CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
I turned away from the painting towards Isla, still surprised she was close to my age. Her style was impressive—a natural mix of vintage beaded tops and tailored pants that fit her curvaceous physique perfectly. Her dark blonde hair was fashioned in an intricate braid that looked freshly done. When did she have the time?
I gave her a wave in greeting. “Hello. I didn’t know you were going to be here.”
Her lips curved upward. “I see…Well, I usually do a final walk-through of a new home. Rocco asked me to do it without him. Is that all right with you?”
I glanced around. From what I could see already, the loft was a restored factory with metal grates intermixed with new dark oak wood, an instant love. “Yes, I’d like that.”
Zane cleared his throat, letting me know he was still here. “Excuse me, ladies. I’m going to the security office. If you need anything, text or give me a shout.”
We thanked him, and he walked past the elevators and turned down a hallway.
Isla slid a frameless door open. “This is a closet for your coat and shoes.” Her gaze followed mine to the slippers she had on. “I find these easier to walk around in when I have on silk stockings. There’s another for you if you like?” She helped me out of my coat and hung it up in the hall while I removed my shoes and put on a pair.
“Thank you,” I murmured.
“You’re very welcome.” She closed the closet, then gestured for me to follow her to a long table near the elevator. “I left a form on the iPad here.” She lay her hand on it and the screen lit. “You can submit whatever you’re missing. It links to my phone and email. Maggie, your home assistant, will be here soon. She lives here and has a suite that is part of the lower floor. There’s a stairway near the kitchen that leads to it. The refrigerator is stocked, and she’s also a chef and can make anything you like or send out for it.”
Isla gestured for me to follow her around the floating wall with the Pollock painting to a fully furnished space.
I gazed in awe. “No pastels.”
Isla let out a throaty laugh. “Not this home.”
The design exuded a dark, edgy vibe, with deep brown exposed brick walls and industrial piping along the high ceilings. Factory-style windows stretched from the bottom to the mezzanine floor on the far wall, which I imagined gave a lot of light. The rain outside hadn’t stopped and streamed down the windows, but they were thick enough to mask the sound.
“Your primary bedroom is upstairs.” I followed her direction to a staircase of carpeted wood and metal, passing metallic light fixtures that mimicked tools and antique machinery. Isla paused to press the remote button, and a large screen came from the ceiling.
“For movie watching,” she trilled. It was large enough for a small theater. Did Rocco like to entertain? I let myself think of a party like Nadia and Paul had, where we’d show one of his new films. But then, I was getting ahead of myself. Rocco may have to put that on hold. I hope not indefinitely.
I ran my hand over a leather chair that appeared worn. It was next to custom sectionals of blue and ginger hues that made the room feel richer instead of gothic. In the center was a two-piece set of oak and stone Hubert coffee tables that held neatly stacked books from the nearby bookcases. I appreciated the shelves were mostly empty. It meant that Rocco and I could fill them together. And the impact of my marriage and new life hit me again, and overwhelmed me. What would our married life be like?
“You can test the light settings,” Isla handed me a remote control.
I tested it out. The fuller lights showed off the loft’s chic style, while lower settings created a calming ambiance.
“It’s great, isn’t it?” Isla trilled.
“Yes, I love it,” I told her. I loved everything about the room and the special touches, such as the decorative iron cover on the fireplace and modern paintings and sculptures. All of it together made the room feel complete instead of just a bunch of furniture. In a way, the space had an intimate, masculine feel, almost as if Rocco were present, even though he wasn’t. And with all the work and travel he did, was it an effort to make me feel less alone? If so, I cherished it.
“This is a JJ Palmer interior space. I believe you met him in Italy at the Palio?” Isla remarked, drawing my attention.
My brows rose. “I didn’t know he had time to design this loft for us.”
“He made time for it. He took on Rocco’s briefs, which I usually coordinate with other house designers worldwide. He would love to speak with you if you want to make any changes. His number is saved on your new phone, though I apologize for the reporter who managed to get your number—it happens sometimes.”
“I felt sick when I heard it was a reporter,” I admitted.
“I’m sorry that happened to you.”
