medical care. Will they take him away from his home? Absurd. However, my grandparents left Mama to suffer for sixteen years….
I wrapped my arms around her tightly. “I’ll be okay. I’m ready for the marriage.”
She sobbed into my shoulder. “I miss you so much every day.”
I rubbed her back, taking the pain. Now’s not the time to fall apart . She cried, and I endured. Nothing she told me came as a surprise.
Mama calmed, and we went to the bathroom to fix her makeup.
We walked outside and Mama told me, “A man who loves his mother may be good. I…I got some input. He has no history of violence.”
I forced a grin. That’s his redeeming feature? “Thank you, Mama.”
We rejoined Mrs. Belfiore, and the college photographer took a few pictures of us for the college media. After, I rushed to turn in my cap and gown, then headed to her Mercedes SUV.
Once we were all inside and driving off campus, Mama turned to Mrs. Belfiore. “The ceremony was so beautiful, and the speeches were inspiring. Your classmates seemed so close. Also, it was great seeing Cassidy and her parents.”
“The Cosgroves are turbulent,” Mrs. Belfiore said. “That’s why Cassidy didn’t know how to behave. She spoke too loudly and giggled like a child. She reminded me of you, Lorelei.”
I bit the inside of my cheek.
Mama let out a light laugh. “Yes, but she has time. I’m sure she’ll be fine at Harvard Law, isn’t that right, Adelina?”
“Yes, she’s going there,” I said with a rise in my tone. “Cassidy’s popular and friendly, but also academically earnest. She’s an outstanding student.”
“She only graduated Magna Cum Laude,” Mrs. Belfiore chirped. “But she’s a legacy.”
I bit my cheek. A few of her professors had announced that they never awarded top grades, and she only missed Summa Cum Laude by a minuscule amount of points. Not that my grandmother would listen.
“I’m sure your husband is missing you in Connecticut,” Mrs. Belfiore told Mama. “Perhaps you should go back now.”
“We agreed I’d be there to meet Adelina’s potential in-laws.”
“You told her?” Mrs. Belfiore asked, her tone abrupt. “Your father wanted to discuss it with her first. It’s Adelina’s graduation, her personal achievement. Couldn’t you have waited?”
My mouth went dry. I hadn’t expected her acknowledgement or concern.
“I’m sorry, I suppose I was too excited to hold back the news,” Mama said in a cheery tone. “I’m looking forward to meeting them.”
My lips spread into a plastic grin. “I already suspected it, anyway. Mr. Belfiore always keeps his word.”
Mrs. Belfiore reached over and patted my hand. “He does. You can count on it.”
We arrived late at my grandparents’ home. But at least we had made it within the window of time Cindy had set for me to chat with Jacob. He wanted to congratulate me on my graduation.
I connected the computer and waited for him to appear. Our eyes were the same shade of deep blue, and his hair was styled like mine when I was fourteen, in a crewcut. His wheelchair was a newer one than last time.
I grinned and signed, “Hey, Jacob. What happened to your old chair?”
He signed back, “It broke.”
“It was damaged during a trip,” Cindy answered. “They didn’t properly store it.”
“I’m sorry, Jacob,” I signed and said to him.
Jacob made the sign that meant, “No worries.” Then he signed, “You finally graduated?”
I nodded while smiling. “I graduated.” My hand trembled as I showed off the degree.
“In art, like me?” he signed.
“Global studies,” I told him.
“Should have been art,” he signed back.
“Jacob,” I drawled out and signed, “You’re the artist.” I stared at him again; he was sweating and a little dark around his eyes. “Are you sleeping?”
Cindy wiped his chin. “Not as well. The doctor wants to try a new medication.”
I bobbed my head. “I hope you feel better. I have your paintings and will keep them with me.”
“You should send me some of yours,” Jacob spelled out. “So I can tell you how to improve it.”
He giggled, and I joined in laughing.
“We have to go,” Cindy announced. “Sorry, this call wasn’t scheduled and I—”
“I understand, Cindy,” I told her. “Thank you for doing it.”
“I love you, Lina,” Jacob signed and my eyes stung.
I signed and said, “I love you, too,” and expanded my hands to include the world, and in that world we were together, instead of always apart.
He raised his frozen hand, and I waved goodbye before the screen went dark.
I turned off the lights and let the tears roll down my cheek.
I woke early the next morning and already had a message from Mr. Marini.
M: When should I feed the birds?
I wrote back.
Adelina: 11 a.m. Run. Rest at beach.
I left for the run a few hours later. Once out the patio door, I stretched, then headed down to the bottom of the hill. Mr. Marini wasn’t there, but I hoped he’d show up on my way back.
There was a paved path that ran along the reservoir. The mist over the water rose as the light and dawn spread over the sky. The smell of the river intermixed with flowers and plants that bloomed with the spring. It was the one thing I most enjoyed when I visited, as it allowed time to myself and gave me peace.
Stopping to catch my breath and enjoy the view, registered footfalls behind me. My heartbeat quickened, and I turned, ready to move out of the way of whatever was approaching. But what showed up had me frozen as a pair of long, tanned, muscular legs slowed to stop in front of me.
The man wore dark shorts and a fitted T-shirt that hugged his defined chest and abs. His arms were solid and sinewy. I lifted my eyes higher over his broad shoulders to his face —whoa. He had one of those rare, beautiful faces, chiseled by God’s hands. Undeniably gorgeous. From his smug expression on his full lips, he seemed pleased with the powerful effect his looks had on us meager mortals. His blue eyes burrowed in just like they’d done eight years ago. There was a spark of recognition in them as he remembered me. Rocco Marini .
