Page 86 of Mine Again
This isn’t just flirtation. Not anymore.
“Guess we’re both on the same page then.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Isabella
The dining room is warm against the chill that presses at the windows. The lamps cast a cozy glow over the table, softening the edges of the room. Beyond the glass, the world has already gone dark.
Mamma folds her napkin and places it beside her empty plate. Her smile is gentle as she glances at each of us.
“We will all be going to Chicago in ten days,” she says quietly. “Aldo invited us. He’s arranged for the Marcos jet to pick us up.”
Sienna and Mia exchange a look, their brows lifting, while I sit there too stunned to move.
“Chicago?” Mia repeats, her voice a little higher than usual. She wouldn’t be thinking of Maximo, would she?
“Why so soon?” I ask.
We knew this day would come, given Aldo’s calls have been getting longer and his affection more obvious. Last week he sent Mamma flowers. But whenever we ask about her budding romance, she just smiles and says they enjoy talking.
“Aldo’s been asking for a while. He invited us for Christmas, but I thought it was too soon. And then with Mari’s events… well, we couldn’t really go. But now seems like the right time.”
No, Mamma. It’s the worst timing.
How can I keep things with Sebastian going if I’m not here? Everything is progressing so well. I don’t want to slow down.
“Yay, I finally get to fly,” Ari cheers. “How long are we going for? And can we take Rufus with us?”
“No. The cat will stay here,” Mamma replies firmly.
Ari grimaces. She loves that cat. Any animals, really. If she could, she’d have a dozen pets.
“And we’re going for at least two or three weeks. We’ll see how things go.” Her smile widens, excitement lighting her face.
“You mean, whether you want to get serious with Aldo?” Mia asks, never one to mince words, and definitely not now that Father is gone. “Do you really want to bind yourself to another tyrant?”
“Aldo isn’t a tyrant. He’s been nothing but respectful and kind. I’m—”
“He’s consigliere to Maximo Marcos. The same position Father wanted here so he could wield more power. He—”
“Mia, do not interrupt me when I’m speaking.” Mamma’s voice cuts through like steel. We haven’t heard that tone from her since Father’s death.
“Aldo is not your father. And I’m not binding myself to anyone. I’m exploring my options,” she says, more calmly now. “Believe me, I’ve learned from my mistakes. I can spot the red flags.”
I shoot Mia a look, silently telling her to stop. She crosses her arms and doesn’t say another word.
Part of this must be about avoiding Maximo. But there’s more. There’s something in her expression whenever his name comes up.
“We want you to be happy, Mamma,” I say. “With or without a man.”
I force a smile, though my chest tightens. My fork rests forgotten on my plate, the last of my meal untouched.
This has taken me by complete surprise.
Ten days.
The conversation drifts around me. Ari and Sienna talk about what to pack and which cousins they hope to see. Their eyes shine with excitement. I want to feel it too, but I can’t.