How did it happen? Was Isla less careful? She was the one that arranged my new phone in the first place. My stomach squelched at the thought, and I hated that I now wasn’t as sure about trusting her.
“Would you like me to show you more of the house or give you a brief?” she broke my thoughts.
I rubbed and rolled my neck. “A brief, please. I’m exhausted.”
She bobbed her head. “I understand. The other staircase is at the end of the hallway. Down it leads to a six-seater dining room that you can expand by moving the walls back on their tracks. You’ll find more bedrooms and offices to the right, while the kitchen and breakfast room are to your left. My phone number is in your phone. Call me anytime.”
Isla was about to leave when I remembered my birth control pills. If she’s to stay, I must test her trust.
“Wait, uhm…I need to replace my birth control pills,” I stammered, my legs shifting in place.
Her expression was steady. “No problem. I’ll get a prescription sent to a nearby pharmacy and bring it back in an hour.” She immediately headed over to the closet for her coat and shoes.
I sighed in relief. “Thank you.”
“Anytime,” she said, then opened the closet nearby and removed her coat. Before she left, she met my eyes with her head held high. “I will prove to you and Rocco that you can count on me again.”
I ran my hands down my arms. “I hope so. Honestly, I’d like to trust you again.”
Her shoulders dropped, and she smiled. “I’d like that very much, too.” She left through the open elevator door.
Once alone, I took a deep, cleansing breath. Though excited to explore the new place alone, I was exhausted and wanted a relaxing bath. I went straight up the carpeted stairs to the last room, a spacious bedroom with a huge bed at the center. The primary bathroom door was slightly open, and I gasped in delight when I saw it had a sunk-in bath. I removed my clothes and put on one of the thick robes I found in a cabinet, then filled the basin, climbed to soak, and finally rested. After I finished, I decided it was time to call Mama.
“Adelina,” she said my name joyfully, catching me off guard. We hadn’t been on good terms since Rocco became my arranged husband.
“Hey, how are you?” I said and smiled.
She coughed down the line. “I’m good.”
I frowned. “You sound like you have a cold?”
“Yes, I may have a summer flu.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Is that why you and Glenn missed the funeral?”
“It didn’t feel right to go, but the real reason I didn’t come was because Rocco’s taking you to see Jacob—”
I let out an excited scream. “Oh my God. Yay! I didn’t know.”
Jacob’s weak immune system made it difficult to recover from colds. It was always a prerequisite to only visit when we weren’t sick. I’d been jet-lagged and stressed out but not ill.
“Yes, oh well. I always spoil surprises,” she groaned.
“It’s fine, Mama,” I told her cheerfully. “I don’t need a surprise to be excited to see my big brother.”
“Yeah…yeah, that’s good,” she said in a gloomy tone. I decided not to ask her if she visited Jacob and changed the subject.
“You won’t believe how busy it’s been. We married and flew to New York City for the funeral, and after that, there was a family meeting at Marini corporate. I’m just now at the new place.”
“Rocco has you traveling too much. It’s not a good way to start a marriage. Christ, you’re married. I can’t believe I didn’t see my daughter marry.”
“Maybe we can have another ceremony? I’m sure Olivia would be on board with that,” I told her, my voice raising octaves. But with everything going on, I highly doubted it would happen soon.
“No, no. It’s over. I missed out,” she bemoaned.
I yawned loudly on the line. “I’m going to sleep. You should get some rest, too. But before I hang up, how are you doing otherwise? How’s Glenn?”
She cackled. “Glenn got dumped for a younger guy by his latest mistress, so he’s grumpy.”
“He told you?” I squeaked.
“I overheard his begging call. It was so satisfying.”
I grimaced. “Fuck him.”
“Don’t curse—”
“Why not? He’s a dirty, cheating asshole.”
“And he’s not the only one,” she said in a saccharine tone.
The hair on the back of my neck raised. “What’s going on, Mama?”
“Nothing,” she said in pretend innocence, then giggled. “Okay. I don’t want to jinx it, but he’s not the only one finding some comfort in bed.”
I bristled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means I have needs that are getting satisfied,” she said matter-of-factly.
I cringed and rolled my eyes. “Please, just get a divorce.”
