Page 27 of Falling for my Family's Rival

“Do any of you feel like your family has been a challenge to you in your relationships?” Addie asks.

“All the time,” I say.

Several of my friends give me startled looks, but I shake my head and look down at my book. I know my friends completely support me. I just want to tread cautiously. I trust my girlfriends, but I also know that the more people that find out what’s going on, the more chances the news may somehow get back to our families. And then…I don’t even know what. I just know if it all hits the fan, the results could be devastating.

“I never felt that way,” Violet says. “My father has always been supportive of the people I’ve dated. I think I’m just realizing how blessed I am to have that.”

“I don’t feel like my family interfered,” Kaylee says. “Unless you count my Aunt Ruby pushing a little too hard for me to get together with Miles.” She chuckles, surely reminiscing.

“How is Aunt Ruby?” Addie asks. “I feel like we haven’t been over to the B and B in forever.”

“Maybe we should do next month’s Book Club there,” Jackie suggests.

“Oh, and maybe she would want to join us,” Addie says. “And you should join us again too, Abby.”

I’m glad that the conversation has veered away from me. Abby looks pleased, and she nods. I think it’s nice that we’re expanding our ranks after all these years. I love my friends dearly, but new perspectives are always nice to have.

“I’d like that very much,” Abby says.

“I’m sure Aunt Ruby would, too,” Kaylee says. “I know she loves to read just as much as we all do. Sometimes I think that she’s lonely, even though the B and B is always full.”

“She has you,” Ella says.

“I know,” Kaylee says. “But I just wish she could find someone special. Nearly all of us have.”

I can feel people’s eyes flicker to me. I’m not sure what Abby’s romantic status is, but of our friend group, I’m the only one still unmarried. My resolve wobbles. These are my girls, and I can’t help it; I have to spill my heart! Abby is just going to have to be okay being ushered into our unspoken loyalty here. I can’t keep things in any longer.

“I have to update you all,” I blurt out. Now everyone really is looking at me. “Abby- can I count on your confidence? I am about to burst, but this has to remain just within Book Club ears.”

Abby nods solemnly. “My lips are sealed. You can trust me.” I pause, and almost instantly, a peace washes over me. I find that I believe her without question. I just know that I can trust her.

“So, as I have already shared, I met someone- Luca. We’ve continued to date for a bit now. It’s definitely… well, it’s very serious.”

There are gasps and congratulations all around the table. “You think he’s the One?” Kaylee demands.

I close my eyes, and immediately Luca’s face runs through my mind, and when I open my eyes again, I am aware of the huge grin that has spread across my face. “Yes, I know he is. But, well… the family feud just seems to be getting worse, instead of better. We honestly don’t know how to help our families work through this stupid rivalry. So here we are, two grown adults, sneaking around and meeting up in secret. It’s absurd and nerve-wracking!”

“How’d you meet?” Jackie asks. “And why haven’t I heard about him before now?”

I think I detect a note of hurt in her voice. “We met at Violet’s masquerade ball. And we’ve been keeping it a secret. I haven’t told anyone. And you all have to keep it a secret. If my family found out, well, it wouldn’t be good.”

“Why? Is he a criminal? Do you need Will to do a background check on him?” Addie asks.

I choke out a laugh. “No, he’s not a criminal. It’s just that his parents own Venetian Dreams over in Fox River Falls.”

My friends exchange puzzled looks. “Why would that matter?” Addie asks.

“It’s a long story, but currently Venetian Dreams is Little Italy’s archnemesis,” I say. “And Luca is the oldest son.”

“Wow,” Abby says. “It’s just like you’re in your own version of Romeo and Juliet.”

“Yeah,” I agree. “It’s been feeling like the story is hitting a little too close to home. And honestly, it doesn’t feel romantic at all. Well… I mean, Luca is very romantic; but the situation is … well, if anything, it’s super stressful.”

“What do you think your parents will say if they do find out?” Kaylee asks.

“Right now? Who even knows? I think they would try to prevent me from seeing him again, but that’s not realistic. We are so good together, and I know we are meant to be. I just needed to tell you guys,” I say. “I’ve been so excited about this relationship, but we’ve had to sneak around. Neither family would be happy to know that we’re together. That part sucks. Even though it’s ridiculous, two adults, hiding and sneaking around to be together!”

“We want you to be happy,” Ella says, reaching across the gap between our chairs and squeezing my hand. “But be careful, okay? We also don’t want you to get hurt.”

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