Page 30 of Undercover Agent

“I’m so sorry, but I need to pull my son away on some business.”

“That’s okay,” Mia said.

Lorenzo gave her a squeeze, then walked away with Matteo.

She watched him leave, wishing she could go with them, to listen to the business they needed to discuss.

Kiki came straight up to her and hugged her.

“Hey, Mia! What do you think of the house?”

“It’s amazing,” Mia said.

“Come,” Patty said.“Let the boys talk their business. We’ll go to the sitting room.”

The sitting room was warm and cozy, all Hamptons-luxury.

Before they’d even sat down, Kiki said:“So, how’s it going with Lorenzo?”

Mia sat and glanced awkwardly at Patty.

“Don’t worry about me, dear. I’ve heard it all. And what happens in the sitting room, stays in the sitting room.”

Mia smiled.

“He just told me he loves me.”

Kiki squealed.“Oh my god, this is so romantic! You said it back, right?”

“I did.”

“But?” Patty said.

Mia swallowed.“I do love him. But I worry that our relationship can’t last, long-term.”

Patty smiled knowingly and said, "I've been married for forty years now, and I can tell you the secret to a lasting love. You have to wake up every day and commit to loving your partner all over again. They’ll drive you crazy, you’ll feel like giving up sometimes. But every morning you get up and make that commitment. That’s how you make it work.”

Mia smiled and nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. Patty stood up.

“That damn maid is putting flowers on that table again. How many times do I have to tell her?”

Patty sauntered out of the room.

Once Patty had left the room, Kiki moved closer to Mia.

“So, are we thinking marriage? Babies? How many babies?”

Mia laughed.“I have definitely not thought that far ahead.”

“What about your family?” Kiki asked.“Are they excited?”

Mia shook her head, and her mood dropped.

“I don’t have any family. My parents both died in a car crash when I was a teenager.”

For once, Kiki didn’t look upbeat. She reached out and took Mia’s hand.

"It's ok, sweetheart," she said, her voice full of understanding. "You have a new family now, and I'm part of it. We all care about you, and we will always be here for you."

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