“Nope. If Glenn flaunts his mistresses, I will flaunt my lover,” she said, like a petulant child, and much as I wanted to scold her, I couldn’t because Glenn was a scumbag cheater. If he wants to save his marriage, he should put in some effort.
“Are you pregnant yet?” she asked out of the blue.
I groaned. “I’m not.”
“Why not? Rocco may have trouble with his succession if you don’t have a child soon, or so the rag mags are saying.” I didn’t appreciate the delight in her tone and moved to end our call.
“Don’t believe what you read. It’s all under control. Please be careful. Talk to you soon, Mama. Love you. Bye.” I spoke in a rush and hung up.
Mama and Glenn moving on from their marriage was good for them. Yet, thinking about Mama with a new boyfriend rattled my nerves. Did anyone else know about him? Is he another abusive asshole? I didn’t want to be the only one to know, and I doubt she told my grandmother.Picking up my phone again, I scrolled to my grandmother’s number but hesitated. Maybe I should stay out of it and let her fling run its course? It wouldn’t be fair to put everyone on alert. After all, she wasn’t interested in divorcing. The affair could be to get back at Glenn, who had many mistresses. Nope. Not going to tattle.
I sat on the bench near the edge, and simpered. Mama had a way of spoiling the mood. What I needed was a pick me up and who better to do that than Cassidy. I called her and she answered with a scream.
“Oh my God, you’re married.”
I laughed. “Yeah. Crazy, right?”
“It’s Hollywood. Tell me the details. How did it happen? Because I was already working on a plan to rescue you from Percy.”
I shared everything from the moment Cassidy left until arriving at the new loft, leaving out Rocco’s succession woes.
“What a difference a day makes. I expected some drama, but not this much. Gah, I love Rocco coming like a knight to save you. His damsel in distress.”
I groaned. “Ick. Now I hate I told you.” She laughed and I joined her.
“So, what’s going on with the Marinis?”
I opened a drawer and took out a brush. “His father doesn’t like me. He thinks I’m going to trap Rocco with a kid.”
“What a dick. Stay strong. He married you, so they’ll have to come around.”
“Oh, wait. I forgot to tell you something else that happened, but I’m scared I might jinx it.”
“Oh, come on. Don’t tease me. What is it?”
I touched my throat. “I received a proposal to submit illustrations to Lily Crane’s publishing company.”
“Oh my God. Mom’s going to scream with joy. She mentioned something in a message but it wasn’t connecting because I’ve been crazy busy.”
“Please don’t tell her I have it. I have to submit samples.” I chewed my lip.
“You’ll blow them away,” she said confidently. I could only hope. But this was what I needed—Cass’s injection of confidence in myself.
“How’s law school?”
“It is what it is.” She huffed down the line. “I think I need a distraction. A lover.”
“Hmmm. Who’s the lucky guy?”
“No one yet. Oh, and guess who signed up for an acting class?”
“Oh, wow. That’s great, Cass.” I bounced on my feet. “You’ll knock them dead.”
“I know I will. Okay, lovely. I love you, and I’m happy you’re married to Rocco because he not only stood up to his family for you, but he’s also helping you make connections for your own career. And besides that, he’s your gorgeous sex God. Now, please let him have you.”
I touched my warm face and grinned. Cassidy was always pushing me to open myself to love. “He terrifies me.”
“That’s love, Lina. It’s a good thing. Talk to you soon, gorgeous.”
“Love you, gorgeous.”
We ended the call, and all the travel, funeral, and turmoil caught up to me. I eyed the bed and decided to just rest my head on the pillow for a few minutes before Isla came back. The mattress molded to me, and my eyes closed.…
A knock on the door had me opening my eyes. “Uhm, yes?” I was asleep on top of the covers, and the lights I hadn’t turned on were lit. Before I could think about it, the door sounded again.
“It’s Isla,” a voice called from the other side.
“Come, come in,” I called, and sat up on the bed, clinching my robe closed.
The door eased open, and she stepped inside holding up a paper bag.
“I didn’t know where to leave it that you’d find it straight away,” she explained.
“Yeah, good idea.” I stood and walked over to her and took the box. She turned to leave, when the bathroom door suddenly opened, and Rocco walked out with a towel around his shoulders. How long have I been asleep?