Page 130 of Fearless Sinner

Everything looks like it’s off to a great start.

“Do you think I should say yes?” Roxanne asks as we walks up the stairs. “It sounds like this guy could be serious about me, and I’m not sure I’m ready for serious yet.”

I roll my eyes at her. “Roxanne, you’ve been seeing Mike every day for over three months, and you don’t think you’re ready for serious?”

She laughs. “I see your point. But a trip to Florence to his vineyard and meet his family is more serious than a date to a fancy restaurant.”

“Sure, but I think it sounds amazing and just like what you need.” I nod my approval for extra reassurance, but I understand why she’s so cautious.

We try not to talk about Adrian/Lance, but even when we don’t, the icky memory of him isn’t very far from our minds. I’m just glad that Roxanne is dating again.

She gave herself a break before she met Mike here when he was traveling for a conference.

“I think I’m going to say yes.” She chuckles.

I smile at that. “Perfect, because you’re going to have a great time.”

“I think so, too.”

We spot Mom ahead at the wall with the pictures of all the members of the family who've run the restaurant over the decades.

She’s adjusting the pictures.

When she sees us, she smiles and waves us over.

“What are you up to, Mom?” I stare at the black and white picture of my great-grandparents. It’s of the day the restaurant was first opened.

“I’m adding a new picture to the wall. I wanted you girls to be here when I did.” She looks from me to Roxanne and smiles with pride. Then she picks up a picture from the table. It’s of the three of us. Mom is standing in the middle, and we’re on either side of her. That picture was taken a few months ago outside the restaurant.

“Oh, Aunt Rosaline, I love it.” Roxanne gives Mom a big hug.

I stare at them both in awe but focus on my mother. “Thanks, Mom, this means a lot to me.”

“Without you, my dear, we would have lost this place. This picture is for memories. For the next generation of Ricci women and the ones to come after.”

I hug her, and she caresses my head.

The door downstairs opens, and Cillian walks in. We’re having dinner here tonight.

“Go on, don’t keep him waiting.” Mom giggles. “Tell him I’ll bring out my special bruschetta in a little while. I want to make it just right.”

“I will.”

I leave them and rush downstairs to Cillian. His face lights up, and the moment I get within reach, he pulls me into his arms.

“How’s my favorite girl?” he asks, planting a light kiss on my lips.

“She’s happy now that her favorite guy is here.”

“Good. I was thinking we could play that drinking game again, but this time for a prize.”

I laugh. “What kind of prize?”

“If I win, I get you. If you win, you get me.”

I laugh harder. “That sounds like a win-win situation to me.”

“Then let’s do it.”

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