Page 8 of Tempting Kat
“Yet,” he adds. “Not worth mentioning yet.”
I grunt, taking another sip. Let him think what he wants.
“Speaking of the fairer sex,” Matteo continues, his tone changing, “Maren just turned eighteen.”
“Antonio's kid?” I remember the sullen pre-teen girl at the funeral, clutching her mother's hand.
“Yeah, Antonio's girl. She's all grown up now. Christ, Conrad, you should see her. Looks just like her father. Same smile, same eyes.”
I hear the pride in his voice, mixed with pain. “You seeing her now?”
“Yeah,” Matteo sighs heavily. “Now that she's eighteen, I can finally see my goddamn niece. That whore of a mother can't keep me away anymore.”
“Lisa still being difficult?” I remember Antonio's ex—high maintenance, always looking for the next meal ticket.
“Difficult? She's been a fucking nightmare since he died. Took the insurance money, moved Maren to St. James’ campus with some hockey coach she was fucking on the side. Cut off all contact with our family.” The bitterness in his voice is sharp enough to cut glass. “But now the kid's legally an adult, and Lisa can't do shit about us being family.”
I swirl the bourbon in my glass. “That's good, right? Getting to know your niece?”
“Should be, but...” He pauses, and I can practically see him rubbing his temples like he always does when he's troubled. “Something's not right with her, Conrad. I can't put my finger on it, but something's off.”
“What do you mean?”
“She's quiet. Too quiet. When we talk, it's like she's...I don't know, measuring every word. Watching herself. And she’s a goddamn cheerleader. When did you ever know a cheerleader to be quiet and measured?”
I frown, sitting up straighter. “You think she's in trouble?”
“I don't know what to think. She's got these moments where she reminds me so much of Antonio—laughing, teasing me about being an old man—then suddenly she's like a different person. Withdrawn and nervous.”
“Could be her home life,” I suggest. “Lisa never struck me as mother of the year material.”
Matteo snorts. “That's what's weird. From everything I can see, they're like the fucking Cleavers over there. Nice house. Lisa's husband seems decent enough. Maren's got good grades, headed to college in the fall. On paper, everything's perfect.”
“But your gut says otherwise.”
“Exactly.” Ice clinks against glass as he takes another drink. “I'm going to keep digging. I just...” He sighs. “I needed to vent to someone who knew Antonio. Someone who'd understand why I can't just let this go.”
“You shouldn't,” I say firmly. “Antonio would want you looking out for his kid.”
“Yeah.” His voice softens. “I miss that stupid bastard every day.”
“We all do.” I drain my glass, feeling the bourbon burn pleasantly down my throat. “Let me know what you find out about Maren. If you need anything?—”
“You always were a good friend. To me, to Antonio. It means a lot,” Matteo says, his voice thick with emotion.
“Don't mention it.” I pour another finger of bourbon, letting the silence stretch between us.
Matteo clears his throat. “Enough of this depressing shit. Let's talk about something else. Like whatever woman's got you tied up in knots.”
I almost choke on my drink. “What are you talking about?”
“Come on,” he laughs. “Santiago mentioned you've been hanging around the bar more than usual when I talked with him like a lovesick teenager. Said you're obsessed with some little bartender.”
Fucking Santiago. Can't keep his mouth shut. “I don't have a woman problem.”
“Bullshit.”
“I have an unhealthy relationship with work,” I counter. “Always have. You know that.”
