Page 17 of Beguiled and Broken

After dropping the kids off, I decided to go by the restaurant. I wanted to see if things would be weird between Vinny and me.

Liza saw me and said, “Hey Cat! Long time no see. We miss you here.” She started working at Leonardo’s long before I did, and everyone loved her.

“Hey Liza, how are you?” I went in for a hug when she came around the corner.

“I’m good. Just holding down the fort since you left. We need to hire another body. We never replaced you.” I was a little shocked to hear that and wondered why Vinny hadn’t replaced me. Just as I thought about it, he came out of the back.

“Cat! Hey, what are you doing here? Are the kids ok?” He looked worried.

“Oh gosh, I’m sorry. The kids are fine. They’re at school. I was just missing the restaurant, so I decided to stop by before heading home.”Home.

“Ok. Man, you had me worried for a second. So, you miss the old stomping grounds, yeah?” We laughed.

“Liza said you guys haven’t hired anyone to replace me?” I looked at him with a raised brow and a smirk. “Why’s that?”

He shrugged. “Guess I was hoping you’d be back here…Not that I don’t like having you as our nanny, but you were great here. Big shoes to fill.”He misses me here.“But you’re amazing with the kids so that’s even better. I guess Ishouldstart thinking about hiring someone else.”

“Uh, yeah, you should. Want me to work on it?” Liza said nudging him. Was she flirting with him? I didn’t like it. I cleared my throat.

Vinny said, “Ya know what? Yeah. Go ahead. Get a job description prepped and let me see it. We’ll get this ball rolling. Cat is awesome at home and with the kids so it’s time.” He smiled at me. I loved when he smiled at me.

“Vinny, I’ll see you at home. Any ideas for dinner?” I leaned against the counter and stared at him, remembering last night and him standing in front of me with his shirt off, staring back at me.

I heard Vinny asking, “Cat…are you ok? Cat?”

I shook my head.Oh fuck.“I’m sorry, what did you say?”You’re such an idiot, Cat. Stop daydreaming.

“Are you feeling ok? I was just offering suggestions for dinner after you asked.”

“Yes, I’m sorry. I think I’m just tired today. How about Chicken Cacciatore? I know that’s another favorite here.”

Vinny’s eyes lit up. “That sounds great. My stomach is growlin’ already.” We all laughed.

“Alright. I’m going to head out. I want to get some things done around the house before I pick up the kids. I’ll see you at home.” I paused a moment too long with a smile, but he smiled back so I didn’t think he was bothered by it.

*

I got so much done around the house and picked up Angelo and Gianna. They were playing in their rooms as usual after school. I had started dinner when we got home and reminded myself to not mess up this time. I needed everything to go smoothly. Bianca was so upset last night, and I didn’t want a repeat of that. I needed to be here. It was the only way I could… it’s how it needed to be.

I heard the front door open and thought it was Vinny, so I rushed to the door.

It was Bianca. “Hey Cat, there’s a change of plans for dinner.”

“Hey Bianca. What’s going on? I have Chicken Cacciatore in the oven already.”

“Actually, that’s perfect. I can take over from here. I appreciate you making it. We’re having our friends over for dinner tonight.”

“Oh…no one told me.”This is fucking rude.

“Yeah, it just kind of came together last minute. That’s usually how it is with our group. You’re welcome to stay for dinner though, unless you have other plans.”

Did I have other plans? I can’t believe I made dinner, another one of Vinny’s favorites and Bianca is just taking over. It’s not her dinner to take over. It’smine.I watched her as she tossed the apron on and moved around the kitchen thatIcleaned. She was rearranging the table thatIalready set. What was wrong with how I set it? Why was she doing that?Calm down, Catarina. You are losing it.

“Catarina, are you staying or going? If you’re staying, can you please get the kids cleaned up and ready for bed? They don’t have to go to bed yet, but I just want them ready.”

“Um…yeah, sure. I think Iwillstay for dinner.”Of course, I’m staying. She wasn’t going to take away my dinner and then take credit for it. It’s not hers. Just like… No, Catarina. Breathe.“I’ll get them ready and be back down in a bit.”

“Thank you.” Bianca turned and went back to fixing the table.

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