Page 57 of Rating the Book Boyfriend

“But I wasn’t in love with this farmer. I had my eye set on Luca Romero, the most handsome boy in our town.” Her lips curve into a secretive smile. “We had quite the torrid affair.”

I mask my chuckle with my hand.

“So you left Italy to get out of an arranged marriage?” Silvia asks.

“I did. Also, my best friend, Mary, was in love with the dairy farmer’s son.” Nana’s eyes came back to me. “His name was Salvatore Farina.”

My mouth drops open. “So you’re telling me you were supposed to marry Sal? Lucinda’s grandfather?”

The old lady smiles and nods. “Yes, so we all four snuck out in the dead of night and caught a boat to America. It caused quite the scandal in our little village from what I’ve heard.” Her mouth turns down into a frown. “Our parents disowned us.”

“Do you regret it?” I ask softly, and Nana’s face warms.

“Not for a second. I never could have been with anyone but your grandfather. I should have told you this story a long time ago, and maybe you would have realized that I’d never want you to marry someone because of the business or any other stupid reason.” She punctuated her next words by slapping the surface of her desk with her wrinkled hand. “You. Marry. For. Love. That’s it. Period. End of story.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I say, standing and rounding the desk. Dropping to my knees, I allow my grandmother to pull me against her. Despite her heart failure, her hugs never fail to be strong and sure.

“I love you, my boy. I want you to find the kind of love your grandfather and I had.” Tears sting my eyes as she kisses the top of my head. “You have such a pure heart, Riggs, and I never want you to give that heart to someone that doesn’t deserve it.”

“Thanks, Nana,” I tell her, resting my face against her shoulder and smelling her sweet pastry scent.

“Anything else you want to talk about?” I lean back and look into her watery eyes, and she reads my apprehension. “Be honest with me, mio nipote.”My grandson.I always know she means business when she speaks Italian.

“I don’t want to take over the presidency of Mercato.” Damn, that feels good to say out loud. “I’m so proud of our company, but I’m miserable sitting through endless meetings about carrots and shit. Being behind a desk every day.”

For about the millionth time today, I’m surprised when Nana Viv smiles and pats my face. “My boy has always liked the outdoors.”

“I don’t want to shirk my duties. I still want to be involved.” I flick my eyes to my sister. “But I think Silvia would make an excellent president.”

Silvia’s mouth drops open, and she blinks rapidly a few times. “A-are you sure? You’re the oldest Romero.”

“But it doesn’t make me happy, and I’m sick of doing crap that doesn’t make me happy. I don’t enjoy the corporate world like you do, Sil. You thrive there.”

Nana looks so pleased and holds out a hand for her granddaughter, who rises and takes it. “Is that what you want, sweetheart? To become Madam President of Mercato Industries?”

Silvia’s cheeks bloom with pride and joy, and she nods. “I would love to if you think I’m capable.”

“You’re more than capable, nipotina, and I would be proud to recommend you to the board.” Then Nana turns to me. “You can have a place on the board of directors like your father, if you still want to be involved.”

“I’d like that,” I say in relief.

“What would you like to do instead, Riggs?”

Taking a deep breath, I say, “I’d like to help Joe run the marina. A few years ago, he was struggling. Business was booming, but his boat kept breaking down, so I bought him two more. Now he thinks he owes me, but I won’t accept any money from him. He says he’s leaving the marina to me when he retires or dies.”

Nana smiles her approval. “I think it’s a fine idea. My grandson and my granddog can spend every day with their tails in the wind out on the water.”

As the matriarch of our family pulls my sister and I into a hug, my heart feels like it’s about to burst with happiness.

As soon as I get home, I stick the ring and note in my underwear drawer. I’ll deal with it later. The ring is probably custom, so I’m sure the jeweler won’t take it back, but maybe I can sell it.

My legs take me back and forth across the wooden floor of my bedroom. Things are finally starting to look up for me, but I’m restless, so Ace and I go for a run on the beach.

I wake several times during the night, inundated with thoughts of Libby. All I want to do is talk to her, tell her about yesterday, see if there’s any way she wants to explore a relationship with me.

After trying to distract myself by spending all of Friday outside with my camera, I can’t take it anymore. Yesterday started out shitty but ended better than I could have imagined.

As I grab my keys and head out the door, I hope my luck will hold out.

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