Page 60 of Matteo

“Why are you in the foyer? Come in. Come in. Amy, hello, my dear. I’m so happy to finally meet you.”

The woman is exactly as I envisioned: tall, blonde, beautiful, elegant, with enough charisma to turn a room of doubters into believers. Although it’s clear from having her sons standing next to her she’s gone to lengths to preserve her beauty, it doesn’t appear unnatural.

She takes my free hand and squeezes lightly. “Beautiful, as your daughter indicated. Hello, sweet girl. Come to your Gigi.”

I watch in astonishment as Layla practically flings herself at Elizabeth and clings tight, babbling the whole time as Elizabeth walks away.

We’re walking deeper into the home, past open doorways leading to formal sitting rooms, a library, and a music room with a grand piano and several instruments lining the wall.

The family living area is more relaxed than any of the rooms we walked past. It’s open to a chef’s dream kitchen.

The man and woman on the couch look up from the baby in her lap and the toddler girl who is clinging to her father. I’m introduced to Javier, his wife Hope, and their daughter Ava. Joaquin is their son and only a few months old.

Rafe’s wife appears and greets me with a hug. “Sorry, I’m a hugger.”

I return it, oddly touched. “It’s okay.”

An older man with gray hair appears from the kitchen and is introduced as Luis—Matteo’s grandfather. He simply nods at me.

While it’s clear everyone is curious, no one says a word until Matteo does. “Everyone, this is Amy. We met at the clinic where she came in ill. I was instantly smitten. As her doctor, I didn’t dare say a word about it. We got to talking about how she was a housekeeper at a hotel and didn’t love it there. You all are aware of how badly I needed a housekeeper, so I asked if she would be willing to be mine.”

He squeezes my hand gently. “When I found out she hated where she was living. I offered her the rooms in the condo for her and Layla. Don’t be a lawyer, Javier, and tell me how many ways she could sue me for letting her know I was interested in her. If she sues me for harassment later, I’m good with it. She can have everything she wants.”

I’m grateful he doesn’t tell them the truth about me being basically homeless. He could have made himself sound so much better for saving me from myself when I was sick and even more so from the horrible motel. It almost sounds normal…not exactly, but almost.

“Except the toaster oven,” I remind him.

His laughter fills me full. “Everything but the toaster oven.”

I have a feeling both his brothers are aware it isn’t quite the truth. Yet, they and their wives are welcoming.

“I’m so glad to see Matteo is finally smiling. He used to say Rafe was wound so tight he worried he’d have a heart attack before fifty. I thought the only reason he said it was from personal experience. I’ll admit I had a friend I was trying to set him up with.” Carrie giggles.

“No worries, I’m glad he found someone. No hard feelings about my friend—she wouldn’t have put up with how bossy he is. I keep telling her it’s not as bad as she thinks it is. I love my bossy husband.” She smiles at Rafe, who meets her eyes across the room.

“I wondered the same thing about him overworking.” Hope sighs. “He worried me. Javier said there was no talking to him. Matteo was dealing with a lot of guilt for giving up oncology. Today, he seems like a whole new person from last week—at least ten years younger and happier. It’s adorable how sweet he is with your daughter. I’m glad he met you.”

We look to where the men and Elizabeth are sitting on the large sectional sofa holding the babies, who appear to be trying to talk to each other and very excited to see each other. I blush. “Thank you, I’m glad too.”

“So, are you from Dallas? It feels like lately everyone I meet is from California or New York. I’m originally from Houston, then I moved to Austin, then Dallas.” Carrie is curious.

“No. I grew up in Temple.” I don’t want to talk about Danny and the painful two years in Waco. “I moved to Dallas hoping for a better job. It wasn’t much better than what I left behind, though. I’m grateful for Matteo’s job offer. Even though I feel awful, I barely know how to cook. He keeps saying he’s fine with the premade stuff from the fancy grocery store. I started watching videos to try and learn…”

“I feel you on that. I’m grateful for our housekeeper and Elliott. All I had down were the basics. I’ve learned so much from Elliott.”

“I’d love to teach you how to cook. Javier rarely lets me cook anymore—unless it’s a special reason. You would think I’m in jeopardy of burning myself to a crisp or something. I’m not really complaining. It’s adorable the way he refuses to let me do anything around the house. I hated giving in on getting a nanny to help. It’s annoying how right he was, though. Two babies under two is hard. It would be awesome to have company during the day.”

Her enthusiasm has me agreeing, even as I worry I’ll mess up and give away I’m not really Matteo’s girlfriend.

A little while later, I’m in the kitchen making Layla a bottle when Elizabeth approaches me.

“I love that dress on you, my dear. I have excellent taste.” Elizabeth says without an ounce of humor.

“I wanted to wear it the moment I saw it, thank you. The clothes are beautiful.” I’m careful to ensure no one is near us.

“No worries, my dear. Eventually, it will all come out. My other sons have no reason at all to judge. Their own love stories are not quite conventional. I am simply glad you learned to trust in Matteo. He is utterly besotted with you, and he absolutely adores your daughter.” She sighs.

“I am so very grateful you came into his life when you did. I was sure he would become so wrapped up in his work that he would not look up and enjoy life. The moment he told me he hired someone to take up his slack in order to be there for you and Layla as a partner—I knew it was real. The Matteo who first arrived back in Dallas would have wanted you to fit into his world. He would have wanted you grateful for the hour or two a day he would spend with you.” Looking down at Layla, she gives her a kiss on her forehead.

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