A flicker of delight blossomed and spread through me at a pace as fast as my pulse. He’d caught me off guard. I hadn’t expected to see him or had time to mask my expressions.
“This isn’t the spot where you feed the birds,” his voice was deep with a hint of amusement. But hearing him say what Mr. Marini had texted me broke his spell, and I thankfully came to my senses.
Recovering, I stepped back. “What do you know about it, rich boy?”
Rocco let out a chuckle. “You remember me?” He folded his arms, and I couldn’t help but look at how they flexed. Shit . “I apologize for the way I treated you back then. It was rude.”
I waved my hand dismissively. “It was a long time ago.” He had been impolite, but looking back on it, it was also kind of funny. He had barged into the conversation between his grandfather and me, demanding he come in for dinner. Bygones. Water under the bridge .
His smile wilted. “After you left that night, I asked my grandpa to do something.”
I grimaced, remembering that awful night. I’d been a poor, beat-down kid. Cold and hungry. Everything I hated, but that had been eight years ago. In my head, I’d become a new person that didn’t need pity. I worked hard in college, and no one ever brought up my past. However, in only a few seconds, Rocco had brought it all back. “I’m over it, but thank you, Mr. Marini.”
“Rocco,” he said. “You can call me Rocco, Adelina.”
I instantly hated how much I liked hearing his deep voice say my name. But what did he mean, I could call him Rocco? Like I’d ever see him again?
I shifted my legs and glanced around. “Is your grandfather here? I thought he’d come feed the birds today.”
“He told me to come in his place. He’s not at the house, by the way.”
I held my elbow across my chest to try and stop my chest from rising and falling. And to prevent him from seeing my nipples tighten through my shirt. “Oh, I didn’t know.”
It irked me that Mr. Marini had told Rocco he talked to me. But my family still didn’t know about it, so Rocco must have kept it a secret.
“Grandpa meant no harm. He thinks very highly of you. He often tells us about you.”
“Oh? Hmmm. That’s nice,” I murmured, bobbing my head and touching my warm neck.
“He thought I’d like to see you again. He was right.”
Thud. Thud. Thud. My heart pounded. I wanted to ask why he’d want to see me, but I didn’t. I looked at him again and Rocco stared intensely at me. What should I say? I had no idea. But gaping at him wasn’t it. I rocked on my heels and was about to go when he said, “Congratulations on graduating. You were top of your class?”
My cheeks warmed. “I did all right. It’s not like going to space.”
He squinted. “Space?”
“Well, I’m sure it won’t be too hard to find the picture of you out in outer space.” I did a quick search on my phone and showed him the image.
He chuckled. “Searching for me online, eh?”
My shoulders lifted. “It’s a joke picture of rich show-offs.”
He frowned and I chuckled.
He lifted his chin. “Showing my life isn’t showing off. My accomplishments give me a rush.”
“You chase rushes?” I asked and inwardly cringed. Did my question sound like I was flirting?
He cocked an eyebrow like he was surprised. The dazzling smile that spread on his full lips assured me it had sounded exactly like that. “I don’t all the time, but life’s short. Best to enjoy it.”
His response was a bit morose for a guy who seemed to have it all.
I glimpsed him. Still breathtaking, I mean, Christ…and I need to stop gawking. I shouldn’t be thinking about him that way anyway. I stiffened and squared my shoulders. “I’ve got to go. Goodbye, uhm, Mr. Marini.”
“It’s Rocco, Bella ,” he drawled in Italian, beautiful.
I narrowed my eyes and put a hand on my hip. Is he for real? I had no idea why Rocco Marini would waste his time flirting with me. “You think if you call me beautiful, I’ll swoon?”
“I can do many things that will make you swoon, Adelina.”
I glared at him. “Don’t talk dirty to me.”
He chuckled and put his hands on his narrow waist. “That’s dirty? This isn’t the fifteen hundreds.”
It might as well be. I’m about to meet my husband and shouldn’t be talking to Rocco alone . My eyes shifted around. “Bye.” I turned away and jogged a few steps.
“Nice seeing you again, Bella-fiore.” He drew out my surname, Belfiore, which meant beautiful as a flower.
Like Lot’s wife in that story, I made the mistake of turning back. His eyes bore into mine with a lustful grip that sent my pulse racing. My body heated and tightened. Get a grip, Adelina.
Rocco winked, then jogged away from me, leaving me to suffer with a view of his toned backside. Even that was sexy. Sexy? Sex. No. Get your head on straight . He probably winks and flirts with every woman he meets. Who cares that he remembered me from so long ago? Mind you, I could understand his pity. I looked miserable that night, there was no doubt about that.
Mr. Marini had probably already told him I’ll marry soon. He used his good looks to toy with me and see his grandpa’s charity case. Rocco literally had the world at his feet and was well out of my league. Mr. Willy Ashford was my future, and I may even become a governor’s wife. And soon enough, I’d be well tucked away in Nantucket in a brand-new pastel shirt and chinos . Or so I’d seen when I did an online search for him. He wore the same combination of clothes, even at his office Christmas parties.
I mused and jogged back to the house. When I reached the top of the patio, my grandfather stood by the door, eyeing me strictly, and any joy I’d gained from my run quickly dissipated. He was skilled at causing that.
“Hurry up and change. Your husband will be here soon.”