Page 96 of Stuck On Them

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Even I had to admit, the gala was one of the more impressive fundraising events I’d been to, and I’d been to a lot.

There was a dinner followed by an evening of entertainment, presentations, and silent auctions which all benefited an arts foundation that brought art education to schools across the city. It wasn’t just that, though; it was a networking dream.

With so many people to talk to, I’d managed to avoid my mother since she’d arrived with my father shortly before dinner. Since I’d added Paige as my plus one, they’d moved us to a table to accommodate the four of us.

But my luck had run out as we chatted with the Badden brothers about potential sponsorships with Ryker’s new community project.

“Luca.” My mom slid in next to me, looping her arm through mine. “It’s so nice to see my oldest son finally.”

I looked over at her and smiled before kissing both of her cheeks. “Mamma, you look lovely as usual. I’m sorry I haven’t been around; you know how busy I am.”

“Leonardo is just as busy as you are, and he finds time to see me.” She looked over just as my brother slid into place next to her. Who knew where my dad was.

I heard a giggle and looked over at Paige across our small group. She was chatting with Noah Badden and had her hand covering her mouth as she stared back at me, her eyes widening as if I should know what she was laughing about.

“Good. You’re both here. I have someone I want you to meet.” I reached out my hand to Paige and she placed her hand in mine, coming to stand at my side. “This is my girlfriend, Paige.”

My mother’s eyes nearly bugged out of her head. “Girlfriend? This is news to me.”

“It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.” Paige extended her hand, and my mom thankfully took it. “I’ve heard a lot about your fabulous cannoli.”

“I see Luca has already taught you how to get in my good graces.” She took Paige’s hand between hers. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

I looked over my mother’s head at my brother, who looked just as surprised as I was that our mother wasn’t throwing a conniption fit over me having a girlfriend.

“Leo, where’s your date?” I gave him a smug look because the last thing any of us wanted to do was bring up our love lives around Mom.

He shot me a glare and then looked at Paige who was giggling again. She’d had a few glasses of champagne, but not enough to giggle over nothing.

“What’s so funny?” I pulled her into my side, my mouth at her ear.

“Nothing…” She giggled again as my mom turned to my brother. “It’s just… your brother’s name is Leonardo.”

“So?” I didn’t quite know where she was going with how his name was funny.

Ryker kissed Paige’s cheek, taking her hand. “Ninja Turtles.”

“I’m not going to marry Clara, Mother. Luca isn’t even engaged yet and look!” He gestured wildly toward us.

Ah, shit.

My mother turned and her eyes widened comically at me holding Paige close on one side and Ryker holding her hand on the other.

“Yeah so…” I looked over at Ryker and he shrugged. “Paige is my girlfriend but she’s also Ryker’s and Garrett’s.”

“Oh, my.” My mother put her hand over her heart. “Luca Michelangelo Caponetti.”

Paige absolutely lost it at hearing my full name and turned into Ryker’s chest. I’d really give her something to laugh about later.

“Neither of us is going to marry Clara, Mother. She’s a perfectly lovely woman and will make someone very happy, but not us.” I was pretty sure my brother knew about Clara as well.

“I need to go speak with your father. If you’ll excuse me.” My mom kissed me and then my brother on our cheeks and then walked away like a fire was lit under her ass.

“Jesus Christ, Luca. Warn me next time you plan on ripping apart Mom’s carefully orchestrated plans.” Leo moved next to me and clapped me on the shoulder. “So, you’re a sharing man now?”

I rolled my eyes. “Sharing insinuates we divide her up. This is a joint relationship.”

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