Page 44 of The Billionaire's Pact

How I hoped that would be true. I was still a little stuck on whether Rocco would be continuing his relationship with Marjorie Storm.

I glanced behind her to a man who had to be Rocco’s father. Unlike Rocco, his hair was slicked back, but he had the same high cheekbones and square jaw. He stiffly offered his hand and mumbled what I think was, “Nico Marini. Nice to meet you.”

Mama finally stood, and even in the low lights, her expression was sour as she looked at us. Glenn left her side and came over to us. His hands lifted to hug me, and I hesitated. Glenn never hugged me. I usually received a polite wave and a question about college courses. Still, I recovered and opened my arms. He let out a light chuckle and patted me twice on my back then let go. “Congratulations, Adelina on graduating and on your pending nuptials.”

“Thank you, Glenn,” I said politely and smiled.

His eyes shifted to Rocco and he looked almost cartoonish with the wide eyes and big grin he directed at him. His hands closed on Rocco’s and held. “Wow, Rocco Marini. I saw your documentary series on international eateries. I’m a foodie myself.”

Rocco smiled at him. “Great to hear. What’s your specialty?”

“My mother’s Welsh. I have her laverbread recipe,” Glenn trilled.

“I’d love to hear more about it,” Rocco said, shaking his hand.

Mama gave Rocco her hand in greeting. “This is quite the party,” she murmured.

Rocco glanced behind her at his mother. I could see them share a telepathic message that included a smirk from Olivia at the end of their transmission. “Thanks. Glad you could make it.”

“The traffic was terrible,” Mama said and grimaced. “We never come into the city at night and on such short notice.”

I tensed. Short? It had been over a week since invitations had been sent out.

“You didn’t get the flight and car I sent?” he asked.

She jutted her chin. “My stomach was too upset to fly. Glenn had to drive.”

Glenn said nothing, and Rocco moved me to meet his brother, Salvatore and sister Siena. They were teens surrounded by other kids their age.

“Your dress is gorgeous,” Siena said. “Welcome to the crazy house.”

I laughed. “Thank you.”

Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood” came on, and his entire family let out a cheer.

“That’s our song,” Olivia said as she and Nico left their seats. We watched them skip, swing, hop, and clap like they were ballroom dancers. They were a sensation. And I was floored. Now I get why we took that lesson.

“Ready?” Rocco asked.

I shook my head. “Not with the professionals out there. Let’s wait for a crowd.”

Rocco went over to the tables and demanded his relatives and friends dance. They were all up and moving for him.

I covered my mouth, chuckling. He’s insane.

He returned to me with a smug expression. “Let’s dance.”

I wasn’t sure I’d remember the steps, but I counted in my head and let Rocco spin me around the floor. I even added a few turns myself.

Rocco took me in his arms. “Look at the student becoming the teacher.” He kissed my cheek. The song ended, but then his father had me dancing with him as Rocco danced with his mother. His dad moved me into more complicated moves, and by the time the song finished, I was out of breath.

His siblings danced around us, adding a few modern twists with their friends. But overall, the Marinis knew how to enjoy themselves, and a longing grew in me. Would my life have been different if Mama had left Judge Colby earlier? I’m her second child. I probably wouldn’t have been born. A dull ache burned in my chest, and a lump welled in my throat. Perhaps that would have been for the best.

I gestured a time out and went back to the booth, where Glenn and Mama were sitting.

“Finally,” Mama said. She already had a plate in front of her.

A waiter came over and took my meal preference. “Steak and potatoes, please…You look lovely, Mama.”

---