Page 46 of Now and Forever

“We called Josie—” Armando stopped as if he realized he’d said too much.

Contessa stood taller. “Mrs. Luciano is Mr. Luciano’s wife. She deserves respect.”

I turned to Armando. “Thank you for respecting my wishes. We’ll leave the missus for when Dario is present.”

“Are you hungry?” Contessa asked. “I should have asked when you arrived.”

I went to the refrigerator and opened the double doors. “I’m sure I can make myself something…”

Contessa audibly exhaled. “Do you cook?”

“Yes.” I spun toward her, sporting my best smile. “I learned from my mother’s cook. I enjoy cooking and baking.” I looked to Armando, wondering if I was stepping on Contessa’s toes. “But if you want to make me something to tide me over until dinner, I can show myself upstairs and find the primary bedroom.”

“I can bring your lunch upstairs. I’m sure you want to unpack.”

Armando wiped his lips with a napkin and stood. “I can show you.”

“Thank you.”

Walking at his side, I followed him up the front staircase. My question about Josie was on the tip of my tongue. He turned down the hallway on the right. There were two closed doors and a set of double doors at the end of the hallway, slightly ajar. “That is your room.”

“Armando?” I asked as he started to walk away. “Is it my imagination or is Contessa unhappy about another woman in the house?”

His expression morphed as if he was deciding what he could and couldn’t tell me.

“Maybe I’m too sensitive.”

“It isn’t up to me to tell you what Mr. Luciano should.”

My nose scrunched. “Is Contessa attracted to Dario?”

“No,” he answered quickly. “Mr. Luciano was in a relationship for many years. Contessa cared deeply for the woman.”

Josie.

“Did he break it off with her because of me—this marriage?” Maybe he too had no say in our union.

“No, ma’am. She’s gone.”

My eyes opened wide. “Gone?”

“She passed away.”

“Oh, poor Dario.”

“You’re not upset that another woman lived here?”

Am I?

“I’m not,” I replied honestly. Things started to come together. “The romance novels, the two lounge chairs…” I met Armando’s wide stare. “Those were for her.”

He nodded.

“She was the Josie you mentioned?”

Armando clenched his jaw. “I shouldn’t have?—”

“Today wasn’t the first time I heard her name,” I interrupted. “Dario’s sister mentioned her.” He appeared relieved. “How long ago did Josie die? Was she sick?”

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