Page 169 of La Dolce Vita

“Cancel it. We just got here. Maybe in a few days. Right now I think it should be family time, just us,” Mirabella said.

“Huh?”

“I tried to talk to you last night. Now you want to do it? With Minnie?" she asked.

"Minnie says you think this town blames you for something. That it's the opposite. These people want to protect you."

"And you believe her?" Mirabella asked.

"I don't know what to believe. I know you’re in pain. I saw you at that gravesite. It must have been hard. And it's all so weird. Damn it, Mira, tell me what is going on."

"We'll go to Minnie's. We'll talk. In a few days. Okay?" Mirabella said. She started to leave, and Marietta grabbed her hand. Mirabella looked at her sister with distrust in her eyes.

"I love you. I would never judge you. Never."

Mirabella smiled. "I know. That’s not it. It’s been over ten years since I’ve been home. And I want us to enjoy it. Me and you."

She let her go. Mirabella walked out to the kids. They were wet from the water balloon fight. Eve ran to her mother and hugged her. She brought her new best friend with her. The girls were so cute. She watched them and felt her own child stir in her womb. She touched her belly.

"You're Mia's sister?" A man spoke.

When she looked behind her, a very handsome dark skinned man stood there. Mirabella nodded and extended her hand. "I'm her sister Marietta."

"You're beautiful," he said and shook her hand.

"Thank you," Mirabella said.

"You married to the big fella. The other one?" the man asked.

Marietta smiled. "Yes."

"Lucky man." The stranger said. "Mia, she quite famous now. I knew her when she wasn't. Time changes things, people. She looks the same to me. Beautiful as ever."

"And who are you?" Marietta asked.

"Name is Cutter. I've lived in Apple Grove the majority of my life."

Marietta took another look at him.

“She tell you about me?”

Marietta frowned.

Cutter chuckled. "Guess she did. Well don't believe everything you hear. Nice meeting you," he said and started off.

"Wait!" she said. But he kept walking toward his men and Lorenzo was now approaching her. Marietta didn't go after him. She watched him and the men head to a large SUV. They got in and drove off.

"What did he say to you?" Lorenzo asked.

"Who? Nothing. Just introduced himself. Said he knew Mira..."

"He's here to make trouble," Lorenzo said. “I’m going to talk to him.”

“Lo! Stop. He’s gone. He didn't do anything," she turned her husband’s face to her. "Forget it. Hey, are you hungry, babe?"

"I had two different women try to feed me," he smiled.

"And?"

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